It should come as no surprise to learn that singles are less affluent compared to other family structures. According to recent research by the MetLife Mature Market Institute, singles reported the lowest income levels (averaging $32,000), the lowest asset levels ($110,000) and the lowest rates of homeownership (43 percent). A surprisingly low 17 percent said they were on track to reach their retirement savings goals and 20 percent hadn’t even started saving. The biggest worries for singles were affording their living expenses and maintaining their standard of living in retirement.
Most of the financial stress originates from relying on one income instead of two. This makes singles more vulnerable than couples who enjoy double earnings. Additionally, singles tend to earn less money and have lower education levels than their married peers, whether they have children or not. The study also reported that singles between the ages of 45 and 80 were less likely to have taken steps to pay off debt than married couples of the same age.
Changing demographics raise economic concerns
The MetLife study comes at a time when the country’s demographics have already shifted in favor of single-person households. In fact, the U.S Census Bureau reported that single-earner households had grown to 31 million as of 2010, a 15 percent increase over the previous ten years. Meanwhile, traditional husband-wife households are on the decline, making up less than half of all households in America. If singles continue to be financially insecure, this trend could prove to be troubling for the economy.
Of course there are always individuals that buck the trends and find a way to make single life sound better. Eleanore Wells, a singles expert and author of “The Spinsterlicious Life,” said it is far easier for her to save for retirement, because her money is her own and she can spend it how she wants to. Wells isn’t the only one who feels this way. Many divorcees say they are better off single than they were as a couple, especially if their partner was less financially responsible.
Are singles more likely to declare bankruptcy?
Single people face more financial stresses than couples, but bankruptcy is usually caused by major economic stresses, such as a lost home, lower wages or unemployment. Any significant financial strain is likely to result in bankruptcy, but it’s even harder to dig out of debt when you’re facing it alone.
Singles are also less likely to seek the advice of a financial counselor, and less likely to save for retirement. The MetLife study found that couples were far more likely than their single counterparts to pay off debt or have met with a professional to help them map out their finances.
All of this stress on singles ultimately results in a higher rate of Colorado bankruptcy filings for single-headed households. But there is a bright side of bankruptcy; it can give you a fresh start and a clean financial slate. A successful bankruptcy is unrivaled in terms of the freedom it offers. One of the benefits of being single during the bankruptcy process is that you won’t have to worry about jointly-held debts, as is often the concern with couples or recently-separated individuals.
A consultation with a Colorado Springs bankruptcy attorney will help you determine if bankruptcy is the right solution for your debt problems. Many people try debt counseling first, or a debt consolidation loan. An attorney specializing in bankruptcy can advise you on the best course of action.
