The document discusses the current economic situation in the USA. It begins by describing the global financial crisis that started in 2007 with the US housing market collapse and spread worldwide. This crisis has triggered a full recession in most advanced countries. It then discusses how job losses can negatively impact people emotionally and in their personal relationships by damaging self-worth and causing financial stress and relationship tensions. Finally, it provides an overview of debt settlement as an alternative to bankruptcy that involves negotiating with creditors to pay off a percentage of total debts.