Charlene Crowell

As consumers continue to struggle with still-rising costs of living, new research proves that rising household debt levels are as much a cause for

Record interest rates on auto loans and credit cards also drive consumer delinquencies By Charlene Crowell As consumers continue to struggle with still-rising costs of living, new research proves that rising household debt levels are as much a cause for concern as prices. The Century Foundation, a progressive, independent think tank, finds that debt payments […]

New research shows household debt payments are rising eight times faster than take-home pay, disproportionately affecting people of color.

As the nation’s affordability crisis continues, a growing body of new research finds that rising gas and grocery costs are but two of many factors causing

By Charlene Crowell As the nation’s affordability crisis continues, a growing body of new research finds that rising gas and grocery costs are but two of many factors causing consumers’ financial stress. Moreover, today’s financial stress is deemed a function of both old and newer consumer concerns. Research from the Georgetown Law Center on Poverty […]

An estimated 55,000 consumers will benefit from a $694 million class-action settlement against a predatory auto lender reached by attorneys general in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

New research shows 70 percent of Americans struggle affording housing, food, health care, and childcare, with Black and Hispanic households hit hardest. Despite record median income, racial and gender pay gaps persist, while soaring childcare costs—often exceeding rent or mortgages—deepen financial strain across working and middle-class families nationwide.

Studies reveal systemic affordability gaps in the U.S., highlighting the disproportionate burden on minority households and parents.

Rising childcare costs added to higher prices for gas, groceries, housing and health care

Attorneys general secured a $694 million settlement with Credit Acceptance Corp to resolve allegations of predatory lending.

By Charlene Crowell Despite getting slapped down by three courts over this summer, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) still plans to continue its efforts to hobble fair housing investigations and enforcement. In late August, a federal judge warned that Congress – not federal agencies – authorizes and appropriates funding for programs and […]

Despite getting slapped down by three courts over this summer, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) still plans to continue its efforts to hobble fair housing investigations and enforcement. In late August, a federal judge warned that Congress – not federal agencies – authorizes and appropriates funding for programs and operations.

Despite getting slapped down by three courts over this summer, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) still plans to continue its efforts to hobble fair housing investigations and enforcement. In late August, a federal judge warned that Congress – not federal agencies – authorizes and appropriates funding for programs and operations. Noting on August […]

Despite getting slapped down by three courts over this summer, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) still plans to continue its efforts to hobble fair housing investigations and enforcement. In late August, a federal judge warned that Congress – not federal agencies – authorizes and appropriates funding for programs and operations. Noting on August […]

Federal courts blocked HUD's attempts to cut fair housing grants, but the agency continues to seek significant funding reductions.

A new Joint Center report highlights the growing racial wealth gap, noting Black wealth is projected to be four times lower than whites by 2050.

Join Christopher B. Bennett and Charlene Crowell as they break down the Sweet v. McMahon ruling, clearing $23 billion in student debt for 450,000 borrowers.

Black wealth will be 4 times lower than whites by 2050 Across succeeding generations, nearly every worker has been urged to ‘save’ for retirement.  However, yesteryear’s gold watch and pensions that came with health care benefits or even added stock options are today nearly extinct. Instead, the emergence of varying 401(K) retirement plans has lifted […]

Black wealth will be 4 times lower than whites by 2050 Across succeeding generations, nearly every worker has been urged to ‘save’ for retirement.  However, yesteryear’s gold watch and pensions that came with health care benefits or even added stock options are today nearly extinct. Instead, the emergence of varying 401(K) retirement plans has lifted […]

By Charlene Crowell A federal appeals court last month issued a ruling erasing $23 billion in student loan debt for an estimated 450,000 borrowers duped by false promises made by more than 150 for-profit colleges. The debt ruling for full settlement relief came on July 17 in a unanimous decision by a three-judge panel of […]