Credit Card Debt Greater Than Savings For Americans

The results of a recently conducted survey revealed that for many Americans their credit card debt is greater than the money that they have saved in their bank accounts. According to the survey, only 51% of survey responders had enough money saved in their bank accounts to pay off the remainder of their credit card debt. Over 30% of all Americans reported that their credit card debt was greater than the money that remained in their bank accounts. Throughout the United States, the personal savings rate is continuing to decrease. The U.S. Department of Commerce indicates that the savings rate for Americans dropped to 4.2% as of November 2013. The dropping savings rate and the high percentage of Americans reporting that their credit card debt outweighs their savings is most likely the result of extended periods of unemployment, high living expenses, declining incomes, or underemployment. Studies also reflect that consumer debt increased at a rate of 3.3% leading up to the end of the 2013 holiday season while the amount of disposable income per household did not increase which means that more and more people were making purchases using credit cards who will not have the ability to pay off their debts. More troubling is that currently 44% of American households report that they have less than three months savings in their accounts and mounting credit card debt could cause these families to have to endure a complete financial disaster. Oppressive debt issues can have a profoundly negative effect on the lives of families both financially and emotionally. Although a difficult decision for most families, filing for bankruptcy could provide the financial relief and peace of mind that overwhelming credit card debt causes. If you are having trouble dealing with your consumer debt issues and you need help negotiating with creditors or want to know how you may be able to discharge your overwhelming credit card debt through bankruptcy proceedings it is critical that you seek the advice of experienced legal counsel to advise you on these issues. For more information regarding credit card debt, the impact of bankruptcy on your credit, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, Chapter 7 bankruptcy, foreclosure or any other consumer debt issues visit TheNJBankruptcyAttorney.com. This blog is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace the advice of an attorney.