How to Deal with Over-Indebtedness
According to the latest figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the number of over-indebted households in France has been increasing steadily for several years. In 2023, it was estimated that nearly 800,000 households were in a situation of over-indebtedness, i.e. they were unable to meet their financial obligations for more than 3 months.
Over-indebtedness can have serious consequences for individuals and families, such as:
- Loss of housing
- Loss of employment
- Health problems
- Social isolation
Causes of Over-Indebtedness
There are many factors that can lead to over-indebtedness, including:
- Loss of income
- Unexpected expenses (e.g. medical bills, car repairs)
- High interest rates on loans
- Credit card debt
- Consumerism
Signs and Symptoms of Over-Indebtedness
If you are worried that you may be over-indebted, there are a few signs and symptoms to look for, such as:
- You are struggling to make your monthly payments
- You are using credit cards to pay for essential expenses
- You are taking out new loans to pay off existing ones
- You are avoiding creditors
How to Deal with Over-Indebtedness
If you are in a situation of over-indebtedness, there are a few steps you can take:
- Contact a credit counselor. A credit counselor can help you create a budget, negotiate with creditors, and develop a plan to get out of debt.
- File for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a legal process that can help you discharge your debts.
- Consolidate your debts. Debt consolidation involves taking out a new loan to pay off your existing debts. This can help you simplify your repayment plan and reduce your interest rates.
Getting Help
If you are struggling with over-indebtedness, there are a number of organizations that can help, such as:
- The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
- The American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI)
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
These organizations can provide you with information, resources, and support to help you get out of debt and improve your financial situation.
Comment faire face à une situation de surendettement ?
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