(Economic Collapse)—A significant number of older Americans are grappling with debt, hindering their retirement plans. Research indicates that over half of those in their later years feel debt has drastically restricted their life choices.
A February 2025 survey by Talker Research, commissioned by National Debt Relief, polled 2,000 adults over 55, revealing that 72% carry debt, with over half feeling so burdened they doubt they’ll ever be free of it.
Credit card debt is the primary concern, affecting 45% of respondents with an average balance of $9,000 and monthly payments of $418. Housing debt is also significant, with 30% still paying mortgages, owing $72,000 on average and facing $797 monthly payments.
Medical debt impacts 17% of respondents, with an average balance of $9,144 and $222 monthly payments. Additionally, 22% are making car payments, averaging $446 monthly on $17,000 auto loans.
The survey identified low income as the main barrier to debt repayment, cited by 46% of respondents. High interest rates (30%) and making only minimum payments (26%) further complicate matters.
“Our findings reveal the nation’s consumer debt epidemic is impacting millions of older Americans’ financial futures and threatening to put the retirement they’ve worked toward for decades out of reach,” said Natalia Brown, chief compliance and consumer affairs officer at National Debt Relief. “The unpredictable financial challenges we experience with age can easily escalate into overwhelming debt amid the costs of modern living, making it essential for older Americans to know that reputable debt relief solutions are available.”
Savings are also a concern, with the average debt-carrying respondent having $29,187 saved, though 61% believe this is insufficient for retirement. Nearly half (49%) have saved $20,000 or less, and 22% have no savings at all.
Inflation (72%) and debt payments (36%) were cited as major obstacles to saving. Respondents expressed anxiety about rising costs (69%) and economic conditions (45%).
Consequently, 48% of employed respondents feel unprepared for retirement, with 68% of those with debt saying it has impacted their ability to retire. A striking 62% never anticipated dealing with debt at this stage, forcing 67% of non-retired respondents with debt to work beyond their planned retirement age.
“Debt in retirement isn’t just a personal challenge, it’s a social issue with wide-reaching implications that extend to families, communities, and public systems already under strain,” said Dr. Kaylee Ranck, director of college research for the American College of Financial Services. “While this research shows many older adults are carrying significant debt into later life, it’s never too late for people to make meaningful progress towards their retirement goals and take control of their financial future through trustworthy professional guidance and educational resources.”
With April marking Social Security Month, 82% of respondents voiced concerns about the program’s future, and 76% of those with debt doubt Social Security will suffice for retirement.
When asked for advice to their younger selves, most emphasized saving more and spending less, with one respondent bluntly stating, “Don’t get into credit card debt.”
The survey underscores a growing crisis affecting not just individuals but families, communities, and the economy at large, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to address both immediate debt challenges and long-term retirement security.
Why One Survival Food Company Shines Above the Rest
Let’s be real. “Prepper Food” or “Survival Food” is generally awful. The vast majority of companies that push their cans, bags, or buckets desperately hope that their customers never try them and stick them in the closet or pantry instead. Why? Because if the first time they try them is after the crap hits the fan, they’ll be too shaken to call and complain about the quality.
It’s true. Most long-term storage food is made with the cheapest possible ingredients with limited taste and even less nutritional value. This is why they tout calories so much. Sure, they provide calories but does anyone really want to go into the apocalypse with food their family can’t stand?
This is what prompted the Llewellyns to launch Heaven’s Harvest. They bought survival food from multiple companies and determined they couldn’t imagine being stuck in an extended emergency with such low-quality food. They quickly discovered that freeze drying food for long-term storage doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor, consistency, or nutrition.
Their ingredients are all-American. In fact, they’re locally sourced and all-natural! This allows their products to be the highest quality on the market, so good that their customers often break open a bag in a pinch to eat because they want to, not just because they have to due to an emergency.
At Heaven’s Harvest, their only focus is amazing food. They don’t sell bugout bags, solar chargers, or multitools. They have one mission – feeding Americans in times of crisis.
What they DO offer is the ability for people to thrive in times of greatest need. On top of long-term storage food, they offer seeds to help Americans for the truly long-term. They want them to grow their own food if possible which is why they offer only Heirloom, Non-GMO, Non-Hybrid, Open-Pollinated seeds so their customers can build permanent food security on their own property.
