Want to avoid drowning in COVID-19 debt? Try an installment plan

15-Jul-2020 12:05 PM EDT, by Binghamton University, State University of New York

The COVID-19 pandemic is putting a heavy financial burden on many Americans. To avoid spiraling into debt, you could take advantage of installment plans, says Subimal Chatterjee, distinguished teaching professor at the School of Management at Binghamton University, State University of New York.

“Installment plans have become quite popular during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Chatterjee. “If you spread the payment, you may be able to prevent going into debt. So look for opportunities for installment payments, deferred payments and other forms of debt relief from your financial institutions. But take charge of your financial matters. The worst that can happen is that you believe that the government will step in and take care of you forever. Just wishing it will not make it happen.”