Dr. Hira (right) has led a multitude of classes and seminars about her research findings on personal bankruptcy and debt.
Dr. Hira is a highly sought after consultant and commentator in the field of consumer bankruptcy. Her research includes consumer debt, student debt, gambling, gambling debt, chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy, consumer credit, financial counseling, and financial problems.
Through testimony and consultation, Dr. Hira has helped to shape public policy on bankruptcy in the United States and abroad. She has served as an expert witness for both the United States Senate Committee on Judiciary for revisions of consumer bankruptcy code and the United States Senate Banking Committee to discuss the need for money management education.
Honors and Awards
| 2008–2010 |
Iowa Credit Union Board, appointed by Governor Chet Culver. |
| 1998 |
Expert witness for the United States Senate Committee on Judiciary—revision of Consumer Bankruptcy Code, March 11, Washington, D.C. |
| 1996 |
Distinguished Fellows Award, the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE). |
| 1989 |
Certification of Recognition as a resource person for a one-week professional development training workshop by Consumer Corporate Affairs, Canada Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy. |
Research Grants
An international survey of causes and effects of consumer bankruptcy, Labor Saving Banks’ Association, Japan, $124,000; Investigating differences in bankruptcy circumstances and consequences for petitioners filing under Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13, National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges (NCBJ) Endowment for Education, $55,177. Gambling and the bankruptcy connection, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, $6,630; The impact of gambling on relationships, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, $1,200; Analyzing economic stress on families from consumer credit, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, Grace Olson Endowment Fund, $2,700; Financial management practices of household money managers: A longitudinal study, Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, $11,000; The correlates of financial problems among families in financial counseling, Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, $30,000; International research conference on consumer bankruptcies, Julia F. Anderson International Fund and International Affairs Office, $2,066.
Publications
Refereed Journals
| 2006 |
Loibl, Cäzilia, Tahira K. Hira, and Michael Rupured. First-time vs. repeat filers: The likelihood of completing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan. Financial Counseling and Planning 17(1):23–33. |
| 2000 |
Hira, T. K., and K. W. Monson. A social learning perspective of gambling behavior among college students at Iowa State University, USA. Journal of Consumer Studies and Home Economics 24(1):1–8. |
| 1999 |
Power, M. L., T. K. Hira, and R. P. Murphy. Personal bankruptcy, a risk management technique: Policy implications. Risk Management and Insurance Review 2(7):81–102. |
| 1995 |
Hira, T. K., and K. Kostelecky. Methods of data collection from debtors in bankruptcy after discharge: A pilot study. Journal of the Family Economics and Resource Management Division of AAFCS, 1:101–7. |
| 1992 |
Hira, T. K. Causes and effects of consumer bankruptcies: A cross-cultural comparison. Journal of Consumer Studies and Home Economics 16:229–43. |
| 1992 |
Wasberg, C. K., T. K. Hira, and A. M. Fanslow. Credit card usage: Consumer debt burden of households. Journal of Consumer Studies Home Economics 16:19–32. |
| 1990 |
Hira, T. K. Changes in factors influencing consumer debt in Scottish families 1984–1987. Journal of Consumer Studies and Home Economics 14:165–75. |
| 1990 |
Danes, S. M., and T. K. Hira. Knowledge, beliefs, and practices in the use of credit cards. Home Economics Research Journal 18(3):223–35. |
| 1987 |
Hira, T. K. Factors contributing to family financial problems. Institute of Home Economics, Scottish Branch, Queen’s College, Glasgow, Scotland. |
| 1987 |
Hira, T. K., and O. Mugenda. Families’ perspective of the bankruptcy process. Family Perspectives 21(1):59–67. |
| 1986 |
Hira, T. K. Impact of financial problems on family living and family financial management education. Hyogo University of Teacher Education, Japan. |
| 1985 |
Ulrichson, M. A., and T. K. Hira. The impact of financial problems on family relations. Family Perspectives 19(3):177–88. |
| 1983 |
Hira, T. K. Is Canadian bankruptcy law in accord with present economic situation? Canadian Home Economics Journal 33(4):206–8. |
| 1982 |
Hira, T. K., and K. Leskiw. Importance of financial counseling for families in debt. American Home Economics Journal 4(2):28–30. |
| 1982 |
Hira, T. K. Socioeconomic characteristics of families in bankruptcy. Canadian Home Economics Journal 32(1):26–34. |
| 1980 |
Hira, T. K. Evaluation of small debtors program in Manitoba. Manitoba Law Journal 11(1):101–9. |
Books and Chapters in Books
| 1993 |
Hira, T. K. Determinants of effects of bankruptcy and satisfaction with bankruptcy (a solution to credit problems): An international comparison. In R. von Schweitzer (Ed.), Cross-Cultural Approaches to Home Management (18: pp. 177–211). Campus Verlag, Frankfurt Main, Giessen, Germany: Reihe Stiftung der Private Haushalt. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Causes and effects of consumer bankruptcies. In International Comparative Research Studies: Consumer Bankruptcies. Tokyo, Japan: Research Institute of Labor Banks. |
