In tough financial times, it’s a natural instinct to lean on the advice and support of our friends and family. But even though they have the best of intentions, it might not be the safest route when you’re steering through the tricky waters of personal or company insolvency. It’s a tough spot to be in, and we should talk about why it’s crucial to approach it with the right kind of help.

Here are a couple of things that can get twisted when we only rely on advice from our close circle:

  • Misguided bravery: Sometimes, the cheerleading from our loved ones can pump us up with an overconfidence that isn’t backed up by reality. It can stop us from reaching out to a professional who might guide us to a real solution, and we might miss golden opportunities to turn things around.
  • The “Let’s wait it out” approach: When we’re feeling vulnerable, doing nothing sometimes seems easier than taking a big step that might feel scary. But advice like “wait and see” can actually make us lose valuable time, stopping us from doing what’s right for us, right when we need to.
  • Using “That one guy’s story” as a roadmap: Our loved ones might share stories or experiences they’ve heard, trying to help us navigate. But the truth is, sorting through insolvency is a complex task that demands knowledge grounded in the very latest legal insights and a deep understanding of your unique situation. Borrowing insights from someone’s old legal books bought at a discount won’t cut it; it’s like trying to win a race with a outdated map!  Honestly, it’s mind-boggling how some people might rely on outdated resources expecting to find the correct answers. Getting advice from sources not in tune with the latest legal developments on insolvency issues can be more than just unhelpful – it can be downright risky.

The heart of the matter is, really digging deep and understanding the intricate details needed to properly handle insolvency is something that usually goes over the head of the average Joe.  The normal Joe does not do the preparation work needed beforehand, and does not know all the questions to ask or corners to look in.  This coupled with the fact that people in real difficulty will often go ‘advice window-shopping’, going to the wrong people and then only giving out their truncated version of the situation in order to get back the advice they want rather than really need, means inexpert advice really is the most dangerous piece of advice anyone can get.   ‘Think getting an expert’s advice is expensive, then you should try getting an inexpert’s advice’!

That’s why, even though our friends and family are amazing for emotional hugs and late-night pep talks, when it comes to insolvency, we need to reserve a seat at the table for a pro. Someone with the right skills and up-to-date knowledge who can stand by your side, giving advice that not only sounds good but stands strong in the real world. It’s all about reaching out to a person who knows the ropes, ensuring the guidance you receive is both timely and reliable. Let’s keep our loved ones in our support squad, but bring in a pro to lead the way to a more secure financial future. It’s a step worth taking.