DEAR BRUCE: My friend has been telling me how much trouble he is in financially. He has more credit card debt than he can handle and other debt that is in “write-off” status. He wants to file bankruptcy. He doesn’t seem to understand the long-lasting implications of this. I think he’s trying to take the easy way out.

He is 30 years old and makes about $28,000 a year. He has told me that among his debts, he is worried about a $10,000 student loan. Any thoughts? — Reader, via email

DEAR READER: I am missing some information here.