 Food prices have been on a steady rise over the last four years, and the trend seems to be continuing. In March 2023, the increase in food prices from the previous year was 8.5%, and in February it was even higher at 9.5%. This is the fastest rise in food prices over any four-year period in our history.
One contributing factor to this trend is 'shrinkflation'. This is a phenomenon where manufacturers reduce the size of their product packaging while keeping the price the same. The result is that consumers end up paying the same price for less product. If you take a moment to look at food packaging, you'll likely notice that it has become narrower, and the amount of product inside has decreased. This is happening across most sectors, not just food. There are many reasons for this trend, including rising costs of ingredients, transportation, and labor. As these costs increase, manufacturers are finding it difficult to maintain the same margins without passing the costs onto consumers. While there are no easy solutions to this problem, it's important for consumers to be aware of the trend and to make informed decisions when purchasing products. This could mean shopping around for better deals, buying in bulk, or choosing products with more value for their money. Is your household facing a financial crisis due to these changes and are you ready to consider your legal options? The law office of T. Verner Smith may have answers to your mounting financial problems. Through financial restructuring, debt resolution, or legal options including but not limited to bankruptcy, there are ways to relieve the pressure and chart a path to a better future. Don't be embarrassed, don't be hesitant, you are not alone, and taking action now is the smart approach. Call us at (731) 423-1888 and schedule a free consultation.  The latest CNBC All-America Economic Survey has revealed that a record-breaking 69% of Americans hold negative views about the economy, both now and in the future. The survey, which polled 1,000 people nationwide, highlights that Americans have never been more negative about the state of the economy. That's the highest number since the surveys began 17 years ago.
This pessimistic outlook is fueled by several factors, including persistent inflation, higher interest rates, and recession worries. With the cost of living steadily increasing, many Americans are feeling the financial strain. According to the survey, two-thirds of Americans believe their wages are falling behind inflation, meaning they are earning less in real terms than they were before. This is an alarming trend as it indicates that people are not keeping pace with the rising costs of goods and services. Furthermore, more than half of Americans (54%) cited the rise in food prices as having the most significant impact on their finances. This is concerning as food is an essential expense, and when prices rise, it can have a significant impact on people's overall financial wellbeing. The negative sentiment towards the economy is not surprising given the current economic climate. Inflation has been on the rise, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing by 5.4% in June 2021, the highest rate in nearly 13 years. Higher inflation typically means that the cost of goods and services will increase, leading to higher living costs for Americans. Additionally, there is growing concern over the potential for a recession. With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to impact the economy, many fear that a recession could be imminent. The pandemic has disrupted supply chains, led to job losses, and created uncertainty in the labor market, all of which can contribute to economic instability. Is your household facing a financial crisis due to these changes and are you ready to consider your legal options? The law office of T. Verner Smith may have answers to your mounting financial problems. Through financial restructuring, debt resolution, or legal options including but not limited to bankruptcy, there are ways to relieve the pressure and chart a path to a better future. Don't be embarrassed, don't be hesitant, you are not alone, and taking action now is the smart approach. Call us at (731) 423-1888 and schedule a free consultation.  Inflation is a reality that affects everyone, from individuals to businesses to entire economies. Its effects can be felt in the form of higher prices for goods and services, reduced purchasing power, and an increased cost of living. Consumers, in particular, have been hit hard by inflation and are looking for ways to cope with its effects.
