Consumer debt consists of personal debts for goods purchased for personal or household consumption—as opposed to debts incurred for the operation of a business. Common examples of consumer debt include (1) credit card debt; (2) student loans; (3) home mortgage loans; (4) car or auto loans; (5) payday loans; (6) medical debts; and (7) unpaid utility and telephone bills.

In Nebraska, consumer debt is regulated by both state statutes and federal laws. Credit card debt, student loans, home mortgages, auto loans, payday loans, medical debts, and unpaid utility and telephone bills are all considered consumer debts when they are for personal or household use. Nebraska follows the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which sets standards for the collection of these debts, prohibiting abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices by collectors. The state also has statutes that govern the statute of limitations for debt collection, with most consumer debts having a limit of four to five years after the last payment date or acknowledgment of the debt. Nebraska's Consumer Protection Act provides additional safeguards against deceptive and unfair business practices. For mortgages, the Nebraska Trust Deeds Act may apply, and for payday loans, the Nebraska Delayed Deposit Services Licensing Act sets forth regulations including maximum loan amounts and finance charges. It's important to note that bankruptcy laws, which can provide relief from consumer debts, are federal and are handled through federal bankruptcy courts.