Episode Overview

Title: Growing Debt Issues For Americans
Host: Jessica Ettinger, CNBC
Date: September 10, 2025
Duration: 60 seconds

This fast-paced episode zeroes in on the mounting debt problem affecting Americans across the income spectrum. Jessica Ettinger leads a succinct discussion with insights from experts, reflecting on why rising credit card balances are hurting not just low-income families, but also the wealthy. The show leverages recent data to explore how inflation, stagnant wage growth, and high interest rates are worsening the crisis, regardless of earnings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Debt Problems Affect All Income Levels

• Jessica Ettinger (Host) [00:00]: "More Americans, even some wealthy Americans, are facing more money troubles."
• Mike Croxton, National Association of Credit Counseling [00:08]:
  "It really doesn't matter on the income level. It's really about the debt level because when you reach the tipping point that the interest expense exceeds what you can afford to pay, that's what gets the consumer into trouble."
  • Insight: The critical factor is not how much people make, but how much debt they carry relative to their finances.

Exploding Credit Card Debt

• Jessica Ettinger [00:22]: Reports new data showing that credit card debt is impacting individuals with vastly different incomes ($40,000-$400,000). The problem: people are unable, or unwilling, to pay off balances fully before spending more.
• Sharon Epperson, CNBC Personal Finance Reporter [00:43]:

  "While lower income households are most likely to worry about paying for basic expenses, Americans face a serious debt dilemma regardless of how much money they make. 2 in 5 carry credit card debt month to month with an average balance of about $6,500."

  • Insight: The debt problem is pervasive; nearly 40% of Americans regularly roll over balances.

High Interest Rates Make Paying Off Debt Even Harder

• Jessica Ettinger [00:58]:

  "If you can't pay it, you can't pay it. But the interest racks up. If you're getting standard three point raises at work, you're treading water against inflation. And with credit card interest rates as high as 35%, it's easy to sink."

  • Insight: Minimal wage increases are outpaced by both inflation and high interest rates, making repayment a losing battle for many.

Economic Pressures Are Visible in Late Payments

• Silvio Tavares, CEO of VantageScore [01:17]:

  "The reality is inflation and the employment environment that's worsening and we're seeing that in late payments."

  • Insight: Broader economic difficulties, such as inflation and deteriorating employment prospects, are leading to more late payments among consumers.

Resource for Listeners

• Jessica Ettinger [01:25]: Directs audience to find more personal finance and budgeting tips at CNBC.com.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "It really doesn't matter on the income level. It's really about the debt level because when you reach the tipping point that the interest expense exceeds what you can afford to pay, that's what gets the consumer into trouble."
  — Mike Croxton, National Association of Credit Counseling [00:08]

• "2 in 5 carry credit card debt month to month with an average balance of about $6,500."
  — Sharon Epperson [00:43]

• "If you're getting standard three point raises at work, you're treading water against inflation. And with credit card interest rates as high as 35%, it's easy to sink."
  — Jessica Ettinger [00:58]

• "The reality is inflation and the employment environment that's worsening and we're seeing that in late payments."
  — Silvio Tavares, VantageScore [01:17]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 — Introduction: Growing debt across all income levels (Jessica Ettinger)
• 00:08 — Expert Insight: Debt levels, not income, drive financial trouble (Mike Croxton)
• 00:22 — Data Highlight: How credit card debt is impacting all Americans (Jessica Ettinger, Sharon Epperson)
• 00:58 — The impact of high interest rates and stagnant wages (Jessica Ettinger)
• 01:17 — Economic pressures reflected in late payments (Silvio Tavares)
• 01:25 — Resources offered at CNBC.com (Jessica Ettinger)

Conclusion

This episode delivers a powerful snapshot of the debt crisis gripping Americans of all backgrounds, punctuated by expert commentary and up-to-the-minute data. Listeners are left with the urgent message: debt can affect anyone, especially in the current economic climate, and vigilance is key.

For further tips and information, visit CNBC.com.