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American millennials in their 30s have racked up debt at a historic clip since the pandemic. Their total balances hit more than $3.8 trillion in the fourth quarter, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, a 27% jump from late 2019. That is the steepest increase of any age group. It is also their fastest pace of debt accumulation over a three-year period since the 2008 financial crisis.
The debt buildup could worsen a generational wealth gap that was already on the rise for millennials. Many started their careers during the 2007-09 recession with no bargaining power, crimping their earnings ever since. Even when the economy is doing well, some have said that they feel as though their financial gains are fragile. That can leave them hesitant or less able to take risks that would power the broader economy, such as starting a business or investing.
“For millennials, it’s felt like being hit from every side,” said Charlotte Principato, a financial-services analyst at the research company Morning Consult who covers younger consumers. “They’re not feeling in control of their financial lives.”
It could also be a worrying sign for those who are coming up behind them.
“Gen Z will likely follow in their footsteps,” Ms. Principato said.
www.wsj.com
The debt buildup could worsen a generational wealth gap that was already on the rise for millennials. Many started their careers during the 2007-09 recession with no bargaining power, crimping their earnings ever since. Even when the economy is doing well, some have said that they feel as though their financial gains are fragile. That can leave them hesitant or less able to take risks that would power the broader economy, such as starting a business or investing.
“For millennials, it’s felt like being hit from every side,” said Charlotte Principato, a financial-services analyst at the research company Morning Consult who covers younger consumers. “They’re not feeling in control of their financial lives.”
It could also be a worrying sign for those who are coming up behind them.
“Gen Z will likely follow in their footsteps,” Ms. Principato said.
Americans in Their 30s Are Piling On Debt
The overall burden is up 27% since before the pandemic, more than for any other age group.