As U.S. consumer debt hits $18 trillion, Americans face rising financial strain: On the Money – Los Angeles Wave Newspaper Group

As U.S. consumer debt hits $18 trillion, Americans face rising financial strain: On the Money – Los Angeles Wave Newspaper Group

Do you remember the good old days when a road trip meant questionable snacks, blaring mixtapes and kids bouncing around the back seat like ping pong balls?  Then one day the seatbelt law hit and the family rebellion began. You had to threaten, “Put that seatbelt on, or we’re not going anywhere!” — and you meant it. Now, thanks to airbags, safety campaigns and seatbelt-wearing compliance, our cars are mini fortresses. And though traffic fatalitie…