Contrary to popular belief, bankruptcy does not happen simply because of shopping addictions. Instead, countless Pennsylvania residents teeter on the brink of financial crises when unexpected expenses arise. Of course, student loan debt, unemployment and divorce are also to blame, but there are other, lesser-known events that can factor into the decision to file bankruptcy.
They are difficult to build up, and all too easy to exhaust. Savings accounts can be a comfort in dire times, yet as U.S. News speculates, they do not always prepare for every unexpected expense. Covering some of the less common ways Americans find themselves in financial debacles, U.S. Money states that sudden moves, major household repairs and unexpected travel tend to drain bank accounts suddenly. For example, when an employee’s company decides to change locations, or when someone accepts a new job offer, the employers do not always cover moving expenses. Sudden plumbing problems are another common culprit; those with a high deductible could experience trouble making ends meet after a necessary repair. U.S. Money also notes that, while planning for accidents and family emergencies is not as enjoyable as, say, planning a vacation, unexpected travel can often be inevitable.
Those who struggle to pay for unexpected life events may feel alone, but CNBC reported in 2015 that more than half of Americans simply cannot cover unexpected expenses. At the time of the article’s release, only 38 percent of Americans claimed they could afford an unexpected car repair or emergency room visit. Many, however, use a budget to best grapple with these emergencies. While most wish that unexpected issues could merely solve themselves, sometimes a back-up plan can save the day when life cannot wait.