Is household debt wealth weakness?

Americans’ household debt increased to more than $11.52 trillion during the last quarter of 2013 — the highest amount since the end of 2007, just before the U.S. economy plunged into crisis.

According to the latest report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans started taking on more household debt in 2013, including buying homes, cars and education after years of recession.

Are the latest statstistics good news?

Do the numbers indicate that Americans are ready to spend again?

Or does that borrowing demonstrate persisting weakness — like debt being used to compensate for bad wages, small raises and scarce overtime?

We asked a panel of experts for the Inside Story. 

This panel was assembled for the broadcast of “Inside Story.” 

For future hard-hitting conversations, find Al Jazeera America on your TV.