local
Americans owe $1.40 for every dollar earned, new analysis finds
By Rachel DePompa at KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
In Laredo , where the cost of living is relatively low, the average American's debt burden of $1.40 owed for every dollar earned is particularly concerning. This financial strain can be exacerbated by the city's limited job opportunities and lower median incomes. As a result, many Laredo families may be living paycheck to paycheck, with little room for error in the event of an unexpected expense or job loss. The fact that some states, such as Louisiana and Mississippi, are struggling with high rates of serious mortgage and payment delinquencies, suggests that Laredo residents may also be at risk. Local financial advisors and credit counseling services can play a crucial role in helping residents understand and manage their debt, and exploring options such as debt consolidation programs or refinancing loans to reduce interest rates and monthly payments. By addressing debt issues proactively, Laredo residents can work towards building a more stable financial future.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rachel DePompa at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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