One of the most common strategies adopted by consumers to deal with inflation is to look for ways to cut costs. This can take many forms, from seeking out lower prices and discounts when making a purchase, to eating out less and delaying major purchases. Additionally, many consumers are turning to generic products instead of name-brand ones in order to save money. Unfortunately, for some individuals, cutting costs is not enough to make ends meet. As a result, many consumers are turning to credit cards, loans, or pawnshops to help pay for their increased costs. According to recent data, 21% of adults are relying on credit to deal with inflation. While this may provide a quick solution in the short term, relying on credit can be a risky financial move. One of the major risks associated with relying on credit to deal with inflation is the increased interest payments. Those who carry balances on their credit cards or pay off loans slowly will ultimately pay more in interest. This risk is further compounded by the fact that interest rates have risen dramatically in recent years. This issue is particularly prevalent in Tennessee, where recent analysis found that 37.5% of adults relied on credit cards to meet their spending needs. Additionally, 19.7% of adults in the state have increased their credit card usage due to recent price increases. Is your household facing a financial crisis due to these changes and are you ready to consider your legal options? The law office of T. Verner Smith may have answers to your mounting financial problems. Through financial restructuring, debt resolution, or legal options including but not limited to bankruptcy, there are ways to relieve the pressure and chart a path to a better future. Don't be embarrassed, don't be hesitant, you are not alone, and taking action now is the smart approach. Call us at (731) 423-1888 and schedule a free consultation.  Personal bankruptcy is a legal process that allows individuals to eliminate or restructure their debts. It is typically considered a last resort when other options, such as debt consolidation or negotiating with creditors, have been exhausted. Here are some common reasons why people consider filing for personal bankruptcy:
The Office of T. Verner Smith has helped thousands of Tennessee residents navigate this process and has a great reputation for handling the process in a respectful and professional manner. The first step is simply making a phone call to inquire about a free consultation. Call us at (731) 423-1888 and let's begin finding solutions for your problems today. According to an article from CBS news: "The end of federal pandemic aid is putting many Americans and businesses under mounting financial pressure, leading to a spike in bankruptcies. Total bankruptcy filings in January shot up 19% in January to 31,087, up 19% from a year ago, according to data from Epiq, a legal research firm. The number of Americans who filed for bankruptcy across Chapters 7, 11 and 13 shot up 20% in January from a year ago. The surge in filings comes as rising interest rates and high inflation continue to stress household budgets."  The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy, causing financial hardship for individuals and businesses alike. With the pandemic aid programs now coming to an end, bankruptcy filings are on the rise nationwide. Banktuptcy attorney Verner Smith in Jackson, Tennessee, is seeing an influx of clients from all across West Tennessee seeking debt relief.
As an experienced bankruptcy attorney, Verner Smith understands the challenges facing individuals and businesses struggling with debt. He is well-versed in the bankruptcy process and can help clients navigate the complex legal system to achieve the best possible outcome. The pandemic has affected many different industries, from travel and hospitality to retail and manufacturing. With so many people losing their jobs or experiencing reduced income, it's not surprising that bankruptcy filings are on the rise. The pandemic aid programs, such as stimulus checks and unemployment benefits, provided some relief for those in need, but now that these programs are ending, many people are finding it difficult to make ends meet. If you're struggling with debt, it's important to seek the help of a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney like Verner Smith. He can evaluate your financial situation and recommend the best course of action to help you get back on track. Bankruptcy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so it's important to work with an attorney who can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances. One of the benefits of filing for bankruptcy is that it can provide immediate relief from creditor harassment, wage garnishments, and other collection activities. It can also give you a fresh start by wiping out certain types of debt, such as credit card debt and medical bills. If you're considering bankruptcy, seek the advice of a qualified bankruptcy attorney like Verner Smith. With his help, you can make an informed decision about whether bankruptcy is the right option for you. Through financial restructuring, debt resolution, or legal options including but not limited to bankruptcy, there are ways to relieve the pressure and chart a path to a better future. Don't be embarrassed, don't be hesitant, you are not alone, and taking action now is the smart approach. Call us at (731) 423-1888 and schedule a free consultation.  The U.S. Census Bureau, in their most recent survey taken the first two weeks of February, found 16% of respondents expect to be evicted in the next two months. Another 23% said it was somewhat likely.
The data demonstrates that Americans are continuing to struggle with inflation, and some are now facing even more difficulties with the SNAP pandemic benefits expiration that occurred March 1st. Families of four at 200% of the poverty line has the most to lose with the loss of additional SNAP benefits. Additionally, the unwinding of pandemic Medicaid coverage will ultimately leave millions without coverage. Southern states, according to the data, show higher rates of financial stress. If your household facing a financial crisis due to these changes and are you ready to consider your legal options? Through financial restructuring, debt resolution, or legal options including but not limited to bankruptcy, there are ways to relieve the pressure and chart a path to a better future. Don't be embarrassed, don't be hesitant, you are not alone, and taking action now is the smart approach. Call us at (731) 423-1888 and schedule a free consultation.  According to the latest information from the Federal Reserve, credit card debt in the last quarter of 2022 rose to $986 billion. That's an increase of $61 billion.
