Money problems can keep us up at night. It’s a stress that many of us face at some point in our lives. I wrote about another source of stress, divorce, a few weeks ago. Financial stresses can be more difficult to deal with than any other type of stress in life because there may not be one solution to the problem. MarketWatch recently reported that 65% of Americans lose sleep over money worries. That’s even higher than when the economy began to tank in 2007 (57%). The fact is while stocks keep climbing, ordinary Americans are struggling with debt and money problems. They face rising healthcare costs, living costs, and low wages. Some even attribute these issues to Donald Trump’s election to the White House.
So, what can you do about the sleepless nights, the anxiety, and the problems that won’t go away by themselves? For one, you can take action. Assess your financial situation realistically in the light of day. Matt Schulz, senior industry analyst at CreditCards.com, noted in the MarketWatch article, that the best way for consumers to ease ongoing financial anxiety is to take action. Most people in the latest study are doing just that: 82% reported taking at least one step to improve their financial situations over the past year.
If your paycheck or household income isn’t paying the bills and you’re borrowing money each month, it may be time to speak with a good Florida bankruptcy lawyer. I am available to speak with you about your troubles and offer you options. The meeting doesn’t cost you a penny and you will have the benefit of legal advice from an objective third party. If bankruptcy is your best option, I will guide you through each step of the way. Bankruptcy isn’t for everyone or appropriate for every situation but you won’t know that until you speak with a bankruptcy lawyer. If you choose to file for bankruptcy, the end result will give you a fresh financial start. Sleep studies have shown that stress-related insomnia is alleviated when you have a plan to tackle the cause of your anxiety and worry. That may just give you a good night’s sleep so you can tackle the future with a fresh mind and a rested body.