The year 2020 was a difficult year financially for many in Pennsylvania and for some in the Harrisburg area, 2021 is shaping up to be another difficult year financially. Having to make difficult choices, such as whether you will pay the electric bill or buy groceries, can put a significant amount of stress and anxiety on a person. The following are some reasons why a person turns to bankruptcy as their best option for moving forward on fresh financial footing.
Medical debt
According to one study published in 2019, just over 66% of bankruptcy filings in the U.S. were due to medical debt, specifically when the debt was high, or they were unable to work due to their medical condition. Even those with health insurance may still face uncovered expenses, co-pays and high deductibles. Medical debt can easily push a person into bankruptcy.
Unemployment
2020 saw a significant amount of unemployment, especially due to unpaid furloughs and layoffs. Whether you voluntarily quit or you were fired, a layoff can significantly affect your finances, especially in an economy where few jobs that pay a living wage are available. Even if you had savings or credit cards, the expenses that come with being unable to work can pile up quickly, leading to the decision to file for bankruptcy.
Credit card debt
2020 forced some people to make the tough choice to put living expenses on a credit card. However, if there were many expenses put on the card or they were simply unable to pay their credit card bill, a person could find that this debt has gotten out of hand. High interest rates on many cards only make matters worse. While sometimes debt consolidation is a possibility in such situations, other times filing for bankruptcy is the better option.
Divorce
It may surprise you to find that divorce is costly not just emotionally but financially. Legal fees must be paid, marital assets must be divided, and possibly spousal support or child support may need to be paid. These expenses are compounded when, after the divorce, you are living on a single income. The failure to pay support could lead to wage garnishments, making a difficult financial situation even worse. When this happens, filing for bankruptcy may be an option worth considering.
Learn more about bankruptcy in Harrisburg
No matter what the reason, deciding to file for bankruptcy can be difficult but it is often the best way to pursue a better financial future. This post is for educational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Our firm’s webpage on bankruptcy may be a good resource for those who want to learn more about this topic.