| 1997 |
Hira, T. K. Application of financial counseling skills to work with delinquent clients. In T. Nishimura (Ed.), Credit Counseling (pp. 75–88). Tokyo, Japan: Oriental Economic Press. |
Invited Papers
| 1995 |
Hira, T. K., and K. Kostelecky. Pilot study of consumer debtors provides new insights: What influences debtors’ attitudes? American Bankruptcy Institute Journal 15(3):1, 30–1, 36–7. |
Papers in Refereed Proceedings
| 2005 |
Hira, Tahira K., Cäzilia Loibl, and Michael Rupured. Debtor education and the ability to complete Chapter 13 repayment plans. Proceedings of the Academy of Financial Services Annual (CD proceedings). Chicago, Illinois, October 12. |
| 1995 |
Hira, T. K., H. Noh, and M. Winter. Relationship between borrowing practices and financial difficulties among rural households. In C. Y, Kratzer (Ed.), Financial Empowerment: Financial Counseling and Planning Across the Life Cycle (pp. 21–31). National Pre-Conference of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, New Orleans, Louisiana. |
| 1994 |
Hira, T. K., A. Swift, and K. L. Kostelecky. Development of a diagnostic instrument to identify family problems among financial counseling clients. In R. H. Lytton (Ed.), Public Policy and Economic Well-being: The Financial Counselor’s Role (pp. 312–24). Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia. |
| 1993 |
Dufresne, T. J., and T. K. Hira. Bankrupts’ decision-making and coping process: A relationship among pre-bankruptcy factors. In V. S. Fitzsimmons (Ed.), Challenges for Financial Counseling and Planning Professionals (pp. 160–71). University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois. |
| 1992 |
Hira, T. K. The rehabilitative aspect of consumer bankruptcy procedures. In D. Iams (Ed.), Mind and Money: The Quest for Financial Control and Stability (pp. 120–38). Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education Annual Conference, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. |
| 1990 |
Hira, T. K. Causes and effects of consumer bankruptcies: An international comparison. In Robert Weagley (Ed.), Many Perspectives Coming Together (pp. 21–38). Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. |
| 1986 |
Dane, M. S., and T. K. Hira. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the use of credit. In American Council on Consumer Interest Proceedings (pp. 234–60). St. Louis, Missouri. |
| 1983 |
Ulrichson, A., and T. K. Hira. The effect of exemption regulations on personal bankruptcies. In J. Burton (Ed.), Changes in Economic Policy—Implications for Family Well-Being (pp. 42–7). Annual Western Regional Family Economics and Home Management. |
Non-Refereed Papers—Proceedings and Other
| 1997 |
Hira, T. K., K. Monson, and C. Ingram. Gambling: Impact on family and family finances. In D. Draper and C. Johnson (Eds.), Gambling and the Family Conference Proceedings. College of Family and Consumer Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. |
| 1997 |
Hira, T. K., C. Ingram, and K. Monson. Gambling among college students—Their behaviors and beliefs. In D. Draper and C. Johnson (Eds.), Gambling and the Family Conference Proceedings. College of Family and Consumer Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. |
| 1995 |
Hira, T. K. Credit counseling for insolvent debtor: Implications for debtors and creditors. In Credit Age. March 10–11, Japan Consumer Finance Association, Osaka, Japan. |
| 1995 |
Hira, T. K. The credit problems of the US consumers and role of financial counseling. In Credit Age. March 4–9, Japan Consumer Finance Association, Osaka, Japan. |
| 1995 |
Hira, T. K. The credit problems of the US consumers and role of financial counseling. In Credit Age. March 4–9, Japan Consumer Finance Association, Osaka, Japan. |
Technical and Research Reports
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Evaluation of bankruptcy procedures and proposal for new directions. Prepared for the Deputy Superintendent of Bankruptcy, Consumer and Corporate Affairs Canada, Ottawa/Hull. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Causes and effects of consumer bankruptcies—An international comparison: United States, Canada, Scotland, and Japan. Prepared for Rodo-Kinko Kyokai, Labor Bank Association, Tokyo, Japan. |
| 1987 |
Hira, T. K. Analysis of debt structure of Scottish families: 1984–1987. Prepared for the Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureau, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. |
| 1979 |
Hira, T. K. A study of the small debtor program in Manitoba: 1973–1977. Prepared for Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, Manitoba, Canada. |
Other Professional Activities
Consulting
Citibank Recovery Unit, A move from debt collector to financial advisor; Japan Consumer Finance Association, Development of financial counseling centers and training of financial counselors, Tokyo and Osaka, Japan; University of Minnesota, Department of Family Services, Evaluation of curriculum to develop a focus on financial counseling, St. Paul, Minnesota; Credit Card Services, Understanding and communicating with the overextended card member to prevent delinquencies and bankruptcies; Citibank Credit Department, Understanding predictors of consumer delinquencies and consumer bankruptcies.
