The Federal Reserve Bank of New York said that the total consumer debt of $ 11.6 trillion as of September dropped 7.4% that is $ 922
. Consumer debt continued to drop 0.3% in the third quarter. The total household delinquency rates also fell for the second consecutive quarter. The rates fell from 11.6% to 11.1%
An economist of LPL Financial revealed that if consumers are prompt in repairing their balance sheets it will help the economy in the long run. It would eventually liberate Americans from debt and bankruptcy.
Half a million of consumers have undergone foreclosure in the third quarter. This year, however, there was a drop of 5.5% in the number of foreclosures. A noticeable drop of 16% in bankruptcies was observed from the previous quarter.
Aside from these, non-mortgage and mortgage debts declined. Non-mortgage debt began to fall in the year 2000. Mortgage payments reached about $140 billion at the end of 2009. Paying off of debts started in 2008. Open credit card accounts also declined to 24%.
An economist cited that this decline in rates only shows that Americans have been borrowing less and paying off their debts. This will lead to the improvement of credit standards and changes in purchasing activities.
Money lenders, nowadays, are tighter with their lending procedures. It is hard for people to secure a new loan, making them less susceptible to new debts. Americans have no other choice but to pay down their debts.
It is observed that Arizona, California, Florida and Nevada have high delinquency and foreclosure rates as compared to the rate of the nation as a whole.
As a nation it is best that each one do his part in paying down what he owes. Being responsible with his purchases and loans would eventually lead to financial freedom. America is on the right track.