Everyone is suffering from the bad economy. When the economy tanks, many people lose jobs and accumulate debt. Debts usually end in bankruptcy which isn’t good. If you’re considering bankruptcy, the following article can help you make some sense out of it.
Do not attempt to pay your taxes with your credit cards and subsequently file for bankruptcy. In a lot of places, the debt cannot be discharged, and you may still owe money to the IRS. Remember that if you can discharge the tax you can discharge the debt. Because of this, transferring the debt to your credit card is pointless.
Don’t use a credit card to pay off your taxes before filing for bankruptcy. Most states do not look at this debt as chargeable, and you could end up owing money to the IRS. Remember that if you can discharge the tax you can discharge the debt. So, there’s no reason to make use of a credit cards if it will not be discharged in bankruptcy.
Avoid exhausting your savings or emptying your retirement accounts to pay off creditors if you are considering filing for bankruptcy. No matter what you do, do not touch your personal savings unless there is no other option. Though you may have to break into your savings, keep some available for difficult times. You will be glad you did.
Find out what you exemptions are prior to filing bankruptcy. The Bankruptcy Code provides a list of all the different kinds of assets that you can exclude. It is important to be aware of this list so you will know what assets are saved. Without reading the list, you may be shocked at which possessions can be taken from you.
Chapter 7
Do not abandon hope. You might even be able to get back secured property that has been repossessed in the 90 days before filing. There is a chance that you can get back your property if it has been less than ninety days since repossession. A lawyer will be able to assist you with filing the paperwork to get the items back.
Be sure you know how Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 differ. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is intended to wipe out all outstanding debts. Any debts that you owe to creditors will be wiped clean. Chapter 13 bankruptcy though will make you work out a payment plan that takes 60 months to work with until the debts go away. When choosing the type of personal bankruptcy that is correct for you, it is very important that you know the differences.
A free consultation is standard for bankruptcy attorneys, so shop around before settling on one. Just be sure that the person you speak with really is the lawyer, rather than a paralegal, since they cannot legally give advice. Looking for an attorney will help you find a lawyer you feel good around.
Bankruptcy can be a good time to spend time with people you love. Bankruptcy can really wear down your emotional reserves. This long and stressful process can leave a person feeling guilt ridden, unworthy and ashamed. It can be hard to face the world while the bankruptcy process is taking place. This isn’t true though because when you isolate yourself you will just start to feel worse and may become depressed. Because of this, you need to make sure you spend as much time as you can with your family and friends, even if you are ashamed of your finances.
If you meet certain requirements, you may be able to get a lower monthly payment on your financed vehicle. Often, you can negotiate a lower payment through bankruptcy. You need to have bought your car 910 days before you file, have a loan with high interest and you’re also going to need a good work history.
While some new jobs are beginning to pop up, many people are struggling to find decent income; in fact, many people searching for any job. You can avoid bankruptcy even with no steady source of income. This article should have given you some solid advice for staying afloat in tough times. Take this information and apply it to your personal financial situation.