Life After Bankruptcy

A Fresh Start

By declaring Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you may soon be able to live life like you used to, without the stress and worries of owing large amounts in debt. If you are currently living with the harassment of creditor abuse, the difficulties of having your wages garnished and the threat of losing your home to foreclosure, you should meet with an experienced attorney from Price Law Group who can help you decide whether this is the best approach for resolving your financial problems. If bankruptcy is right for you, the firm can help you through every stage of the process.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy normally takes a few months, while if you file Chapter 13, you will see your debts discharged after a 3 or 5 year period of making payments on what you owe. When you no longer have to devote the majority of your income to loan payments and late fees, you will probably be able to relax and afford more recreation and leisure. You will be able to start saving money for the future, rather than living paycheck to paycheck.

How will my life be affected?

Filing for bankruptcy puts a great deal of stress on your financial and your personal life. After filing, you may feel guilty or ashamed of your financial circumstances. Don't. In 2010, 1.53 million Americans filed for bankruptcy. What does this mean? You are not alone. According to a recent survey, about 13% percent of adults in the United States have considered bankruptcy at (at least) one point in their lives. Financial hardship is difficult enough without the added frustration of unnecessary guilt.

Next, take some time to figure out how you accumulated past debt. Few things are as overwhelming as unmanageable debt. How did you get there? Establish a plan to pay all of your existing bills when they are due. After filing for chapter 7 or chapter 13 bankruptcy, you need to take special care of your budget. Create realistic financial expectations for yourself and stick with them. To avoid future problems, always live below your means and prioritize your spending by always paying bills on time.

Paying your bills on time might be the most effective way you can begin rebuilding your credit. Applying for and obtaining a secured credit card can also help. A secured credit card allows you to deposit a certain amount of money into a bank account, which becomes your credit limit. For instance, if you deposit $800 into an account, your new credit card limit is $800. Each month, try to charge small amounts so that you can begin to repair your credit gradually.

Bankruptcy Misconceptions

You've probably heard a lot of terrible things about bankruptcy. Yes, bankruptcy is difficult, but life continues after financial hardship and bankruptcy filers are not resigned to miserable lives. As a bankruptcy filer, you can still get a mortgage. Although your financial record will reflect your petition for 10 years, some creditors are willing to look at your current financial circumstances instead of dwelling on the past. For instance, if you have paid your bill on time since filing bankruptcy, you may be eligible for mortgages and other loans.

It is important to learn from the mistakes that led you into financial difficulties in the first place. You should work out a detailed budget for all your necessary expenses and make sure you spend less than you earn. By avoiding high interest credit cards and unnecessary expenditures, you can live within your means and stay out of debt. You can also get started on a plan of credit repair by getting a secured credit card and exercising discipline in making payments on time. You can achieve a level of financial stability and start getting ahead in life.