For those you have a lot of financial debt sometimes the end never seems near
. At times like these filing for personal bankruptcy seems to be the only option. While in some cases it does make sense as the only solution, you have to understand that it can have devastating effects on your credit history as well as your stand in society. There are several reasons why you may feel that bankruptcy is the only solution. But each of them need to be evaluated as a third person would. Perhaps then you would understand that it is better to give alternate options a chance.
One of the most common takeaways from declaring bankruptcy is that it will help you start afresh. Remember that when you are filing under Chapter 7, all your non-exempt property will be handed over to the court to liquidate and pay of your creditors. Under Chapter 13, you will have a 3 to 5 year repayment plan in which all your disposable income will have to go. All this doesn't work towards a fresh start.
Bankruptcy under Chapter 13 may be opted for to prevent a foreclosure on your car or home. What it effectively does is take that debt and put it into the repayment plan. Should you miss even one of these installments, your repayment plan will no longer be in effect and you could end up with a bigger problem.
Nobody likes being harassed for money, whether it is from the creditors themselves or from agencies. This does not mean you file for bankruptcy to end the problem. Debt settlement companies will help you reduce your credit burden. But if you want to get rid of the annoying calls, then you will have to approach credit counseling organizations. They will get rid of the calls without you having to file for bankruptcy.
Filing for bankruptcy may prevent the utilities from being shut off, but rest assured that the cost will be included in the repayment plan. Keep in mind that most utility companies go a long period before actually cutting off utilities for non-payment. This should ideally give you enough of time to save up and make your payments.
Before you file for bankruptcy, you should sit back and assess what your reasons are. More often than not, you will save yourself from taking the escapist route.