INDEBTED: U.S. consumers took on more debt in November to buy cars and go to school. They stayed cautious in their use of credit cards.

IT'S A RECORD: The Federal Reserve said consumer borrowing increased by $16 billion in November, compared with October, to a seasonally adjusted record of $2.77 trillion. Borrowing that covers autos and student loans increased $15.2 billion.

LESSONS LEARNED: Economists look for those trends to continue, with Americans remaining cautious about running up debt on credit cards but willing to take out school loans. Many who have lost jobs have gone back to school.