Restaurant foot traffic has declined in the U.S. by 3%-3.5%. And expenses are way up.

The proportion has doubled since last year. Amid constant advertising, more people have credit card balances and those balances are rising.

The 0% interest on many buy now, pay later plans is appealing to cash-strapped holiday shoppers. But nonpayment ends up on credit reports.

The New York Federal Reserve found that rejection rates for loan applications are higher than they were in 2023 for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages and refinances.

The study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute finds many retirees worried they are spending more than they can afford.

Income has grown an average of 6.2% annually while debts have increased 4%.

Even though interest rates have been falling, people are more reluctant to take on new debt.

Investment bankers help companies raise money through the stock market or by taking advantage of falling interest rates.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget says both candidates’ tax and spending promises would widen deficits, Trump’s by a lot more.

Consumer credit overall increased, while revolving debt — that’s mostly on credit cards — was down 1.2%, according to the Federal Reserve.