Recently Bankrate.com released a survey suggesting that many American adults are walking the edge of financial disaster. Bankrate surveyed more than 1,000 adults and discovered that 37% had credit card debt that equals or exceeds their emergency savings.
Credit card debt is old news to most Americans. According to Federal Reserve statistics from December 2014, Americans owe more than $880 billion on credit cards. The average American household (with a credit card balance) owes more than $15,000 to credit cards.
What this all means is simple: many Americans are living day-to-day hoping that nothing goes wrong. One thing is for certain: unexpected expenses should be expected. A 2014 survey by American Express found that half of all Americans had experienced an unforeseen expense in the past year: 44% reporting an unforeseen health care expense and 46% for car trouble.
Does this sound like you?
There are many ways to turn your finances around, including reducing or eliminating monthly expenses; paying off credit cards; contributing to a savings account; or taking extra work or a second job to pay down debts. If your finances are seriously upside down, it is a good idea to obtain a free consultation with a bankruptcy professional before taking extreme actions to correct your finances. Certain provisions of Bankruptcy Code can actually work against the well-intended debtor. For instance:
- Reducing or eliminating monthly expenses prior to filing bankruptcy may result in an increase of disposable income, which can lead to a greater repayment for unsecured creditors who may be otherwise discharged outright.
- A debt that is paid off immediately prior to filing bankruptcy may be recouped by a Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee. This is a common trap, especially when the repayment is to a friend or family member.
- Contributing to a savings account may lead to non-exempt property that may be taken by a Chapter 7 trustee and distributed to creditors.
- By temporarily increasing your income to pay down debts, you are also increasing your average income for the six month period prior to filing bankruptcy. This can mean disqualification from filing Chapter 7 or increased monthly payments in a Chapter 13.
Debt is serious business and major changes in your family finances should be made only after consulting with a seasoned professional. While it is important to “right your ship” and provide for a better financial future for your family, don’t make things worse by acting rashly. Call today for a free consultation with an experienced bankruptcy professional, consider your options, and make the best plan for your family.