Reviewer for Research Papers at Regional and National Conferences
Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education’s annual conference (juried paper); Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education’s annual conference (student paper awards).
Invited Presentations to Professional Organizations/Groups
International
| 2003 |
Hira, T. K. Impact of the proposed U.S. consumer bankruptcy legislation on credit counseling and financial education of the American consumer (keynote). Annual Conference of the Academy of Consumer Finance and Services, Sapporo, Japan, November. |
| 2003 |
Hira, T. K. Challenges facing the debt counseling industry in America and global implications. Japan Consumer Finance Association (JCFA) Financial Counseling Workshop, Tokyo, Japan, October. |
| 1999 |
Hira, T. K. The nature of a fresh start and the role of financial education in granting discharge to Chapter 7 debtors. INSOL International Conference of the Americas, Bermuda. |
| 1997 |
Hira, T. K. Consumer credit culture: Implications for the 21st century. International Credit Association (ICA) District VI Conference, Omaha, Nebraska. |
| 1994 |
Hira, T. K. Underlying causes of family financial problems and development of appropriate financial counseling techniques. Otago Budget Advisory Services district meeting, Dunedin, New Zealand. |
| 1994 |
Hira, T. K. Consumer debt and consumer bankruptcy in the U.S.A.: The need for money management education and financial counseling. Association of Home Science Alumnae of New Zealand, Inc., Dunedin, New Zealand. |
| 1992 |
Hira, T. K. International comparison of consumer bankruptcy and consumer debt (keynote). Annual meeting of National Conference of Bankruptcy Clerks (NCBC), Acapulco, Mexico. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Analysis of debt structure among bankruptcies: An international comparison. The West-London University, London, England. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Relationship between consumer bankruptcies and family poverty in Scotland. Citizens Advice Scotland Jubilee National Conference on Poverty, Glasgow, Scotland. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Invited to be the resource leader in the professional development program for official receivers of the bankruptcy branch. Conducted by Superintendent of Bankruptcy, Consumer, and Corporate Affairs Canada, Halifax, Canada. |
| 1987 |
Hira, T. K. Credit unions and their role in financial counseling in the United States. Annual meeting of North Edinburgh Credit Union, Edinburgh, Scotland. |
| 1987 |
Hira, T. K. Consumer credit problems affecting U.S. families. Jubilee Centre for Family Research, Cambridge, England. |
| 1986 |
Hira, T. K. Consumer bankruptcies in the U.S. and Canada: Causes and effects. Osaka Bar Association, Osaka, Japan. |
National and Regional Presentations
| 2004 |
Hira, T. K. Consumer bankruptcy—Global comparisons (North America, Asia, and Europe). Eastern Family Economics and Resource Management Association (EFERMA) Regional Symposium on Consumer Bankruptcy, February. |
| 1998 |
Hira, T. K. Bankruptcy and Gambling in Iowa: Is there a connection? Annual Conference for the National Coalition against Gambling Expansion, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| 1994 |
Hira, T. K. Differences in bankruptcy circumstances and consequences for petitioners filing under Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13. Annual seminar of National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees, Albuquerque, New Mexico. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Determinants of consumer debt problems among Scottish families. Poster session presented at the Annual Conference of American Home Economics Association, Cincinnati, Ohio. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Role of bankruptcy as a legal alternative for overextended debtors. Accent Financial Services, West Des Moines, Iowa. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Impact of consumer bankruptcy on debtor’s family life: An international comparison. 19th Advance Procedures Bankruptcy Conference, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Role of bankruptcy as a legal alternative for overextended debtors. Accent Financial Services, West Des Moines, Iowa. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Impact of bankruptcies on families: An international comparison. Regional meeting of Family and Consumer Sciences Alumni Association, Focus on Research, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. |
| 1988 |
Hira, T. K. Causes and effects of consumer bankruptcies. Iowa Credit Society, Des Moines, Iowa. |
| 1988 |
Hira, T. K. Evaluation of consumer bankruptcy process: International comparisons. International Conference on Consumer Bankruptcy, Ames, Iowa. |
| 1984 |
