Credit card debt has surged as Americans struggle to save

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Nearly two-thirds of U.S. households now live paycheck to paycheck, squeezed by high costs for essentials and slower wage growth.

• Credit card debt has hit a record $1.13 trillion, with more families -- across all income levels -- relying on borrowing to cover monthly expenses.

• Many consumers are cutting back spending or using buy-now-pay-later financing, but experts warn these quick fixes can worsen long-term financial instability.

A new report from Goldman Sachs is painting a sobering picture of American household finances: more people than ever are living paycheck to paycheck.

According to the investment banks latest consumer survey, rising costs for essentials like housing, food, and transportation are leaving fewer families with savings or a financial cushion.

The study found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. households say they struggle to make ends meet between paydaysa significant increase from last year. Analysts attribute this trend to a combination of sticky inflation, elevated interest rates, and slower wage growth compared to earlier in the pandemic recovery.

While inflation has cooled from the highs of 2022, prices remain well above pre-pandemic levels. Rent, groceries, utilities, and insurance premiums continue to climb steadily, putting pressure on household budgets.

Goldmans report highlights that even middle-income families earning between $75,000 and $100,000 annually are increasingly reporting financial strain.

Stretched thin

Many households arent in crisis, but theyre stretched thin, the report states. The lack of savings and reliance on credit cards to cover monthly bills creates long-term vulnerability.

Credit card debt has surged to a record $1.13 trillion nationwide, according to Federal Reserve data, with delinquency rates also rising. That suggests more consumers are not only borrowing more but also struggling to keep up with payments.

The studys authors note that living paycheck to paycheck isnt confined to low-income families. High earners are increasingly reporting little to no savings buffer, reflecting lifestyle inflation and mounting fixed costs.

Goldman Sachs researchers caution that the trend could ripple through the broader economy. When more families lack disposable income, discretionary spending declines, affecting everything from retail sales to travel and hospitality sectors.

Consumers are adjusting their spending

The report also found that many Americans are adjusting their daily habits to cope. Dining out less, delaying big purchases, and relying on buy-now-pay-later financing are all becoming common strategies.

Yet those coping mechanisms can sometimes worsen financial instability. For example, while buy-now-pay-later services offer short-term relief, missing payments can result in hefty fees and credit score damage.

Similarly, scaling back retirement contributions might help free up cash flow today, but it compromises long-term security.

Financial planners recommend consumers focus on creating emergency fundseven modest onesand tackling high-interest debt first. Employers are also encouraged to provide financial wellness resources and flexible pay options to help employees manage cash flow more effectively.

How to stay ahead of paycheck-to-paycheck living

• Track expenses weekly to spot spending leaks.

• Build a modest emergency fundstart with just $500 and grow from there.

• Pay down high-interest credit cards before tackling lower-rate loans.

• Use automatic transfers to savings, even if only $20 per paycheck.

• Negotiate bills where possible (cable, insurance, phone).

• Explore employer benefits like earned wage access or financial counseling.

FBI warns that title fraud cases are increasing, especially against seniors

• Ohio case highlights rising elder fraud risks: A scammers attempt to steal home equity through a reverse mortgage was thwarted.

• SmartPolicy technology stopped the crime: EquityProtects system locked the property title, forcing lender verification.

• Billions lost to elder annually: Financial crimes against seniors surged 46% in 2024, according to the FBI.

Title lock halts reverse mortgage scam

A title theft attempt against an elderly homeowner in Columbus, Ohio, was stopped this summer thanks to a fraud prevention tool designed to protect property owners from unauthorized transactions.

The case involved a scammer who had persuaded an older man to secure a reverse mortgage on his home in an effort to steal his equity. But the homeowners daughter, who holds Power of Attorney and Guardianship over his real estate, had previously enrolled the property with EquityProtect, a Nevada-based company specializing in real estate fraud prevention.

EquityProtects patented technology blocked the attempted transaction by locking the homes title. When the lender sought authorization to proceed, the request was flagged and routed to the daughter, who confirmed her father had no need for the loan.

Family intervention prevents financial loss

I was shocked when I heard from EquityProtect that my father was attempting to take out a mortgage on his home, as he has no need, the victims daughter said. We have been dealing with the influence this scammer has over my father for years, and I cannot imagine how horrific it would have been if they had succeeded."

The homeowners identity is being withheld due to the sensitive nature of the case and an ongoing investigation.

Elder fraud on the rise

Financial crimes targeting seniors are becoming increasingly common. The FBIs Boston Division reported $4.88 billion in losses from elder fraud in 2024, representing a 46% jump in complaints and a 43% increase in reported losses from the prior year.

EquityProtect offers unmatched protection from title theft because, unlike other systems out there, it stops the crime before it actually occurs, said Jon Dovidio, the companys vice president of business development.

Prevention Tips: How to protect seniors from title fraud

• Monitor property records: Regularly check your county recorders office to confirm no unauthorized liens or mortgages have been filed.

• Use title lock services: Consider enrolling vulnerable family members in fraud-prevention programs that freeze title transfers until verified.

• Secure legal authority: Establish Power of Attorney or guardianship if a loved one is at risk of being influenced by scammers.

• Educate seniors about : Talk openly about common fraud tactics, such as investment opportunities or urgent financial decisions.

• Guard personal information: Shred documents, avoid sharing Social Security numbers, and use secure passwords.

