Various problems, like job loss, a medical crisis or a death in the family, could motivate Mississippi consumers to pursue bankruptcy when their income cannot keep up with debt payments. About two-thirds of the non-business bankruptcies filed by individuals fall under Chapter 7 bankruptcy rules. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy requires the sale of assets to recover money for creditors before a judge typically discharges remaining debts. Certain assets are usually exempt from liquidation, like the family home, but the mortgage on the family home might still remain a burden if not included in a bankruptcy.
Baby boomer bankruptcy is on the rise
Overall, the nation's economy is in relatively good shape. This means that unemployment rates are down throughout much of Mississippi and the rest of the United States. However, there is a somewhat new phenomenon that is showing a darker financial picture for some Americans -- there is a notable increase in bankruptcy filings for older individuals, particularly for baby boomers.
Credit card debt is rising in the U.S.
Many people living in Mississippi have concerns about credit card debt. While credit cards can be a useful tool in managing personal finances, consumers will sometimes run up balances that can be difficult to manage or pay off. In fact, a recent study has shown that the average household credit card debt in the United States is $8,284.
