Slate Academy: The United States of Debt

How did debt get so bad in the United States? Join personal finance columnist Helaine Olen as she takes in-depth look at the reality of debt in America. What’s it like to empty out your 401(k) to help a family member? How does a first-generation college student navigate student loans at a for-profit school? What works—and what doesn’t—for people struggling to get out of debt? Find out in this series. Join us today.