What to do if you suspect title fraud

1. Act quickly: Contact your county recorders office to flag any unauthorized filings.

2. Alert authorities: Report suspected fraud to your local police and state attorney generals office.

3. Contact your lender: If a fraudulent mortgage has been initiated, notify the bank immediately.

4. Check your credit: Order free credit reports to look for unusual activity.

5. File an FTC complaint: Use the Federal Trade Commissions identity theft portal to create a recovery plan.

Quick Checklist

Review property title records regularly
Consider title lock protection
Set up Power of Attorney if needed
Educate loved ones about
Report suspicious activity immediately

An expert shares what consumers need to know about this trend

• A new study found that nearly half of fitness app users skipped meals or overexercised just to meet AI-generated goals.

• Experts warn of mental health risks, with 61% of users reporting anxiety when they miss a day of logging and many quitting apps due to app fatigue.

• Balance is key, and listening to your body is paramount over rigid app targets.

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of our everyday lives from shopping recommendations to workplace tools.

But what happens when AI follows us into the gym? Fitness apps that promise smarter workouts and personalized health tips are gaining traction, yet a new study from Levity suggests that the impact isnt always so positive.

Nearly half of users surveyed admitted to skipping meals or overexercising just to keep up with app-generated goals, and personal trainers say theyre increasingly stepping in to undo harmful advice.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Dr. Zoe Lees, Medical Writer at Levity, to unpack how AI-powered fitness tools can influence both our physical and mental health and why its worth looking beyond the glossy promises on your phone screen.

One thing we dont talk about enough is app fatigue, Dr. Lees said. More than a quarter of users told us that theyve quit using fitness apps because they started to damage their mental health. At some point, success looks less like hitting every metric and more like knowing when to step back and reassess your priorities.

How is AI affecting fitness trackers?

Whether you have a wearable device, or an app that logs your workouts and calories, were no stranger to the ways that technology intersects with fitness. But what role does AI play?

AI has definitely made fitness apps smarter, turning them into personal coaches that can track nearly everything, Dr. Lees said. But theres a fine line between helpful and harmful.

According to our research, nearly half of personal trainers have witnessed clients develop disordered habits, such as skipping meals or overexercising, to meet fitness goals. Is that really motivation, or just pressure disguised as progress?

Are there pros and cons?

According to Dr. Lees, there are pros and cons to these AI-powered tools. For starters, one of the biggest perks is the structure they provide.

They keep people accountable and provide a real sense of direction, Dr. Lees said.

However, they can also take a serious mental toll.

Sixty-one percent of users report feeling anxious when they miss a day of logging, and 30% say they follow the apps goals even when it conflicts with their body's needs. Its easy to become more focused on streaks and stats than your actual well-being.

Listening to your body

When theres pressure from apps and fitness trackers, it can be hard to block out the noise. However, Dr. Lees says that listening to your body is paramount.

If your app is telling you to ignore hunger or push through fatigue, thats your cue to hit pause, she said. If the app says push harder, but your body says rest, rest wins. These tools are meant to support your health, not silence your instincts, and trusting your body is just as important as tracking it.

Finding the right balance

Having a commitment to a healthy lifestyle is important and ultimately a positive thing. Dr. Lees warns consumers about taking it too far and ignoring key signs that youve over done.

Her best advice: find the right balance.

The most balanced approach should be to use AI as a compass, not a controller, she explained. If you miss a workout or side-step your meal plan, thats just part of the process, and youre not a failure.

Real progress comes from combining smart tracking with real-life flexibility, and ideally, guidance from a trainer or health professional who can help filter out the noise.

The Jolly Good Deals sale will have savings on groceries, electronics, gifts, and more

• Dollar General is joining the pre-holiday sales event race.

• Shoppers can expect daily deals on exclusive items across the Dollar General suite of products.

• Starting October 30, Dollar General will host weekly three-day sales events from Thursday to Saturday to help shoppers further prepare for the holidays.

With Amazon, Target, and Walmart hosting pre-holiday sales events in the coming days, Dollar General is the latest retailer to jump on board.

The discount chain announced its Jolly Good Deals sale, which will run from October 5-11.

Our goal is to show up in meaningful ways with even more value, everyday solutions and a little holiday magic, Emily Taylor, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, said in a news release.

We know the holidays can be stressful, and were here to help make them more affordable, joyful and memorable through fantastic finds and hidden gems that meet our customers budgets.

What can shoppers expect?

During the week-long Jolly Good Deals sale, shoppers can expect exclusive savings with daily, one-day only deals.

Some discounts shoppers can expect include:

• Craig Bluetooth Speaker regularly $20.50, on sale for $8

• Smithfield Roll Sausage regularly $4.95, on sale 2 for $6

• Buy One, Get One Free offers on:

  • Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffin Mix

  • True Living Bakeware

  • Lilys Toaster Grills

  • Fisher Boy Fish Sticks

  • Dial assorted varieties

Season-long savings

In addition to this anticipated sale, Dollar General will also be hosting weekly three-day sales events every Thursday through Saturday. This officially kicks off on October 30, and will run throughout the holiday season.

The retailer has highlighted some deals to expect during those sales:

• 25-50% off select items

• Exclusive buy one, get one deals

• Discounts on popular brand gift cards

• Savings on holiday meal bundles