The data also indicates a rise in credit card deliquencies, especially among young adults. Growing credit card debt often leads to a financial crisis, triggered by higher fees and higher interest rates. According to financial advisors, credit cards should be paid in full every month. Paying the monthly minimum only results in paying mostly for the interest accruing on the debt and makes little impact on the overall balance. Advisors also warn about credit card companies offering zero interest, as up-front fees are often included in the offer and the zero interest is for a limited time, often defaulting to even higher rates than your previous card. Has credit card debt overwhelmed you to the point you feel there is no way out? Through financial restructuring, debt resolution, or legal options including but not limited to bankruptcy, there are ways to relieve the pressure and chart a path to a better future. Don't be embarrassed, don't be hesitant, you are not alone, and taking action now is the smart approach. Call us at (731) 423-1888 and schedule a free consultation.  (1/4/22) The latest statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics say a record 4.5 million quit their jobs in the month of November, 2021. The categories featuring the most 'quits' were the hospitality industry as well as health care, followed by warehousing, transportation, and utilities. The quit rate was more than twice as high as layoffs/discharges. Experts speculate the service and health care industries are more likely to result in quits due to concerns about COVID-19 exposure. Lower entry pay and a lack of opportunity for tips and advancements also impact the service industry. The South recorded the highest quit rate, greatly eclipsing other sectors of the country. Nearly 1.9 million workers in the South quit their jobs, compared to 611,000 in the Northeast, 960,000 in the West, and 999,999 in the Midwest. More details here: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.nr0.htm If your family is struggling due to COVID related issues, call us at the law office of T. Verner Smith. Through financial restructuring, debt resolution, or legal options including but not limited to bankruptcy, there are ways to relieve the pressure and chart a path to a better future. Don't be embarrassed, don't be hesitant, you are not alone, and taking action now is the smart approach. Call us at (731) 423-1888 and schedule a free consultation.  According to at least one on-line article, the current unemployment rate is nearly DOUBLE what they say it is.
In an article written earlier this week (here), the author says "the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't actually count the number of people who are employed/unemployed; they rely on a sampling survey of employers, which is more like an election poll than an actual measurement." He goes on to say that the data collectors "ignore the 14.3 million contract/gig workers who are currently drawing emergency Federal unemployment via Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, and the 936,000 in the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program." Additionally, he writes "...even the 21% real-world unemployment rate doesn't reflect the full unemployment picture (which should include) previously full-time workers who have had their hours cut to part-time." He notes those tabulations aren't figured into the totals at all, yet they do exist. And finally, a group that is often left out of the unemployment picture are small business owners who have closed. Those who are incorporated and paid unemployment insurance on THEMSELVES qualify for unemployment, HOWEVER, many owners didn't pay themselves as employees - and their status is uncertain and uncounted. Ultimately, as the article clearly notes, while an unemployment figure of 12% is more than triple what it was less than 6 months ago...the ACTUAL number is much worse than reported. If you already feel your financial situation is out of control...contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION for debt resolution and/or bankruptcy at (731) 423-1888. The law office of T. Verner Smith has helped thousands overcome financial problems, and can help you too. Call today!  New projections for Tennessee suggest that COVID-19 could return with a second wave three times worse than the last.
According to projections compiled by healthdata.org, Tennessee is predicted to see a return of the virus, resulting in an additional 1,500 deaths between now and October 1st. The death total, to date, is around 485. See the projection chart by clicking here. Healthdata.org noted that the likely rise is attributed to several factors: "These forecasts indicate that COVID-19 infections could rise between August and September as we enter the fall season, human contact increases, social distancing mandates continue to be relaxed. We assume that schools will start to reopen in mid-August for in-person instruction, resulting in further increased mobility thereafter. All of these factors are likely to contribute to an increase in COVID-19 deaths." What will this mean for the next few months in West Tennessee? Will the state, counties, and cities return to lock downs? Or will we, as a society, just accept that the virus is going to infect and ultimately kill a certain percentage of those who come into contact with it, similar to how we have adapted to flu death numbers? Regardless of what measures are taken, there is still no doubt that financial stability will continue to be rocked as businesses, employers, the workforce, and society in general will continue to alter their behaviors in a way that affects the economy. The end result is that a larger percentage of families will find themselves cash-strapped and overburdened with debt. Legal remedies are often the best solution in order to reset home budgets, overcome the COVID-19 economic impact, and put families on better footing for the future. If this crisis has created a personal financial situation you feel is out of control for you...contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION for debt resolution and/or bankruptcy at (731) 423-1888. The law office of T. Verner Smith has helped thousands overcome financial problems, and can help you too. Call today! |
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