Long Term Effects Of Bankruptcy On Finances

By: William Blake

Choosing bankruptcy is never an easy decision, and the sure and certain knowledge that your credit will be affected in a major way for many years afterward is sobering to say the least, but sometimes this is truly the only option available to some. Let's look at some of the lasting effects of bankruptcy on not only your financial well-being, but also your psyche.

First, the rule of law states that a bankruptcy may remain on your record for ten years, and while that may technically be true, the effects of the bankruptcy can start to diminish within minutes after the proceedings end. If you determine to adopt sound money management principles and stick to them, you could find yourself with a much-improved credit score within a few years despite the onerous label lurking on your credit reports.

This means demonstrating a willingness and ability to make a better showing of it this time around, by the judicious use of credit, not applying for too much of it, and of course making sure you get every payment in on time.

One of the first things to do when starting to work on rebuilding your credit profile is to make sure that your credit report is carrying no errors, such as accounts that were closed and included in your bankruptcy, still being listed as open and overdue.

You need to make sure the credit bureaus list these accurately. If they don't, you'll run into brick walls trying to get new credit.

Then apply for two different types of credit to begin the process of rebuilding your credit score. Get an installment loan, such as for auto loans or mortgages, and a revolving credit line, typically a credit card. This may or may not have to be a secured card.

There are different criteria for every lender and you might find yourself surprised. The temptation for some is to go without new credit after a bankruptcy, and while that may work for the truly undisciplined, in today's world to rebuild your credit score you need to have and handle credit well. If you do get a new credit card, make sure not to run up and max out your card. Charge no more than 30% of your available line, and pay it off monthly.

And if you can get a mortgage, which surprisingly are maybe easier than a credit card to get after a bankruptcy, then make sure you don't take on more house than you can easily afford. People have been known to have multiple bankruptcies: don't join that club!

While the effects on your credit can be neutralized in a few years, the toll on your psyche may be a little tougher to deal with. Don't beat yourself up too much. Everyone has rough patches in their financial lives at one time or another. Just don't set yourself up for another one by repeating the same mistakes.

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