Life After Bankruptcy
April 15, 2008 – 7:48 pmFinancial problems have happened and the only option has been to file for bankruptcy. This doesn’t mean that your future is hopeless.
Declaring bankruptcy is a difficult choice. Lots of people have gone through it and recovered. It’s not going to be easy though but bankruptcy isn’t the end of the world and you can recover.
Even though you’ve declared bankruptcy, you can still rebuild your credit. The first thing to do is make sure your bills are paid on time. Your debt would be wiped out along with some of your assets if you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Appreciate what you still have left. You have your home. Build a record of paying bills when due and that will help with fixing your credit.
After a few months, apply for a secured credit card. Secured cards require the cardholder to pay a deposit. This is the money that you will start with. Over time, you may qualify for an unsecured credit card.
Stick to one credit card and avoid making regular charges on it. Keeping the card for emergencies is a good idea. Having a credit card re-establishes your credit.
It’s better if you can pay cash for items. Try not to buy anything unless you have the cash on hand. This may be the reason that you needed to file bankruptcy to begin with. By going back to using cash, you have a chance to build up a bank account balance or savings account balance.
Create a plan for success. You have been bankrupt once so you don’t want to go there again. Divide discretionary money between savings and a fund for emergencies. Since your debt was wiped out, there should be no credit card payments to consider at this time.
Companies will start annoying you once you get your first credit card. Stay strong and withstand the urge to go into the debt cycle all over again.
Teach yourself to live with what you can afford. Save for a rainy day. Go to credit counseling or talk to a financial advisor. Credit counselors are experienced in money management and spending tips.
A financial advisor can take the money that you save and invest it for your future. Someday you’ll probably retire and that could last for up to thirty years. It’s crucial that you have enough money to take you through your retirement. You can focus on that part of your finances while you’re waiting to re-establish your credit.
Bankruptcy doesn’t have to be the end. With a little time and patience you will recover and control your finances again.
Tags: Bankruptcy
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