Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, December 30, 2015
This is the time of the year when we typically review what we have done in the past year and make plans for changes in the year before of us. Many of us will resolve to lose weight, quit smoking or quit drinking. We make these decisions because we are concerned about our health and general well-being. We want to be happy and feel good. We want to make responsible decisions that will help us to be better parents, spouses, friends, employees and employers.
Debt is a Health Risk
Having practiced consumer bankruptcy law for almost thirty years, I can tell you that the burden caused by overwhelming debt can be just as serious a health risk as being overweight, smoking, or drinking too much. People that come to see me suffer from tremendous anxiety, depression, and a sense of helplessness. They are ashamed of the situation they are in although they are usually not at fault. People often get into debt as a result of problems that they simply cannot control. Sickness, divorce and or job loss cannot always be prevented. These things happen to good people who are simply trying to do their best to get along. They are proud people and talking to a bankruptcy attorney is the last thing they want to do. Instead, they often make the situation worse by seeking short term high interest loans which they are unable to payback. They then find themselves on a debt treadmill trying to make minimum payments. The speed of the treadmill keeps getting faster as the new payments become due. My hope and prayer is that they get off the treadmill and to me or another qualified professional before the stress becomes too great to deal with.
If you or someone you know is on the debt treadmill fighting every month to simply make minimum payments, it is time to do the responsible thing. The responsible thing may or may not be to seek bankruptcy protection but it does mean that you should explore all of your options. These options should include seeking the advice of an experienced consumer bankruptcy attorney just as soon as possible. A good bankruptcy attorney will meet with you face to face, review your situation thoroughly and take the time to help you explore all of your options – both bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy.
2016 is a New Year
If overwhelming debt is affecting your marriage, if overwhelming debt is affecting your relationships with friends or family members, if overwhelming debt is keeping you from being the best parent you can be, if overwhelming debt is affecting your ability to sleep and health generally; use the new year to seek a fresh start! Let us help you explore your options. We offer a free face to face consultation with an experienced and compassionate attorney. Our offices are conveniently located.
There is no reason why 2016 can’t be your best year ever.
Happy New Year from the attorneys and staff at Bond & Botes!