More Retirees Than Ever Are Filing for Bankruptcy -- Here's Why

Most people think bankruptcy is something they'll never have to go through. You may think that because you're diligent about spending less than you earn and avoiding excessive debt, you could never go bankrupt.

However, the number of people filing for bankruptcy is increasing, especially among seniors. People aged 55 and older account for about 20% of total bankruptcy filings -- a number that's doubled since 1994, according to a study from Debt.org. And even financially responsible people go bankrupt far more often than you might expect.

So why do so many people file for bankruptcy? There are many reasons, but the most common is outstanding medical bills.

Source: Fool.com