Overcoming shame is the toughest aspect of filing bankruptcy. Knowing the others are judging you, deeming you to be a failure. The harsh thoughts that you took advantage of the system and the simple way out instead of paying your debts like everyone else.
Filing personal bankruptcy is not a get out of jail free card to buy whatever you chose dont have to pay for it. But the majority of Americans are not taking advantage. Those that do continually file for personal bankruptcy after they repeatedly make thousand in debt are a small minority of Americans that give bankruptcy a terrible name.
But for most of people who file for bankruptcy, many file for because they lost their job and havent been able to find a new one, or the people whom have exorbitant medical bills that they will never recover from, some are single mothers who have been abandoned and dont receive child support or may be buried with the financial obligations of their former partner. For many Americans, its a combination of issues.
I was very judgmental of people who filed for personal bankruptcy. I figured they couldnt budget their money and spent it on things they didnt need. I assumed they frivolously spent their money. I looked down on them for foolishly mismanaging their money.
As I filed for personal bankruptcy, I had to release the thoughts I had about others who had also filed, as I knew critical thoughts on my budget and spending would be thought about me. Knowing my name would be published in the public record in the newspaper, the whispers of gossip that were silenced as I walked in the room, knowing I failed with some of my financial obligations, was something I would have to face.
Even though you are going to be subjected to harsh judgments, you have to determine what the best choice is for your family. So is it unethical to file bankruptcy and erase your debts and financial obligations? Are you the irresponsible louse that others judge you to be? Are you a giant failure?
Once I looked deep within myself, I chose that I was going to face failure and take responsibility for my financial missteps. For the bill collectors to call from sun up to sun down, should that be ignored? to night. To tear up the collection notices that are in the mail everyday is irresponsible. You are a failure of you kid yourself about the debt you have made. I was a failure to my family for not properly preparing for retirement, or college or a savings account. Not being able to provide the things my children needed, like school clothes, made me a failure.
Once you thoroughly evaluate your financial situation and take steps in fixing your actions, you start to take responsibility for the mistakes you have made. It is irresponsible to pretend your financial problems don’t exist. Take the responsibility to fix your family‘s future.