Debt Shame: Why Debt Shaming Isn't Helpful and What to Do Instead

[@Sarahalpotter]

Honestly, I have a lot of shame around my medical debt. This year has been really difficult financially due to a mystery illness I have that I continue to get testing for. I think my difficulty truly lies in the fact that I used to have it together financially then my savings burned out before I could replenish it due to all the constant costs of medical needs. It's been a big challenge for my sense of self, shattering for my confidence, and my second biggest struggle to date. Thank you for sharing this perspective it's so important to discuss.

[@elizabethlibero1878]

Great video! It is so heartbreaking to read comments sometimes people say I just pay cash, I paid off my house etc. I wonder why are they on the debt blogs? It’s really hard to make ends meet these days that crash in 2008 hit people hard and medical debt is America’s shame not the citizens who deserve to have healthcare. Student loans are also troublesome. Using them is OK but the predatory payback is also shameful! This video is so relevant thank you!

[@StefanieOConnell]

Agreed. So many pieces of advice feel hollow within the context of the realities so many of us actually operate in. We need to lead with compassion and context, rather than shame and dogmatism

[@beloved416]

Great video!

[@AngieAlonzo]

Amazing video! I think this really does goes hand in hand with why a lot of people refuse to talk about their finances. Thank you for being awareness to this subject ❤️

[@StefanieOConnell]

Thanks Angie. I think you're right that it goes beyond debt too. Shaming in general shuts people down rather than engages them. I hope we can start shifting our model of PF talk to be more centered around compassion than shame.

[@AngieAlonzo]

@@StefanieOConnell I agree 100%

[@மக்கள்_சேவகர்145வதுவார்டு]

Nice video....

[@mikedevo363]

I have the answer!! Because Americans overspend! They buy things they can't afford.

[@StefanieOConnell]

Like healthcare.

[@mikedevo363]

@@StefanieOConnell like on cars, houses, and overpriced colleges for their kids. The problem is people don't buy health insurance before they get sick. Health insurance in my opinion is not reasonable in this country because of the new health care Reform Act.