Millennials are building up a mountain of debt in pursuit of the middle-class American dream — and they're starting to miss credit card payments at an alarming rate

• Millennials are taking on debt at a faster rate than any other age group. 
• Many of them are looking to finally buy a home, a car, and start a family.
• Going into significant debt may be the only way millennials can afford a middle-class lifestyle. 

After delaying marriage, homebuying and kids longer than any other generation, some millennials are finally opting for the traditional middle-class lifestyle — but they're piling up a mountain of debt to make it happen.