Staying out of debt might seem easy in theory, but it is often difficult in practice. There often seems to be no end to unexpected bills or expenses, from medical bills to car repairs and much, much more. As credit card debt grows, Florida consumers might find that they are unable to keep up with all of their monthly payments, which can put them into difficult situations where they might have to choose between which bills to pay and which to put off. Pursuing bankruptcy can help people address these types of financial concerns.
American consumers spent more on credit than ever before in 2018. By the fourth quarter of that year, consumer debt had reached $13.3 trillion. However, not all consumers are adding debt at the same rate, as residents of some states end up spending more than others. Florida residents are taking on more debt than residents in many other states.
According to Experian, the average person in Florida took on an additional $1,305 in debt during 2018. In a list of all states and the amount of debt their residents added in that year, Florida came in at number 15. Some states actually decreased debt rather than increasing, so Florida’s jump in debt levels might be alarming to some.
Credit card debt can be a looming cloud over people’s lives, but it does not always have to be that way. For most people, bankruptcy is an effective method for discharging debts and reaching a point of financial security. The process can be complicated, though, so applicants must first determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy would be best for their situation.