Car ownership is essential in the United States
For most people in the United States, owning a vehicle is essential to their lives. Having a car makes it convenient to get to work or school, and around town for running errands.
Bankruptcy rates dropping
Bankruptcy is an effective method to resolve overwhelming debt and for consumers to have a fresh financial start. Still, the number of people filing for personal bankruptcy under Chapter 7 and other types
has dropped since 2010, that is, during the peak that occurred following the 2008 recession.
Medical debt afflicts Tennesseans
Individuals in Tennessee who are dealing with health problems are often contended with unanticipated financial consequences. A report issued earlier this year by the Sycamore Foundation claims that medical debt is prevalent in this state.
According to the report, 24% of Tennesseans with a credit report had credit histories that contained medical debt. This was the 10th highest in the nation. Half of these Tennesseans had at least $739 in medical debt. Most of Tennessee's demographic and socioeconomic groups have this debt, according to available data. Groups with lower income or levels of education and people of color, however, carry more medical debt.
Top purchases underlying millennial credit card debt
Credit cards have driven up household debt over the five years. Unanticipated expenses, college loan payments and low wage growth are the usual culprits. Other avoidable expenses, according to data from the Tally credit card managing app, have also contributed to credit card debt for 18 to 34-year old consumers.
Tally performed a survey of 6,500 of its mostly millennial users and reviewed transactions between Jan 2017 and Oct. 2019. One group had above-average balances between $11,000 and $20,000. The second group had balances up to $3,000. Both groups usually had the same type of spending.
Possible prescriptions for medical debt relief
Over 25% of Americans are having trouble paying off a recent medical bill, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the New York Times. But there are practical methods that may keep medical debt from becoming overwhelming.
An obvious but overlooked task is making sure that there are no overcharges for recent medical services. Doctors' offices and hospitals sometimes make billing errors. In fact, 80% of medical bills contain some errors according to some estimates. Bills should only contain charges for services and medications that were provided. If there is any charge that makes no sense or appears wrong, ask the health care provider for an explanation.
Paying off credit card debt
Credit card debt can sink financial solvency and lead to bankruptcy. There is currently $1 trillion of credit card debt in this country. But there are workable ways to pay off credit card bills.
The avalanche method starts with paying off the credit card rate with the highest interest rate first. After this card is paid off, the credit card with the next highest rate should be paid next. This should continue until all credit card debt is resolved. The avalanche method is recommended for reducing the most amount of credit card interest. While this method is being used, minimum payments must be made on all other credit cards.
You're in debt. Is bankruptcy a viable option?
Do you consider yours an average Tennessee household? If so, then you've likely had your share of financial ups and downs in the past five to 10 years. Even if you have dual income earners in your home, economic strain is not uncommon in this state or throughout the country. How quickly and well you can bounce back when your financial train goes off-track depends on several factors.
Understanding the types of issues that often lead to serious debt may help you avert a disaster. Then again, if you're used to living paycheck to paycheck or having to tap into savings to make ends meet, it might not take much to spark a severe financial crisis. That's why it pays to know ahead of time what type of support resources are available.
Bankruptcy exceptions can protect assets
Bankruptcy can provide a fresh start after incurring insurmountable debt. Chapter 7 exemptions provide bankruptcy protection over a debtor's property while dealing with debt. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is typically a faster and easier process than Chapter 13. Under Chapter 7, most property may be protected. Chapter 13 provides for a 3- to 5-year repayment plan equal to the value of nonprotected assets and works better for debtors who can afford the payment plan.
Debtors in Tennessee can take advantage of exemptions provided under state law but not federal bankruptcy law. State and federal exemptions have many similarities, however. Typical exemptions include life insurance benefits, cars, pensions, retirement benefits, residential property and work implements such as tools and inventory. State law places a monetary limit on each exemption.
The good and bad of credit cards
Having a new credit card can provide perks and better credit. But this can also lead to problems such as credit card debt and a bad credit score. The best reasons for opening a new credit card include new member bonuses such as bonus points, miles, and cash back. Different rewards cards also give a variety of rewards for specific spending behavior that can reflect a Hamilton cardholder's spending habits. Cards may also provide different extras such as extended warranties on purchases, travel or car rental insurance or access to airline lounges. It is important to learn how to use these benefits.
A new credit card may be an excellent method to build a positive payment history by using the card and paying the full balance each month. This also improves the credit utilization ratio that plays a role in setting a credit score.
Pluses and minuses of credit card debt consolidation
Falling behind on credit card debt is a growing problem, especially for "millennials" who use them to pay for living expenses that are not covered by their paychecks. More consumers are using credit card debt consolidation to pay off their unpaid credit card bills. But, this should be carefully considered.
Under this approach, various companies review a person's credit and, if they are eligible, will give them a consolidation loan to pay off their credit cards. The consumer then repays the company for the loan. Some consolidation companies will also engage in debt settlement and negotiate with credit card companies for a smaller payoff balance. This option is available for consumers who suffer financial problems that do not comply with the credit score requirements guiding debt consolidation.
