Unfortunately, debt is something that affects many New Yorkers. Whether it comes from surprise medical bills or simply from someone getting in over their head with their style of living, a person can end up owing more money than they feel they can pay off.
Bankruptcy exists as a way to help ease the burden of debt. In bankruptcy basics, FindLaw explains that there are many different types of bankruptcy that can be filed which deliver debt relief to the filer. For example, Chapter 13 allows for a repayment plan to pay back debts while keeping belongings, while Chapter 7 allows liquidation to repay debts.
However, filing for bankruptcy may not fix the root of the problem even if the immediate debt is resolved. How did a person get to that point in the first place? For some, it might be a series of unfortunate events or ill-timed accidents that happen to cost a lot. For others, however, chronic spending issues may lend to the problem.
U.S. News takes a look at five ways to break bad spending habits. They include practical tips like settling realistic goals that fit between indulgence and deprivation, changing how money is spent, and tracking spending carefully. For example, paying in cash instead of with a card makes it easier to keep track of how much money is actually being used. There are also phone apps that can be used to help in tracking spending, making it easier to keep an eye on the important numbers.
With just a few changes, it can be easier to fix the underlying habits that may be contributing to debt. That way, the chances of backsliding into debt after digging out of it with bankruptcy will be lowered.
