Bankruptcy – Is It Right For You?
Many people that find themselves in difficult financial circumstances may believe bankruptcy is the best way for them to regain control of their money. Despite the advertisements and websites offering to help consumers through the process, most people do not understand how it works and what the long-term ramifications are. It is not a decision to be made lightly. Since it may affect credit ratings for up to ten years, consumers that are considering it should take the time and do some research.
What is Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a legally declared inability or impairment of ability of an individual or organization to pay its creditors. Generally, a debtor declares bankruptcy to obtain relief from debt, and this is accomplished either through a discharge of the debt or through a restructuring of the debt. One should consult a lawyer that specializes in this area of law to walk them through the process and there are various legal aid centers if hiring an attorney is not affordable.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
The first step is to decide whether to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Though there are other types, these are the most common for consumers. Individuals who file Chapter 7 are looking for a fresh start. A court-appointed trustee reviews the paperwork submitted by individuals and their creditors. They decide which assets will be liquidated, and how the proceeds will be divided.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
When filing Chapter 13, the goals and guidelines are a bit different. The individual and their attorney develop a repayment plan for each creditor. If this plan is approved by the court, each creditor receives the agreed upon payment. This plan may be set up for incremental payments over the course of several months, or possibly years, until the creditor is fully paid.
Other Options
Bankruptcy used to be the only option for individuals that were overwhelmed with debt. In recent years, other options have been developed that do not have as severe repercussions on credit standings. These options do not require the expense of an attorney and the effect on credit scores is not as significant. Debt consolidation programs help reduce monthly payment, interest rates and waive late fees. These programs help individuals avoid bankruptcy and speed the process to becoming debt free. Debt settlement programs focus on unsecured debt, which is primarily credit card debt. Monthly payments can frequently be cut in half. Debtmerica, through its affiliated partners have been providing financial relief to individuals for years.
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Top Articles to Help You Lead A Debt-Free Life
- Debt Consolidation: “Debt Consolidation” is one of the most commonly misunderstood and misinterpreted personal finance strategies that consumers inquire about all the time. While some view it as a method of taking on new loans, others see it as a debt relief alternative. It is more important than ever for inquisitive consumers to have a very strong understanding of exactly what debt consolidation entails, and the impacts it can have on personal finances.
- Debt Relief: Debt relief is defined as a partial or total forgiveness of debt. When the term is used by the government, it usually refers to the forgiveness of debt to underdeveloped countries. Recently, it has begun to refer to the millions of consumers who are overwhelmed with debt seeking financial relief from their unsecured debt.
- Credit Card Debt: Credit card debt is an example of unsecured consumer debt, accessed through credit cards. Debt results when a client of a credit card company purchases an item or service through the card system. Debt accumulates and increases via interest and penalties when the consumer does not pay the company for the money he or she has spent.
- Debt Settlement: Debt settlement programs use a third party to negotiate lower balances and interest rates on unsecured debt. This type of debt management plan helps provide consumers an alternative to bankruptcy while reducing your outstanding debt.
- Credit Counseling: There are a numerous options for consumers who want to start getting their finances under control after accumulating large amounts of debt, which could inevitably lead to credit problems further down the road. Consumers who are in control of most aspects of their finances, but still feel like they could use additional help managing their debt burden, could certainly benefit from the assistance of a consumer credit counseling service.
- How Do I Get Out of Debt?: Now that the national economy is beginning to recover and people are having a better time dealing with their personal finances, many consumers who found themselves sunk deep in debt over the last few years may be asking themselves the question, “How do I get out of debt?” Fortunately, there are a number of avenues consumers can take to get out of debt, each with benefits and drawbacks depending on how quickly people need to fix their financial problems.
- 10 Tips to Avoid the Debt Trap: Have you ever thought about why so many of the people you know are struggling with debt? Do you ever wonder why banks keep lending to certain individuals, even when they are falling behind on their payments? Did you know that debt problems are a leading cause of major societal problems, such as stress, divorce and alcoholism?
- Credit Management: Many consumers are finding themselves buried under a pile of mounting debt. With interest accumulating month after month in addition to late fees being charged, many consumers are finding it difficult to make just the minimum payments on their credit cards. Although this may seem like an endless battle, with a strict budget and some discipline there are credit management strategies and solutions that will allow consumers to reduce or even eliminate their debt.
- Credit Card Debt Reduction: In recent months, many Americans have made a greater effort to seek credit card debt reduction and reduce the balances they owe, but some may not know where to start. Fortunately, there are several options available for consumers thathave a financial goal to achieve credit card debt reduction.
- Credit problems: Paying down high levels of debt is one of the best ways to improve credit problems and increase one’s credit standing. But many people cannot do that so quickly, especially in this economy. About one-third of a credit score is based off of a credit utilization ratio, which is the total creditbalances divided by the total credit limits. A great target is to use no more than 30% of one’s available credit.
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