AMERICA’S DEBT MANAGEMENT HAMPERING THE ECONOMY?
AMERICA’S DEBT MANAGEMENT HAMPERING THE ECONOMY?
Analysts are saying that the fact that American’s have reduced their debt, are practicing better debt management and saving money is a primary reason the economy is not on a faster recovery track! It is no wonder that as the U.S. household wealth fell by a record setting $5.1 trillion dollars just from October 2008 to December 2008, according to Federal Reserve figures nearly doubling the decrease amount for the previous quarter, that we find American’s are still skeptical about spending money.
As home prices and the stock market plunged net worth for households and non-profit groups declined to $51.5 trillion dollars in the third quarter, which is the lowest level in the past four years. The decline in household wealth is one reason analysts say that the economy will be on a slow recovery track, as consumers will continue to reduce debt and save more. “This decline in wealth is a headwind for spending and it’s a big reason to be cautious and to save”, said Jonathan Basile, an economist at Credit Suisse Holdings USA Inc. in New York.
Some economists are speculating that a large number of consumers with substantial credit card debt have revamped their spending/debt budgets drastically and many are even seeking professional credit counseling to assist them with their spending habits and debt management.
Households barrowed less, and debt decreased at an annual rate of 2%, the first ever drop in debt on record, while mortgage barrowing dropped to a 1.6% annual pace. These are the numbers and they speak for themselves, Americans although showing some confidence in the first quarter and better than we anticipated, are still and should be very cautious in their debt management strategies and spending. Saving money has to once again be a part of every Americans daily life and money/debt management practices if they are ever to be able to manage their finances in such a way as to be debt free once again. One option is to find a way to secure a debt consolidation loan.
For those that have large amounts of credit card debt, budgeting and better debt management practices may not be enough to get you out of troubled waters and seeking debt resolution through a reputable credit counselor may be your only advisable solution. Many companies offer free debt consolidation advice, good information is still valuable even if it is free. Professional credit counselors can strategize with you to adopt a well planned course of action to get you back to debt freedom once again.