Fed survey flags surge in loan delinquencies to post‑recession highs as payment strain builds

U.S. families fell behind on debts at the fastest clip since 2010, the Federal Reserve’s triennial Survey of Consumer Finances shows, even as wealth at the top rose. A separate New York Fed poll found households say their finances have worsened and could weaken further.

• Families behind on loan payments jumped to nearly 20%, highest since 2010.
• Serious delinquencies (2+ months) rose to over 8% from 5% in 2022.
• Payment-to-income ratios above 40% climbed to 8.6%, a post-2013 high.
• Top earners’ median net worth rose 31% as overall median wealth barely grew.