Your Money Minute Record Household Debt 11/26/25
Nov 26, 2025
Guest Steve Leisman, a senior economics reporter at CNBC, dives into the alarming rise of household debt, which has surged to a staggering $18.6 trillion. He reveals that delinquencies are notably increasing, especially among younger individuals and lower-income groups. The discussion highlights the potential economic risks posed by this high debt level, particularly its impact on consumer spending, a critical driver of U.S. economic growth. Prepare for an insightful look at how rising debt could influence the economy.
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Household Debt Hits New Record
- U.S. household debt rose $200 billion to $18.6 trillion, marking a new record.
- Mortgages, student loans, and credit cards all contributed to the increase.
Auto Loan Balances Unexpectedly Flat
- Auto loan balances stayed flat despite rising dealer use of seven-year loans and high interest rates.
- That flatness surprised some economists tracking delinquency risk in auto lending.
Rising Delinquencies Concentrated In Younger Adults
- Overall delinquencies rose, driven by credit card and student loan arrears.
- Serious delinquencies (90+ days) were highest for ages 30–49 and concentrated in lower-income and younger populations.