Nobody thinks as a child, “I want to be filing for bankruptcy when I grow up,” but it happens to the best of us, especially in this economy. Don’t get down, get educated! The following article will provide you with some very useful tips on getting through and getting over personal bankruptcy.
Don’t be afraid to apply for credit for purchases such as a new home or car just because you have a recently discharged bankruptcy. Many lenders will take your new financial situation into account. They may be more likely to loan money to someone who has no debt due to a bankruptcy than to the person with, say, 75,000 dollars in credit card debt. The fact that you have no monthly credit card payments can make you look like a better risk.
Watch your lawyer fill out your paperwork carefully. They, most likely, have multiple cases going on at the same time and may not be able to keep up with every detail of your case. Be sure to carefully read all of that paperwork, in order to make sure that everything is filled out correctly.
Remember you still have to pay taxes on your debts. A lot of people don’t realize that even if their debts are discharged in the bankruptcy, they are still responsible to the IRS. The IRS usually does not allow complete forgiveness, although payment plans are common. Make sure to find out what is covered and what is not.
If you’ve considered the pros and cons involved with choosing bankruptcy, and you feel that this is the only option you have left, be sure to consider all the personal bankruptcy laws. Don’t just sit back for the ride; be sure to work together with your lawyer so that you can get the best outcome possible.
Do not wait too long to file. Ignoring the problem is not going to make it go away. Waiting until foreclosure or wage garnishments occur will make matters worse. The timing of the filing is going to be crucial to the success of the process. Contact an attorney as soon as you realize that you are in financial trouble.
If you are sure that you are going to file for bankruptcy, you should stop making any payments towards debts, that will be discharged during the bankruptcy process. Since you will not be liable for these debts in the near future, it is of little benefit to you to keep making payments towards them. It would be more beneficial for you to save any spare cash, that you have for future needs.
Speak with an attorney about any fears you have about losing your car. You may even be able to get your monthly payment reduced. Lower payments can sometimes be structured into a Chapter 7 solution. The vehicle must have been obtained more than 90 days before filing and be a loan with high interest. You must also have consistent work history.
A great way to reestablish your credit after you have filed for bankruptcy is to get a low-balance credit card. This way, you can make small purchases and be able to pay it off each month, making you look more responsible and raising your credit score. But, just make sure that you can pay off the amount every month.
Don’t make the mistake of hesitating to file for bankruptcy because you think you won’t be able to file again and may need to save it for a worse financial situation. The laws vary from state to state, but you may file again after a certain period, usually two to eight years, depending on the type of bankruptcy filed. Of course, you won’t want to file again, but in case of job loss or a major illness, the opportunity is there if you need it.
Be aware that there are two kinds of bankruptcy. There is Chapter 7, and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 can keep the filer from paying debts entirely. This option is generally for those that have debts so high or income that is so low that, they cannot afford a payment plan. Chapter 13 lets the filer get a payment plan so that they can repay all, or parts of their debt between three and five years.
Instead of filing for bankruptcy, you may want to think about getting a personal bankruptcy loan. These loans are designed to help pay off smaller loans. In the end, your monthly payments will be a lot lower than before and the savings could add up to be an astonishing amount.
Bankruptcy is not the end of the world. In fact, you might want to look at it as a beginning. The start of better days ahead, free from so much of the stress and burden of overwhelming debt. Hopefully, this article will help see you through the process and on to a brighter financial future.
