Rising US Debt Leaves Families Grappling with Financial Struggles

Stories of overcoming credit card debt and finding a path to financial stability

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A rising tide of financial stress is sweeping across the United States, leaving many families grappling with debt and uncertainty. The struggle to pay bills is no longer a distant worry, but a daily reality for a significant portion of the population. This article explores the weight of credit card debt, the emotional toll of financial strain, and success stories of individuals who have found a path to debt freedom through seeking help from nonprofit credit counselors.

Why it matters

The growing prevalence of credit card debt and financial strain in the US is a concerning trend that can have far-reaching impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Understanding the challenges faced by those struggling with debt and highlighting successful strategies for overcoming it can help provide a roadmap for others seeking financial stability.

The details

Nearly half (47 percent) of all cardholders carry debt from month to month, facing an average interest rate of almost 20 percent. Worryingly, about one in five (22 percent) of those with credit card debt believe they will never pay it off. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) has observed a concerning trend: debt is becoming a pervasive source of anxiety and despair, with a growing number of consumers missing payments, dipping into savings, or shifting balances to lower interest rates just to keep up.

  • The NFCC survey data is from 2023.
  • The article was published on February 8, 2026.

The players

Jeanine Kosinski

A language educator and dog trainer in San Francisco who found herself with $35,000 in credit card debt, a mortgage, and student loans after a traumatic event led to unemployment and hospitalization.

Tiana Moore

An operating room nurse in New Britain, Connecticut, who faced job loss during 2019 and a furlough during the pandemic, leaving her with $21,000 in credit card debt.

American Consumer Credit Counseling

A nonprofit credit counseling organization that helped Jeanine Kosinski become debt-free in less than a year.

Money Management International (MMI)

A nonprofit credit counseling organization that helped Tiana Moore negotiate a zero percent interest rate on her credit cards and create a personalized debt repayment plan.

Bruce McClary

A spokesperson for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), who provided insights on the role of nonprofit credit counselors.

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What they’re saying

“You can do this, but you can't do it without help. Call these guys. They will be kind to you. They will help you learn about your money and rebuild your relationship with your creditors. And then you can be free.”

— Jeanine Kosinski, Language Educator and Dog Trainer (newsy-today.com)

“I feel amazing. It's great to know that now I can invest in my future and my children's future.”

— Tiana Moore, Operating Room Nurse (newsy-today.com)

“A professional can provide an objective perspective and identify solutions you might not have considered.”

— Bruce McClary, Spokesperson, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The article suggests that individuals struggling with debt should contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) to connect with a nonprofit credit counselor in their area. The NFCC can be reached at 888-381-4779 or through their website, NFCC.org.

The takeaway

This article highlights the growing prevalence of credit card debt and financial strain in the US, and the importance of seeking help from nonprofit credit counselors to develop a structured repayment plan and regain financial stability. The stories of Jeanine Kosinski and Tiana Moore demonstrate that with the right guidance and a disciplined approach, it is possible to overcome debt and build a secure financial future.