Recent reports highlight a growing trend in American household debt, which has reached a record high of approximately $17.94 trillion. Despite the surge in debt, particularly in credit card usage which has climbed to $1.17 trillion, data from the New York Federal Reserve indicates that income growth is outpacing borrowing. This influx in income is said to alleviate some of the pressures associated with rising debt, especially for lower-income Americans who feel the squeeze more acutely. While delinquency rates have also ticked upwards to 3.5%, they remain below pre-pandemic levels, suggesting that while debt is on the rise, Americans are finding themselves in a better position to manage it.