Title

Poverty Levels and Debt Indicators Among Low-Income Households Before and After the Great Recession

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

11-2017

Keywords

general population, financial status and behavior, socioeconomic status, economic barriers, financial education

Abstract

This study analyzed the debt profile of low-income households before and after the Great Recession using the 2007-2013 Survey of Consumer Finances. We utilized Heckman selection models to investigate three debt characteristics; (1) the amount of debt, (2) debt-to-income ratio, and (3) debt delinquency. Before and after the Great Recession, results from the selection stage showed the probability of holding debt for households increased as their income level increased (moving into less severe poverty categories); results from the outcome stage indicated households in the most severe poverty category (below 100% of poverty threshold) were less likely to meet debt-to-income ratio guidelines. Following the Great Recession these lowest-income households were more likely to have higher debt and debt delinquency problems.

Share

COinS