Hira, T. K. Research: How it helps understand financial concerns of families. Iowa State University Cooperative Extension Service Family Financial Counseling Workshop, Cedar Falls, Iowa. |
| 1981 |
Hira, T. K. Financial problems and money management for church families. Iowa Clergy Economic Education 16th Annual Conference, Boone, Iowa. |
Juried Presentations at Professional Meetings—Regional, National, or International
| 2006 |
Loibl, Cäzilia, and Tahira K. Hira. First-time vs. repeat filers: The likelihood of completing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan (research paper). Eastern Family Economics and Resource Management Association (EFERMA) Conference, Knoxville, Tennessee. |
| 2005 |
Hira, Tahira K., Cäzilia Loibl, and Michael Rupured. Debtor education and the ability to complete Chapter 13 plans (research paper). Academy of Financial Services Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, October 8–9. |
| 2001 |
Enders, L., T. K. Hira, B. Miller, and T. Carlson. A narrative: Financial counseling approach to gambling issues. Annual Conference of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Denver, Colorado. |
|
Hira, T. K. The impact of gambling on interpersonal relationships. Gambling & Gaming: Winners & Losers? Conference, University of Omaha–Nebraska. |
| 2000 |
Hira, T. K., M. Anderson, and K. Petersen. What do students know about their education debt and impact on life after graduation? American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Chicago, Illinois. |
| 1999 |
Hira, T. K. The impact of gambling on household finances: Role of financial educators. American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Seattle, Washington. |
| 1998 |
Enders, L., T. K. Hira, and B. Miller. The impact of gambling on interpersonal relationships. National Conference of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Dallas, Texas. |
| 1995 |
Hira, T. K., H. Noh, and M. Winter. Relationship between borrowing practices and financial difficulties among rural households. National Conference of Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE), New Orleans, Louisiana. |
| 1995 |
Hira, T. K., and K. L. Kostelecky. Methods of data collection from debtors in bankruptcy—Procedural concerns. Biennial Pre-conference of Family Resource Management, New Orleans, Louisiana. |
| 1994 |
Hira, T. K., A. Swift, and K. L. Kostelecky. Development of a diagnostic instrument to understand the role of family problems among financial counseling clients. National Conference of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, Nashville, Tennessee. |
| 1994 |
Strand, J. K., T. K. Hira, and B. R. Carter. Repeat consumer bankruptcies: A comparative analysis with one-time petitioners in the United States and Canada. Poster session presented at the National Conference of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, Nashville, Tennessee. |
| 1993 |
Dufresne, T. J., and T. K. Hira. An application of the double ABCX Model of Family Adaptation to families who have experienced financial stress. National Conference of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, San Antonio, Texas. |
| 1992 |
Hira, T. K., and S. Nagashima. Attitudes toward credit, lending, and borrowing practices affecting consumer bankruptcies: An international comparison. XXII International Federation of Home Economics (IFHE) Congress, Hanover, Germany. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Changes in factors influencing consumer debt among Scottish families during 1984–1987. International Home Economics Research Conference, Middlesex Polytechnic Institute, Middlesex, England. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Use of consumer debt and satisfaction with level of living among rural adults. Poster session presented at the pre-conference workshop on Family Economics/Home Management, Cincinnati, Ohio. |
| 1984 |
Hira, T. K., and O. Mugenda. Evaluation of bankruptcy procedure in Iowa. Southeastern Regional Association for Family Economics/Home Management Conference, Blacksburg, Virginia. |
| 1983 |
Hira, T. K. Evaluation of financial counseling/planning research publication sources. Financial Counseling Consortium, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. |
| 1983 |
Hira, T. K., and A. Ulrichson. Impact of financial problems on family relationships. Annual meeting of American Home Economics Association, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. |
Iowa Presentations
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K., and C. Brinkman. The influence of socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge about loans on student debt. Annual Conference of Iowa Home Economics Association, Ames, Iowa. |
| 1989 |
Hira, T. K. Factors causing debt problems among Scottish families. Annual Conference of Iowa Home Economics Association, Ames, Iowa. |
