Peter’s Blog

Rising consumer debts colliding with rising interest rates is a ticking time bomb. Over the last several months, consumer debt has climbed at a steep, steady pace as Americans struggle with rising prices. November was no different, with consumers piling on another $27.9 billion in debt.

For the last several years, we’ve enjoyed the fruits of an economic bubble blown up by easy money and debt. But ultimately, that debt is going to be the economy’s undoing. Simply put, these debt levels are unsustainable without runaway inflation. So, pick your poison.

After household debt grew by the largest amount since 2007 in the third quarter, American consumers kicked off the fourth quarter by piling on even more debt. Consumer debt grew by another $27 billion in October, a 6.9% year-on-year increase. Americans now owe $4.73 trillion in consumer debt, according to the latest data released by the […]

With real wages decreasing and inflation running rampant, Americans are burying themselves in debt to make ends meet. After setting a new record in the second quarter, household debt increased at the fastest pace in 15 years during Q3, as American consumers have run up credit card balances month after month this year as they […]

With prices rising and real wages falling, many Americans are struggling to make ends meet. They are increasingly turning to credit cards and other debt to fill the gap. But that creates other problems. Debt has to be repaid and a growing number of Americans are struggling to keep up with payments. Auto loan delinquencies […]

Credit card debt continues to spiral higher as consumers struggle with rising prices and depleted savings. In August, revolving credit increased by a staggering 18.1% as total consumer debt surged to a record $4.68 trillion, according to the latest consumer credit data from the Federal Reserve.

When it comes to the economy, inflation, and the Federal Reserve, the mainstream just doesn’t get it. This headline from Fox Business reveals the level of confusion. “Retail sales unexpectedly edge higher in August despite soaring inflation” [Emphasis added]

American consumers continue to cope with rising prices and prop up the sagging economy using their credit cards. Total consumer debt rose another $23.8 billion in July to a record $4.644 trillion, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve.

The mainstream has suddenly discovered price movements impact retail sales. For months, retail sales generally came in higher than expected. And for months the mainstream financial punditry ignored inflation and told us this signaled a strong economy. But in July, retail sales unexpectedly fell flat. Now the mainstream financial punditry claims this signals a strong […]

Consumers continue to add to their record level of debt as higher prices squeeze wallets. Americans added another $40.1 billion to the debt load in June, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve. That represents a 10.5% year-on-year increase.