Friday, 20 June 2014

Sound Advice For Getting Through A Bankruptcy

By July Ann Dizon


If you are faced with the threat of repossession of valuable assets, you may become terrified of the IRS. Stop the calls from your creditors, and look over your finances. You may discover that you need to file for bankruptcy. Read on to see how to get through the process.

If you are considering using credit cards to pay your taxes and then file for bankruptcy, you may want to rethink that. In a lot of places, the debt cannot be discharged, and you may still owe money to the IRS. The rule here is that if you can get the tax discharged then you can get the debt discharged. So, there is no reason to use your credit card if it will be discharged in the bankruptcy.

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 accounts should never be accessed unless all other options have been exhausted. Dipping into savings may need to happen, just don't totally wipe it out, or you might not have much financial security later.

Don't fear reminding your attorney of any specific details of your case. Don't assume that he will remember something you told him weeks ago. Do not hesitate to speak up; this is your hearing and your future is on the line.

Weigh all of your options before declaring bankruptcy. For instance, a consumer credit counseling program may be a better bet if your debts are relatively small. Also, you could try to get your payments lowered on your own. If you decide to do this, get a copy of anything you agree to.

Know the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Should you choose Chapter 7, your total debt load will be erased. You will no longer be liable for any money that you owe to your creditors. But, with Chapter 13, you will be in repayment plan for about 5 years prior to any debts you have being totally dissolved. It's important to know what differences come with every type of bankruptcy. This will let you find out what's best for you.

Before you file for personal bankruptcy, weigh all of your options. Talk to a bankruptcy lawyer to see if a debt repayment plan or reduction in interest rates is a viable option for you instead of bankruptcy. Look into loan modification plans if you need to deal with an imminent foreclosure. This type of plan allows your lender to work with you eliminating charges, extending your loan, and lowering interest rates to help you pay back the loan without drowning in debt. 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.

Find out about lowering the cost of the payment you pay monthly on your car, if you are afraid of losing it. A lot of the time you can lower payments by filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. 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.

Don't file for bankruptcy unless it's absolutely necessary. Perhaps consolidating your existing debt can make it easier to manage. The bankruptcy process takes forever to finish and is very nerve-wracking. Credit will be much harder for you to come by after you file for bankruptcy. Personal bankruptcy should be undertaken as a last resort when no other workable options are available to you.

While going through this process, spend more time with friends and family. The process for bankruptcy can be hard. It is lengthy, stressful and often leaves people feeling ashamed, unworthy and guilty. A lot of people hide away until the entire proceedings have been played out. Isolating yourself from your loved ones can lead to feelings of depression. Spend time with your family, talk about your problems and find things that relax you.

Make sure you are aware of all your options before you file for bankruptcy. One of these choices is consumer credit counseling. There are even non-profit companies that may be able to help you. They will liaise with those you owe money to and try to get better payment options opened to you. You'll make your payments to the company, and the company will pay off your creditors.

Once the bankruptcy is a few months old, you should re-evaluate your credit with all three of the credit bureaus to confirm accuracy. Make sure that the report accurately represents your discharged debts and closed credit accounts. Address any mistakes or issues that you find so you can be on your way to better credit.

Filing bankruptcy should only be considered after the other options have been exhausted. Avoid debt consolidation services and credit counseling services that seem too good to be true. Keep these tips in mind to make the best choices for your financial future and to avoid worsening your debt.




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