subject: How To Avoid Bankruptcy [print this page] How To Avoid Bankruptcy How To Avoid Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy seems like a solution when you feel you have no other options. Your bills are adding up and you just can't take the calls from your creditors anymore. You've seen the commercials and know other people who have filed. You want your own relief, but you feel as if you can't avoid bankruptcy. Before you take that step and file your paperwork consider why and how you can avoid bankruptcy.
Why You Should Avoid Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy isn't a magic solution that clears away all of your problems. Your debt isn't always cleared and your debtors may take some of your property. Bankruptcy should be avoided, and with some diligence, it can be. When you avoid bankruptcy you are saving what is left of your credit history and your sanity.
If you're considering bankruptcy your credit may have already taken a pretty big hit; however, you can recover from anything in time. If you get your finances in order and under control you can restore your credit score. The moment you file for bankruptcy your credit score will plummet 200-250 points and the black mark will remain upon your report for 7-10 years, affecting every future transaction. It is much wiser to avoid bankruptcy and attempt to restore your current credit score.
Filing for bankruptcy can mean that it will be 7-10 years before you can acquire new credit. If you must purchase a car, make home repairs, or simply refinance your home, a documented bankruptcy proceeding may not allow you to do so. If you can get a loan after filing for bankruptcy your interest rate is going to be very high.
It is also important to realize that bankruptcy doesn't always eliminate all of your debt. Debts to the government, overdue taxes and child support delinquencies cannot be eliminated by bankruptcy. The best thing to do for this sort debt is to work out a way to consolidate what you owe into one payment, which should be more manageable.
The final nail in the bankruptcy coffin is that your home, car or other assets can be seized to cover some of your debt. Where will you stay if you lose your home? How will you get to work if they take your car? All of a sudden bankruptcy doesn't seem like a solution, but an even bigger problem. With a clearer understanding of the potential challenges that arise if you declare bankruptcy we can look more clearly at ways to avoid this final step.
How You Can Avoid Bankruptcy
Right now you may feel as if tyou're at the end of your rope, but there are ways to get control over your debt while avoiding bankruptcy. The first thing you need to do is to get organized.
Take everything you owe and sort it out; consider subcategories such as revolving debt, credit card debt, good debt and so forth. The best way to do this is to enter everything into spreadsheet format. Enter who you owe, the amount, the interest rate, the minimum payment, and their contact information. Having this easily available gives you a better perspective of the situation.
Your next step should be to contact your creditors. Let them know you want to avoid bankruptcy and see if they can help you. Ask if they can reduce your interest rate or even decrease your total balance; keep in mind that if some of your balance is forgiven, it will likely appear on your credit report as failure to pay. If you let them know you want to avoid bankruptcy and wish work to pay down your debt they will be more inclined to work with you.
Finally, organize your remaining bills by interest rate; from the highest to lowest. Pay off those bills that carry the highest interest rates first and pay only the minimums to the rest.
Consolidate Your Debt
If you feel that you are beyond simple organization there are other options available as well. Debt settlements companies and debt consolidation companies can help you avoid bankruptcy and get debt relief. They may also have better resources to get your creditors to reduce what you owe although that is likely to have a negative effect upon your credit it is better than defaulting.
Consider all of these things before filing bankruptcy. Avoid bankruptcy to save your credit score, your possessions, and your sanity. Bankruptcy should only be your last resort when all other resources have failed.
