[October 25, 2018] |
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No Generation Safe from Crushing Debt
Nearly all Americans are plagued by debt, with almost three out of four
(72 percent) carrying some form of it, according to a new study by
Ramsey Solutions. And 66 percent of Americans report having consumer
debt, at an average of $34,055 per person.
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While America is listed among the world's richest nations, the average American debt continues to weigh its citizens down. Ramsey Solutions found that consumer debt plagues every generation. (Graphic: Business Wire)
In late 2017, Ramsey Solutions conducted a study of more than 1,000 U.S.
adults to gain understanding of personal finance behaviors and
attitudes, including the level of debt across generations and income
levels.
Results show that Generation X is the most indebted generation, followed
closely by baby boomers and millennials, respectively, when it comes to
consumer debt. But, millennials are less than $2,700 behind Gen X on
average. Although millennials carry the least amount of debt, they
reported the most stress and anxiety surrounding their finances.
"It's scary that millennials have almost as much consumer debt as Gen X,
who've had more time to accumulate their debt. But clearly, it's not
just millennials with a debt problem," said Rachel Cruze, personal
finance expert and #1 New York Times best-selling author. "People
need to understand that it's possible to live life on their terms, using
their own money without the stress and worry that come with debt. It
just takes a plan."
Key survey findings include:
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All generations carry credit card debt, but Gen X leads the way
with 59 percent reporting this type of debt. One-half of millennials
reported having credit card debt, and baby boomers followed closely
behind at 46 percent.
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Gen X carries the most student loan debt with $48,639, butbaby
boomers aren't far behind at only $20 less on average. Millennials
have the least amount of student loan debt at $35,992.
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As household income increased, so did the average amount of consumer
debt, with the exception of one income group. Those with an HHI of
$75,000 to $99,000 had the highest amount of consumer debt with an
average of $26,015.
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The top two financial fears across all generations were: not
having a safety net for an unexpected big expense and not
having enough for retirement.
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Almost one in four (24 percent) who have debt said the thing
they envy most about friends and family is a debt-free life-beating
out automobiles, clothes and homes as sources of envy.
Additional survey findings, infographics, and video sound bites can be
found at https://www.daveramsey.com/research/state-of-debt-among-americans.
About the Study
The State of Finances in the American Household is a research study
conducted with 1,072 U.S. adults to gain an understanding of personal
finance behaviors and attitudes, and how money and personal finances
impact relationships. Attitudinal-based statistics include only those
with an opinion on the topic. The nationally representative sample was
fielded November 29, 2017, to December 5, 2017, using a third-party
research panel.
Consumer debt, as defined in this study, includes credit card debt,
student loans, car loans, medical debt, home equity loans, 401(k) loans
and tax debt.
Debt-free, as defined in this study, does not include mortgage debt.
Generation definitions: Millennials defined as those born between
1981-1999. Generation X defined as those born between 1965-1980. Baby
Boomers defined as those born between 1946-1964.
About Ramsey Solutions
Ramsey Solutions is committed to helping
people regain control of their money, build wealth, grow their
leadership skills, and enhance their lives through personal development.
The company's success is defined by the number of people whose lives are
changed by a message of hope. Through a variety of mediums including
live events, publishing, syndicated columns and a nationally syndicated
radio show, Ramsey Solutions uses commonsense education to empower
people to win at life and money. Millions of families have gone through Financial
Peace University classes across the country, and Ramsey Solutions'
world-class speakers have brought vision, inspiration and encouragement
to over a million more. Named one of Nashville's best places to work 10
times, Ramsey Solutions employs more than 700 team members focused on
and dedicated to doing work that matters.
About Rachel Cruze
As a #1 New York Times best-selling author and host of The
Rachel Cruze Show, Rachel helps people learn the proper ways to
handle money and stay out of debt. She's authored three best-selling
books, including Love Your Life, Not Theirs and Smart Money
Smart Kids, which she co-wrote with her father, Dave Ramsey. You can
follow Cruze on Twitter (News - Alert) and Instagram at @RachelCruze and online at rachelcruze.com,
youtube.com/rachelcruze
or facebook.com/rachelramseycruze.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181025005096/en/
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