Bankruptcy Is More Common Than You Think
Filing for bankruptcy is not something that most people want to do. However, it may provide the best, most straightforward solution to dealing with overwhelming debt. Many people struggle for months and even years before they decide to take the first step to a fresh start by setting up a free bankruptcy consultation.
During the contemplation phase, a person can experience a myriad of emotions: shame, guilt, frustration, or sadness. It is hard to admit to yourself and others that you may need help. I have seen people make the decision to liquidate a retirement account in an attempt to resolve the situation only to be left with a tax bill from the IRS. I call this replacing the monkey on your back with a baby gorilla: both are a burden to carry. Seeking support from a bankruptcy attorney can protect the retirement account and eliminate the debt.
Figuring this all out on your own can be both overwhelming and isolating. I am here to tell you that you are not alone (https://www.marketplace.org/2017/07/25/economy/americans-emergency-savings-wealth). While confiding with a trusted family-member, co-worker, or friend, you may be surprised that others have experienced similar situations. Having that shared experience will empower you to take steps to address the issues and move toward solutions.
In many consultations, the person I am meeting with will divulge that they finally decided to come in because someone provided them with the support to make the decision. It is also common that the person shares that he or she should have made the decision long ago. You don’t have to go this path alone. Life can change in big ways in a moment. Letting in support allows you to get outside of your own head when making a decision. You may be thinking your way in a circle trying to figure out how to pay off your debt when a simple and straightforward solution like a bankruptcy is readily available.
Letting in support can be hard. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few simple tips to get started:
- Write down who you would trust to share your financial struggles with.
- Write down your goals, e.g., financial stability, spend more time with my children instead of figuring out how to pay debt.
- Let in support for taking meaningful action, e.g., scheduling a free bankruptcy consultation.
- Be open to questioning your most closely held beliefs, opinions, and assumptions, e.g., “I have to do this alone. I will never get out of this.”