The United States of Debt | Ep. 1 | Why Do We Borrow So Much?

Credit card debt is on the rise, student loan debt is at record levels, and millions of Americans continue to experience difficulty with housing and medical bills.  In this first episode of the United States of Debt, a Slate Academy, host Helaine Olen begins to explore the state of debt in America. How much debt do we have, and what historical and cultural factors have influenced the recent rise of it? Is there a way that debt can help us get ahead? And why do we judge those who owe money? Olen takes a look into the past to figure out why there’s been an explosion in borrowed money.  Guests on episode 1: Debt expert and former CNBC personal finance columnist Carmen Rita Wong, University of Illinois professor Robert Lawless, and professor Joseph Cohen from Queens College at the City University of New York.  This episode included music Kai Engel and Chris Zabriskie.  Access to all Slate Academies is included in your Slate Plus membership. To learn more and access all features of this Slate Academy, chat in our private Facebook group, and read supplementary materials, visit Slate.com/Debt.