– My debt problem was 34 years old, so it has lasted for a few rounds. The thought of the debt is there every single day, says Roy Gjørtz. He is an ordinary man with a problem that is taboo and difficult to talk about. For a number of years, the debt has ruled his life. Roy Giørtz has struggled with expensive debt for over 30 years. For him, the solution was to contact the bank. Photo: Private Several times he has been without money for food. – I have been privileged to have a family that has supported me, and that I have not been alone, he says. Gjørtz is not the only one struggling with debt. Last year, the Public Prosecutor’s Office received a whopping 3,000 more cases than the year before. – Leads to a lot of misery Over the years, Gjørtz has several times wanted help with his financial problems. In the end, the psychological strain became so great that he had to see a psychologist, and saw no other solution than to call in sick. – The psychological becomes physical. I see what this does to people. They stay at home and do not function in everyday life. It leads to a lot of misery, says Roy Kværnø. He is a financial advisor and general manager at Kr Rådgivning in Trondheim. For 17 years, he has helped an ever-increasing number of customers clear up outstanding debt collection. Gjørtz is one of these. Often those who seek help from him have both a job and a good income, but they still struggle to clean up their personal finances. Roy Kvaernø is a consultant at Kr Rådgivning. Photo: Private Refuses to make contact Gjørtz has chosen to be open about his problems, but does not believe that this is equally easy for everyone. – It is a taboo subject. Outwardly, you would like to look both successful and take part in what is going on in social life. I don’t think there are that many people who are as open as I am. Counselor Kværnø says many of his customers have been reluctant for a long time before making contact. – What I hear from people who come to visit is that there are terribly heavy steps to take from the parking lot to where I am waiting for them. Should avoid pitfalls Are Oust is professor of social economics at NTNU. He says that personal finances can be difficult. – We don’t learn enough about it at school. There are many people who struggle to have control over their own finances and thus make quite simple mistakes. Are Oust is professor of social economics at NTNU. Photo: NTNU Often it is not about doing everything right at all times. According to Oust, one should rather focus on avoiding pitfalls. This could be, for example, not having a large enough buffer account, or not thinking long-term enough. – Planning is extremely important when it comes to personal finances. Unforeseen things happen in everyone’s life. In challenging times it can be tempting to take out unsecured loans. If you have to resort to this, Oust has a clear message. – Don’t take out a loan just to see what happens. Have a plan on how to handle this expensive loan. Does not go away on its own If you have accumulated a large debt, the road to financial freedom can feel difficult. Oust nevertheless believes that most people can manage it with the right help, for example by taking a trip to the bank. – That trip can often feel like a bit of a doorstep mile, but the bank can be a very good and useful sparring partner who can help you come up with a plan for how to get your finances under control. Both Oust and advisor Kværnø agree that the worst thing you can do is not address the problem. – What worries me most are all those who have problems who do not seek help and think that it will go away. It doesn’t, says Kværnø.
ttn-69
More and more people are struggling with debt collection – news Trøndelag
