Debt surges and so does Inflation

As if we can't see it ourselves, the Federal Reserve reports that consumer debt levels increased 14% in March 2022. Credit card debt and other revolving debt increased by 21.4%.

Revolving credit, which includes credit cards, surged by 21.4%.

Food is up 10%, and gas is up 25% over a year ago. Pension payments have not increased, the stock market is down 20%, and social security payments are up only 5% or less.

At Geraci Law, we have seen this cycle before. Geraci Law is one of the oldest and largest debt relief agencies in the country, with roots going back to 1977. This data indicates that the cost of living will increasingly outstrip the ability to pay debt, in the coming months.

"It usually takes 2 years for consumers to realize they should eliminate or consolidate debt using either Chapter 7 or 13", says Geraci Law founding member attorney Peter Francis Geraci.

"Bankruptcy filings are at a historic low, and borrowing is at a historic high, with the good feelings of a stock market bonanza all but gone." Geraci Law is seeing an increase in Chapter 13 debt repayment plans filed by retired persons, and those approaching retirement. "Retirees and fixed income individuals are the canaries in the coal mine, the first to suffer from inflation and high debt repayments", said Mr. Geraci.