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U.S. Household Debt Hits $18.5 Trillion, Collection Tactics Intensify

4/10/2026

31 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Household debt in the United States has surpassed $18.5 trillion, driving broader use of aggressive collection methods.
A bank levy allows creditors to seize funds directly from a debtor's account.
Wage garnishment intercepts a portion of earnings before they reach the debtor.
Federal law caps wage garnishment at 25% of disposable earnings and protects funds such as Social Security benefits from levies.

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Story summary

Household debt in the United States has surpassed $18.5 trillion, driving broader use of aggressive collection methods.
A bank levy allows creditors to seize funds directly from a debtor's account.
Wage garnishment intercepts a portion of earnings before they reach the debtor.
Federal law caps wage garnishment at 25% of disposable earnings and protects funds such as Social Security benefits from levies.