Those in their early 30s have the highest borrowing of any age group, and they also have a tendency to miss repayments, according to research by Alliance & Leicester.  They have the highest mortgage exposure and their average unsecured debts total £5,863, 29% above the national average. This is typically the stage of life when people begin to settle down with a partner and buy their first home, so this high borrowing could reflect such costs. Two thirds (66%) live with a partner and 63% are homeowners. They have the highest mortgage exposure and their average unsecured debts total £5,863, 29% above the national average. This is typically the stage of life when people begin to settle down with a partner and buy their first home, so this high borrowing could reflect such costs. Two thirds (66%) live with a partner and 63% are homeowners. Not only is their debt level the highest, but they are also amongst the most likely to skip when it comes to repayments. Chris Rhodes, director of retail banking at Alliance & Leicester said: “The early 30s are a transitional age where careers are taking off and before family responsibilities kick in. Many are buying their first homes at this point, but are also enjoying rapidly rising salaries and are keen to enjoy life to the full. Some, particularly those not trying to get on the housing ladder, may find themselves in financial difficulty as a result living beyond their means.”They have the highest mortgage exposure and their average unsecured debts total £5,863, 29% above the national average. This is typically the stage of life when people begin to settle down with a partner and buy their first home, so this high borrowing could reflect such costs. Two thirds (66%) live with a partner and 63% are homeowners. Not only is their debt level the highest, but they are also amongst the most likely to skip when it comes to repayments. Chris Rhodes, director of retail banking at Alliance & Leicester said: “The early 30s are a transitional age where careers are taking off and before family responsibilities kick in. Many are buying their first homes at this point, but are also enjoying rapidly rising salaries and are keen to enjoy life to the full. Some, particularly those not trying to get on the housing ladder, may find themselves in financial difficulty as a result living beyond their means.”