local
Americans owe $1.40 for every dollar earned, new analysis finds
By Rachel DePompa at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 9, 2026
· 2 min read
(InvestigateTV) — The average American carries $63,000 in debt while earning just $45,000 a year, according to a new analysis by ConsumerAffairs — meaning for every dollar earned, roughly $1.40 is owed.The report found that gap leaves many families with little financial cushion in the event of an...
Key takeaway “Serious delinquency is when you’re 90 days or more past due on your payments,” Edens said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
In Nashville , the stark reality of debt is likely to resonate deeply, given the city's rapid growth and rising cost of living. As the average American struggles to make ends meet, earning just $45,000 a year while carrying $63,000 in debt, local residents may be wondering how they can avoid falling into similar financial straits. The fact that Louisiana, Nevada, and Mississippi are among the states with the highest delinquency rates suggests that the problem is particularly acute in the South, which could have implications for Nashville's own economic stability. Analyst Dayna Edens' advice to understand one's financial picture and prioritize debt repayment may be especially relevant for Music City residents, who face unique financial challenges such as rising housing costs and student loan debt. By exploring options like debt consolidation and refinancing, Nashville residents may be able to get back on track and build a more secure financial future.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (InvestigateTV) — The average American carries $63,000 in debt while earning just $45,000 a year, according to a new analysis by ConsumerAffairs — meaning for every dollar earned, roughly $1.40 is owed.The report found that gap leaves many families with little financial cushion in the event of an...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rachel DePompa at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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