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Debt struggles are hitting consumers at all income levels — it’s a ‘tipping point,’ expert says

Credit card debt hit $1.21 trillion in Q2 2025, matching last year’s record, and signs show more Americans across all income levels are struggling to manage balances. The NFCC survey found rising “negative debt behaviors” — 13% of people made less-than-minimum payments (up from 8% in spring), more borrowers are transferring balances, and debt consolidations into personal loans doubled from 4% to 8%.

Even higher-income households are showing strain: 30% are more worried about covering emergencies and 20% are more concerned about making debt payments compared to six months ago.

Other reports confirm the trend: late-stage delinquencies are rising across all credit tiers, driven by a weaker job market, inflation, and high interest rates. Lenders are tightening credit standards as demand for mortgages and auto loans falls. Meanwhile, car payments are surging — 15% of buyers/lessees now face monthly payments over $1,000, with the average new auto loan at $749. Read More.

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Are we heading for World War Three?

The risk of regional conflicts escalating into World War Three has risen sharply, experts warn, as nuclear tensions intensify across multiple hotspots.

• Russia: Putin’s war in Ukraine and broadened nuclear doctrine have fueled fears of escalation with NATO. Former Soviet states are boosting defenses, while Russia ramps up hypersonic missile production.

• Middle East: Israel–Iran tensions nearly erupted into war this summer. Iran’s nuclear program remains a major concern, especially as its proxy groups weaken.

• China: Aggression toward Taiwan, live-fire drills, and military buildup raise the possibility of invasion by 2027, risking direct conflict with the U.S. A China-Russia nuclear alliance could outmatch America’s arsenal.

• North Korea: Kim Jong Un continues expanding nuclear and missile programs, aligning with Russia, and unveiling new nuclear-capable warships, further destabilizing the region.

Across all fronts—Europe, the Middle East, East Asia—nuclear proliferation and great-power rivalry are driving fears the world could “sleepwalk” into a global conflict. Read More.