10 Tips to Rebuilding after a Bankruptcy
As a rule of thumb, bankruptcy is the least desirable option available to you when your finances have gotten out of control. However, if your financial situation has been going downhill for an extended period of time, your credit standing is probably so bad that filing for bankruptcy really won’t do much to make it worse, with one exception: A bankruptcy remains on your credit report for 10 long years. With this in mind, creditors will know that once you file bankruptcy, you cannot do so again for seven years.
As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I am well versed in some of the ways you—or someone you know—can start to rebuild your financial life after bankruptcy. Here are 10 tips from consumer credit experts ApprovalGuard.com:
1. Plan your credit recovery. Take it slow and easy, do it right and don’t exceed what you can afford.
2. Learn more about how credit works through the Internet, counseling services or a service. Do it right and know what you’re doing.
3. If your credit report contains inaccuracies about debt that was discharged through your bankruptcy, contact the creditor or the credit bureaus to request a correction.
4. If you didn’t have enough savings to survive a setback, get serious about savings for an emergency fund. In the current economy you need at least 12-16 months.
5. If your problem was overspending, create a written budget and stick to it.
6. If your problem was related to medical bills, seek out a solution for insurance.
7. To re-establish a strong credit profile, you need a good history of payments from credit cards and installment debt such as autos, student loans or a home loan.
8. The rebuilding process requires you to use credit responsibly. Use only a small portion (30% or less) of your available credit line and ensure you make a payment every month.
9. When you start to re-establish your credit, consider a “secure” credit card. Such cards are usually backed by your savings account or money you place in escrow to cover 100% of your credit line in case you don’t pay your payment.
10.You may be able to apply for a home loan in as little as two years after the discharge of your bankruptcy, however, expect to pay higher fees and interest rates.
When you are ready to rebuild, make sure you understand credit and how to use it responsibly. Feel free to e-mail me for further information and please forward this e-mail to family and friends to keep them in the know as well.