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WHY FILE BANKRUPTCY????
Millions have filed bankruptcy and millions more are considering bankruptcy, even as we speak. Here are some of the statistics:
Bankruptcy Filings:
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| Year | Total | Non-Business | Business |
| 2004 | 1,597,462 | 1,563,145 | 34,317 |
| 2003 | 1,660,245 | 1,625,208 | 35,037 |
| 2002 | 1,577,651 | 1,539,111 | 38,540 |
| 2001 | 1,492,129 | 1,452,030 | 40,099 |
| 2000 | 1,253,444 | 1,217,972 | 35,472 |
There are short-term reasons and then there are the traditional or “long term” reasons why so many people have been filing bankruptcy. See if these apply to you.
- TRADITIONAL REASONS WHY PEOPLE FILE BANKRUPTCY: The Straw that Breaks the Camel’s Back.
Most people do live within their means. Unfortunately, it only takes one major, unexpected problem to destroy carefully-made plans.
- Repossession or foreclosure.
- Garnishment.
- Divorce. (Or, being married in the first place).
- Ex-spouse files bankruptcy.
- Gambling.
- Uninsured Medical Bills and Hospitalization.
- Unemployment, or “underemployment.”
- Loss of driver’s license due to uninsured motorist accident.
- MAJOR SHORT-TERM PROBLEMS AHEAD:
I do not think our economy is doing all that well. Here’s why:
- Gasoline prices are climbing out of sight, once again!
- Home heating costs have risen sharply!
- Insurance rates are going up as a result of Hurricane Katrina!
- Jobs are still being exported overseas!
- Interest rates are jumping!
- Many credit card companies are DOUBLING their MINIMUM MONTHLY PAYMENTS!
In short, the "perfect storm" is brewing and you and I are caught in the middle of it! But people also lose jobs, suffer unexpected, uninsured medical bills and get divorced. Can you honestly blame anyone for things outside their control?
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