Vikki Velasquez is a researcher and writer who has managed, coordinated, and directed various community and nonprofit organizations. She has conducted in-depth research on social and economic issues ...

WSJ Buy Side is The Wall Street Journal’s research and commerce team. Our commerce content is distinct from our newsroom coverage. We earn a commission from some links in our articles. Learn more. The ...

The total outstanding personal loan balance in America is $249 billion – an increase of 64% over the past five years. By comparison, credit card debt rose 33% in that same timeframe. About 9% of U.S.