Dealing With the Stigma of Debt and Bankruptcy

A hundred years ago, people's feelings about debt were dramatically different than they are now. Most credit instruments that people now use to carry debt did not exist yet, and most people thought going into debt was irresponsible and immoral. The man for whom the J.C. Penney department store chain is named so despised debt that he was nicknamed "cash".

Once big business figured out that they could tilt the balance in their favour if they protected themselves against unreliable borrowers, they began to massage attitudes about debt towards acceptance. Instead of being thought of as a lazy alternative to saving, financing was promoted as the convenient option for consumers. Since then, a range of borrowing instruments and products have been introduced to the marketplace, hyped for their promise to let you sow before you reap, but if you buy into the hype without thinking about the long-term cost involved, the end of your credit journey will be at the office of a bankruptcy trustee, forfeiting your credit privileges for years under a bankruptcy or consumer proposal agreement.

Nowadays, the stigma around debt has faded, and to borrow against your future income isn't wholly dismissed as immoral or unethical. It is considered wise for young adults to build up a solid credit history by using credit cards in a responsible manner. This makes someone a better credit risk when it comes time to borrow to make a major investment like a house, car, or an education, things that very few people can purchase without financing.

Carrying credit card debt is now so common that stigma doesn't seem to be curtailing it. In the United States, the average debtload of households who carry debt is in excess of ,000. But there still seems to be enough of a stigma around debt that people don't like to admit incurring large amounts of it. Sadly, that also makes it difficult for people to admit that they require professional help to relieve their debt burden.

Those who struggle with excessive debt are prone to a series of difficulties. It is stressful to constantly worry about money, and there are higher rates of depression among people with money problems. Financial problems are cited as the most common underlying issue in divorces, as the conflicts over money problems damage relationships. The downward slide could invite further problems like drug use and a life of crime.

In order to start solving your problems, you have to admit you have them. That's a hard thing to do. But you need to be humble and realize that your behaviour was not sustainable. You can avoid needing the services of bankruptcy trustee if you commit to changing your ways.

There is still stigma around filing for bankruptcy. In addition to the financial penalties of bankruptcy, people may find that others look down upon them when their financial woes are exposed. A person who never had difficulties with their finances might consider bankruptcy a form of failure and a sign of weakness, but for many people, no matter who is at fault, bankruptcy is the best way to go.

Acknowledging your money problems can lead to eventually eliminating them. You might find that you're not alone, and that others may just be spending freely to keep up the image of financial security. You might find yourself on the receiving end of sympathy and understanding. And if they don't, then they're not worth sharing personal information with.

Rely on the bankruptcy trustee Guelph dedicated to helping individuals relieve the burden of debt. Find the solution that meets your needs.

Rely on the bankruptcy trustee Guelph dedicated to helping individuals relieve the burden of debt. Find the solution that meets your needs.