Debt during a recession amasses like a tumbleweed, and there are many factors that influence individual debt, like: government expenditures, costs of living, and employment.

When a recession hits, the government will adjust fiscal policies to soften the brash blow to the economy. Plus, interest costs will rise, and the government will adapt its outflow of money to compensate for this. The government's focus will be on strengthening the economy, so efforts will shift from an individual focus to an institutional focus. Such policy shifts could have quite an impact on consumer rights and taxes. If people pay more taxes, they have less money to spend.

During a recession, the costs of goods and services might increase as businesses must compensate for the loss of income from a previously thriving economy. Demands will decrease, and these items will become costlier for consumers. If consumers cannot afford such items, they will rely on credit to get them through.

One of the biggest influences of the recession on individual debt is employment. Those businesses that are impacted must adapt. Aside from rising prices, businesses will lay off unnecessary employees. When people are out of work, they have less money to spend. With less money to spend, they will rely more heavily on credit. Increased reliance on credit means an increased accumulation of debt.