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Americans have paid down more than $100 billion in credit card debt since March of 2020, according to the Federal Reserve – bringing total credit card debt below $1 trillion for the first time in 3 years. Why and how did this happen? Let’s take a look.
Pandemic Lockdowns Have Eliminated Many Areas Of Consumer Spending
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The initial wave of lockdowns shuttered all non-essential retail businesses, and while spending on eCommerce grew, overall retail spending dropped enormously during the initial wave of the pandemic.
In addition, most professional sporting events have been canceled, many movie theaters remain closed, and bars and restaurants were shut down for weeks and months – and are now open only under restrictions. This has all led to a dramatic decrease in consumer spending.
The CARES Act Provided A $1,200 Cash Injection & Additional Unemployment Payments
The CARES Act provided direct payments of up to $1,200 per household, as well as $600 in additional weekly unemployment benefits to those who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing families with the cash they needed to cover emergency expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries, and additional cash that was used to pay down debts like credit cards.
“Shark Tank” Star Kevin O’Leary: Paying Down Debt Is “Key” To Financial Success
Kevin O’Leary, also known as “Mr. Wonderful,” recently shared some advice on CNBC about financial success and the importance of proper budgeting.
21 Companies That Filed For Bankruptcy in 2020
COVID-19, or the Chinese Virus as some call it, is creating a massive storm of bankruptcies throughout the U.S. Some businesses now find themselves struggling to stay afloat.
Baby Boomer Debt Is Growing (And Not Because Of Mortgages)
Baby boomers have the second-highest debt burden of any generation – a study by Experian has found that people between the ages of 55-73 have an average debt of $95,095.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is often referred to as a “reorganization” bankruptcy, and if that name seems to take a rather light tone with a serious financial situation, it’s because Chapter 11 doesn’t necessarily spell financial ruin for businesses that handle the situation tactfully.
Debt Consolidation Tips for Borrowers With Bad Credit
Here’s How Low-Income Families Can Get Out of Debt
Debt can be paralyzing and weigh heavy on anyone’s shoulders, especially when you’re struggling to make ends meet. If you’re feeling like the road to being debt free looks like a long and fruitless one, don’t give up yet! Here are steps you can take to speed up the journey.
Economic Instability Is Encouraging Saving & Paying Down Debt
Though many Americans are living comfortably thanks to the CARES Act, this aid is only temporary, and many are unsure when they will be able to go back to work. This means that most people are choosing to save their money and pay down debt, rather than spend money on discretionary expenses.
This uncertainty is well-founded. Unemployment is still the highest it’s been since the 2007-08 financial crisis, and US GDP (Gross Domestic Product) dropped 32.9% in the second quarter of 2020– this represents the worst single-quarter drop in history.
With coronavirus cases continuing to accelerate across America, it’s still unclear what the future may look like for millions of Americans. Many may have to find bad credit loans in the meantime.
The Future Of Credit Card Debt Is Unclear – With Federal Aid Running Out
The future of credit card debt in America is unclear. But despite massive economic instability due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the federal $600/month benefit ran out on July 31, and eviction moratoriums are now being lifted across the country, exposing more than 43 million Americans to the risk of eviction from their homes.
Not only that, but the school year is beginning soon – and many schools are requiring online-only education to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus which means childcare costs may increase, and additional spending may be required for back-to-school.
So while Americans may have done well at eliminating debt during the first wave of the pandemic, it’s likely that debt burdens will begin to grow throughout the remainder of the year and beyond as the COVID-19 crisis continues to deepen.
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Brian Allen
Editor-in-Chief
Brian Allen has been helping people make smarter financial decisions for over 10 years. As the Editor-in-Chief for Goloans, Brian writes about sage financial advice, “how to” articles, and reviews about lenders and creditors.
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