For some, personal bankruptcy is a concept shrouded in mystery and fear. However, the fact is that it can be a helpful tool for those who need a fresh financial beginning. The key to approaching bankruptcy in a sensible manner is thorough knowledge of the subject. Apply the tips in this article to your personal circumstances, and you will be able to view bankruptcy in a new, rational light that may pave the way to brighter days for you and your family.
Get a plan in place for after your bankruptcy is over. Your debt will be forgiven, but you have to find a way to make sure that your financial picture will recover. Set definite goals so that you are always working toward a financial future that will never get you in this position again.
Be prepared to see your name in the news when you file bankruptcy. While the story isn’t going to make front-page headlines unless you are a very prominent or famous figure, all bankruptcy cases are public record. As such, they are often reported in a section of local newspapers. The good part is that not everyone reads that part.
Filing for bankruptcy does not wipe out all of your debts. It does not stop you from having to pay alimony, child support, student loans, tax debt and most types of secured credit. You will not be allowed to file if these are the only types of debt that you have on record.
Make sure your home is safe. Filing bankruptcy does not necessarily mean that you will lose your house. You could keep your home; it depends on your home’s value or if a second mortgage is on your home. You can also investigate your state’s homestead exemption, an option that might enable you to keep your home if certain financial requirements are met.
Look at all of the options. Although bankruptcy can be highly damaging to your credit score when you file, it may actually help you in the future. It will remain on your credit report for ten years, but if filing for bankruptcy helps you overcome your debt now, it will be better for your credit score than making late credit card and loan payments for the rest of your life.
Know the facts. Contrary to popular belief, you can actually get credit after you file for bankruptcy. In fact, most who file already have very poor credit and filing for bankruptcy will put them on the only possible road to ever establishing good credit again. Your financial life will not end upon filing.
See what the value is on your home. If you are upside down on your mortgage, you may be able to eliminate your second mortgage. The main guideline for this is that your home must be worth more than what you owe on the first mortgage. This could really help your financial situation by relieving you from that large second mortgage payment each month.
A good personal bankruptcy tip is to be well versed in all of the rules when it comes to filing for bankruptcy. The last thing you would want is to be penalized, or taxed by the IRS. They do indeed tax some of the debt that you’ve managed to get rid of.
Ignore the people who put you down for declaring yourself bankrupt. These people cannot possible know the troubles you’ve experienced. By filing for bankruptcy you, are taking control of financial future. Also, dealing with the mistake of your past. Remember, for every person that looks at you with disgust, there is another person looking at you admiringly.
If you are planning to file for bankruptcy, you must seriously take into account anyone who has cosigned on a loan for you. For instance, if a friend or relative is a cosigner on your auto or home loan, they will be held financially responsible to pay the debt in the event you file for bankruptcy. This can create problems in relationships between family members and friends. That is why it is not advisable to cosign for anyone or ask someone to cosign for you, including your children. It could ruin someone’s life.
Speak with an attorney. If you’re filing for bankruptcy, spending more money is probably the last thing on your mind. Investing in a good attorney, however, can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. Don’t take any unnecessary risks when it comes to your finances.
It is quite common to view personal bankruptcy as something to be avoided at all costs. The truth for many consumers, however, is that it represents the best way to regain control over their financial futures. In order to understand the best way to use personal bankruptcy filing to your advantage is to acquire solid knowledge of the topic. Take the ideas in this piece to heart and you will have a better idea of how best to move forward regarding personal financial matters.
