Financial distress often escalates quickly. A missed payment can turn into a lawsuit. A lawsuit can turn into wage garnishment. Mortgage arrears can lead to foreclosure proceedings. A delinquent vehicle loan can result in repossession. Many individuals assume that once these processes begin, the outcome is inevitable. Under federal bankruptcy law, that assumption is frequently incorrect.
For decades, living paycheck to paycheck was viewed as a short-term challenge. It was something people experienced during early career years, after a job loss, or during a temporary financial disruption. Today, that assumption no longer holds true. For a growing number of Americans, living paycheck to paycheck has become a long-term financial reality that persists even with steady employment and responsible spending.
Many households now find that their income is Read full article
How to Understand Where Your Money Went and How to Improve Next Year
By Chicago Bankruptcy Attorney Joseph Wrobel
The end of the year gives people a natural opportunity to reflect on their financial lives. Most people work hard every day and try to make progress toward a healthier future. Yet it is easy to move through the months without stopping to assess whether spending habits, debts, and financial decisions are helping or hurting long-term goals. When people Read full article
Recent national data show that nearly one in five new vehicle buyers are now signing loans with monthly payments of $1,000 or more. According to Edmunds, this marks a record high and highlights how rising car prices, increased interest rates, and longer loan terms are changing the way consumers finance vehicles. For many households, the decision to buy a new car now comes with far greater long-term financial commitment than in previous years.
The average amount financed Read full article
Reports of major auto industry bankruptcies are capturing attention because they signal more than isolated business problems. They reveal growing stress across an economy where lower-income consumers are carrying heavy debt burdens. According to Reuters, a wave of filings from auto-related Read full article
In 2025, individuals and families across the Chicago metro area are filing for bankruptcy in growing numbers. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings are up, reflecting a combination of city-specific and regional financial stressors. Unlike national economic trends, the Chicagoland area is facing unique challenges, including municipal budget shortfalls, steep property taxes, and rising foreclosure rates.
In 2025, Americans are continuing to deal with the lingering financial consequences of inflation. For many people in Chicago and throughout Illinois, the rising cost of living is not just an inconvenience; it is a financial crisis. As essential expenses increase and interest rates remain high, more individuals and families are turning to bankruptcy as a viable solution to manage unmanageable debt.
Bankruptcy is not about failure. It is about regaining control and Read full article
In 2025, more individuals and families are taking control of their financial futures by filing for bankruptcy, and for good reason. With inflation, medical debt, rising interest rates, and a shifting job market, bankruptcy is no longer a last resort. Instead, it’s a smart legal tool for wiping the slate clean and moving forward with confidence.
At Joseph Wrobel, Ltd., we’ve helped countless individuals and families in Chicago navigate the often overwhelming world of personal bankruptcy. Whether it’s Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, the relief that comes with a fresh financial start is real and life-changing. Bankruptcy is not the end; for many, it’s the beginning of a brighter, more secure future. Here are the top 25 reasons people tell us they’re glad they filed for bankruptcy and reclaimed control of their lives.
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Every year, thousands of people across Illinois and the U.S. face unexpected financial challenges, and many don’t know where to turn. In our latest Bankruptcy FAQ podcast, Chicago bankruptcy attorney Joseph Wrobel addresses the kinds of questions he’s hearing most in 2025, providing practical advice and compassionate guidance.
Use This Link to Listen https://bit.ly/2025-FAQ-Bankruptcy
🔹 Second Mortgages Read full article
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