Top 5 Reasons why Individuals file for Bankruptcy
1. Medical Debt
The vast majority of families that file bankruptcy report medical debt is one of the primary reasons for filing. Sudden catastrophic illnesses or out-of-network charges quickly increases medical bills by thousands of dollars.
2. Foreclosure
Almost half of those surveyed were spurred on by threat of foreclosure. Often the mortgage lender has denied a loan modification or requests an exorbitant amount to reinstate the loan. Filing a Chapter 13 Petition stops the foreclosure process.
3. Totality of Debt
Let's face it, we live, work and play in a credit based economy. Unfortunately, store cards and major credit cards can quickly tax our disposable income as the minimum monthly payments barely cover interest.
4. Financial Obligations to Family
Our family dynamics are changing. Adult children are opting to stay home longer, or move back home after college, while families are also tasked with caring for elderly family members.The financial strain of an ever increasing household size pushes some to their financial limit.
5. Student Loans
Americans owe approximately 1.5 trillion dollars in student loans. While there are several repayment options available, most individuals cannot maintain repaying their student loans, credit card obligations and/or medical expense.
Unfortunately, while there has been some promising headway, in general, student loans are not dischargeable through bankruptcy.
You're Not Alone
Almost a million people filed for Bankruptcy in 2019. In the Harrisburg Metropolitan Area, York County led with the most filings, followed by Dauphin and Cumberland County. Read the full county by county breakdown.