51.   Generally, bankruptcies are increasing throughout the country because of an increase in consumer debt levels.

52.   Further, consumers have been able to leverage the rising value of their homes to refinance and, often, consolidate other consumer debt into tax-deductible mortgage payments.

53.   Growing consumer debt and continued job insecurity may further inhibit consumer spending.

54.   He pointed to healthy wage growth, more manageable consumer debt and rising home sales as evidence.

55.   He said the most frightening statistic of all is American consumer debt.

56.   High levels of consumer debt also could lead to a slowdown in consumer spending, they said.

57.   High consumer debt and rising personal bankruptcies could dampen spending.

58.   High levels of consumer debt, and a stricter lending standards on the part of banks, are expected to keep a lid on spending.

59.   Homeowners can cut their interest rate by taking out a home equity loan to pay off consumer debt, Moody said.

60.   Housing is weakening, and consumer debt is expanding at a slower pace, he said.