Consumer borrowing way up in March

Despite a steadying economy, it doesn't look like debt collection agents will be out of a job anytime soon. Consumers are borrowing at a more rapid pace, and many cannot afford to keep up with payments, defaulting on a variety of different types of loans. According to Bloomberg, the Federal Reserve released figures from March on Monday showing that the borrowing habits of Americans saw the largest increase in the past 10 years. The source specified credit rose by a whopping $24.1 billion, representing the largest increase since November 2001. The majority of that number was caused by the $16.2 billion borrowed for non-revolving debt, which is made up of student and car loans, among other sums. The job market may be a major issue for those who have recently borrowed. According to new Bureau of Labor Statistics figures, 115,000 new jobs were created in April, down by nearly 40,000 in March.  The jump indicates a higher rate of consumer confidence, according to Bloomberg, because when shoppers are confident in their finances, they are willing to incur more debt.