How Would You Handle This Debt Problem?
Do you know anyone with a debt problem? A colleague presented the following case regarding a young couple with a debt problem to me and asked for my input. Since debt problems come up frequently, especially with younger clients, I thought sharing their story might help someone else in a similar situation.
The Debt Problem
“I have a couple, married a year ago with a baby. She has a school loan of $80,000 and he brought in $40,000 in credit card debt. All savings of $20,000 has been depleted by baby in hospital. They both have jobs, paying a total of $75,000 and trying to get second jobs. Suggestions? I’ve never run into this sort of debt problem before in clients. Thanks!”
The family dynamics in this case are pretty intense. Having a baby has its own level of stress, both emotionally and financially. When you compound it with a budget already strained by debt, I can only imagine what else is going on. I am going to walk you through my process and as I do, please think about how you would advise this couple. If this was your son or daughter (and your grandchild) how would you want them guided? Unfortunately, having a debt problem is common. Before I can dive into “advice mode”, I need to do a little digging.