People typically point the finger at younger generations for their frivolous spending, but when it comes down to it, research shows it’s actually 45–54 year olds that have the highest levels of credit card debt.

The average middle-aged American has more than $9,000 of credit card debt, which is $3,000 more than the average millennial. With credit card debt being one of the most dangerous types of debt to find yourself in, it’s a scary statistic. The research shows that this might be largely in part to an optimism among middle-aged individuals that they can spend more and pay their debts off easier. Unfortunately, this isn’t proving to be the case.

Image via DebtWave.