It can be very hard to live with bankruptcy. The number of options available to those with financial problems can be small. Your future lending requirements will not be permanently hindered by bankruptcy, read on to find out why.
Most people that file for bankruptcy owe a lot of money that they could not pay off. If you find yourself needing to file for bankruptcy it is important to familiarize yourself with the state laws. Each state has its own set of rules regarding bankruptcy. For instance, in some states, you can’t lose your home to bankruptcy, while in other states, you can. Be aware of bankruptcy laws before filing your claim.
If you are feeling like you are seriously going to have to file for bankruptcy then do not clear out your savings. Retirement accounts should never be accessed unless all other options have been exhausted. Of course you will have to touch some of your savings to get through all of the hearings, but do not put out any money that you do not have to by law.
If you suspect that bankruptcy filing may be a reality, don’t try to discharge all your debt in advance by emptying your retirement or saving accounts. Retirement funds should be avoided at all costs. You may have withdraw from your savings every now and then, but try to leave yourself some financial security for the future.
Prior to filing for bankruptcy, research which assets will remain exempt from creditors. Check the bankruptcy laws in your state to find out if certain items are excluded from your bankruptcy filing. Make sure that you review this list before you decide to file, to see if you can hang on to your most important possessions. You wouldn’t want to unexpectedly lose any possessions you treasure.
Chapter 13
Be warned that after your bankruptcy, you may stand out as a leper to credit institutions. You may be unable to get a simple credit card. A great way to rebuild your credit is to apply for a prepaid credit card. Using a secured card not only helps to rebuild your credit, but it also keeps you from going more in debt with credit card bills. After a while, you may be able to get unsecured credit again.
You could see about filing for Chapter 13 personal bankruptcy. If you posses a regular source when it comes to income, and you have less than $250,000 of unsecured debt, you could file using Chapter 13 bankruptcy. You can keep personal possessions, as well as real estate, while paying into a debt consolidation system. Such plans generally take between 3 and 5 years to complete, at which point. a discharge will be granted. Keep in mind that missed payments will trigger dismissal of your case.
Before ultimately deciding whether or not to file for bankruptcy, be sure to weigh the different options available to you. You can get your interest rates reduced or enter into a debt repayment plan. Before you file bankruptcy, ask your attorney if any of these are viable alternatives for you. If foreclosure looms, think about getting your loan plan modified. Your lender can adjust your loan in many ways including extending the time you have to pay, reducing your interest rate, or canceling some of your late fees. After all is said and done, your creditors will still want their money. For this reason, you may wish to investigate debt repayment programs in lieu of bankruptcy programs.
Remember that your Chapter 7 filing may affect other people in your life as well. You can relieve yourself of any liability for debts that you may share with someone else through a Chapter 7 filing. Sadly, this will not be the case for your co debtor. Your creditors may simply turn their attention to your hapless acquaintance.
You must be entirely candid when it comes to declaring assets and obligations in your bankruptcy petition. The professional that helps you file for bankruptcy has to have a complete and accurate picture of your financial condition. Keeping secrets or trying to outsmart everyone is not a wise move.
You should never feel shame for needing to file for bankruptcy. You may need to get credit counseling or simply learn how to balance your budget. Wallowing in these emotions benefits no one, and only serve to harm your own mental health. Maintaining a positive outlook during a troublesome financial upheaval is the best way to cope with bankruptcy.
Even if you go bankrupt, you do not need to be limited forever. Get on track and stay there to show lenders your positive new efforts. You will receive more favorable treatment when you apply for a loan if you start saving now.