Gen X Is Earning More Than Ever, So Why Is Its Wealth Shrinking? Rising Debt Holds the Answer

Although Gen X incomes have reached record highs, credit card debt among 45- to 54-year-olds has surged, while their median net worth has declined. Federal Reserve and Survey of Consumer Finances data show this cohort now carries the largest credit balances despite the highest median pre-tax income, reflecting a widening generational wealth gap driven by asset disparities.