People all across Miami have fallen victim to the devastating recession that hit the U.S. back in 2007 and continue to struggle with the significant financial toll. Even if a person has bounced back in terms of finding a better job or avoiding foreclosure, there is still a very real chance that the lingering effects of the recession are still causing problems.
For example, a recent study estimates that about 10 percent of people in the U.S. between the ages of 35 and 44 do not take home a full paycheck thanks to wage garnishment. In some cases, 25 percent of a person’s check can be taken out to cover debts from credit cards, student loans and medical bills.
In order for a person’s wages to be garnished, a claim must be filed by collectors or creditors and the case heads to court. In some cases, people may not understand that they need to appear in court, or they may go but don’t think they legal representation. In either case, the decision could be detrimental to the outcome and a person could end up taking home smaller paychecks as a result of old debts.
This could ultimately perpetuate the cycle of mounting debt. With less take-home pay, a person can struggle to keep up with current bills and fall further and further behind in their financial obligations.
Debt is a complex and frightening presence in the lives of millions of people across the country. Too often, people are hesitant to ask for help because they are ashamed or feel as though they can handle the situation on their own. However, failing to properly deal with sources of debt can only make the problem worse.
Rather than run the risk of having your wages garnished, it can be crucial to address mounting debt sooner, rather than later. There are a number of debt relief options available, including bankruptcy, that can help a person get control over finances and work toward a more secure financial future. Exploring these options with the guidance and support of an attorney can help people move forward with confidence.
Source: National Public Radio, “Millions Of Americans’ Wages Seized Over Credit Card And Medical Debt,” Chris Arnold, NPR and Paul Kiel, ProPublica, Sept. 15, 2014
