Does Bankruptcy Ruin Your Credit?

Published on: 27 May 2022 Last Updated on: 31 May 2024

Most people understand that bankruptcy can help you discharge the debt if you’re in a bad financial situation.

They also understand that bankruptcy can hurt your credit score. But can bankruptcy ruin your credit entirely?

The Importance of Talking With an Expert

First, if you’re considering filing for bankruptcy protection, make sure you talk to a bankruptcy lawyer. A bankruptcy lawyer will have the knowledge and expertise necessary to help you determine whether filing is appropriate for you and which type of bankruptcy you should pursue.

They’ll also help you understand the core process of filing for bankruptcy and setting your expectations for timelines, costs, and consequences. Lawyers are an indispensable resource here, so don’t neglect to hire one.

Different Types of Bankruptcy

You should also understand that there are different types of bankruptcy. Different types of bankruptcy manage debts in different fashions and have a different impact on your credit score.

For example, Chapter 7 bankruptcies tend to stay on your credit report longer than Chapter 13 bankruptcies, due to the fact that Chapter 13 bankruptcies frequently allow consumers to pay back a portion of their debts.

A chapter 13 case could benefit a person for numerous reasons. Typically, a person would file a chapter 13 case to save a house from a mortgage foreclosure action and a car from repossession, due to payment arrears.

A person may also file for chapter 13 protection to pay back only a portion of unsecured debt because they do not meet the chapter 7 criteria. Chapter 13 requires a person to make monthly trustee payments for 36 to 60 months. A chapter 13 case is completed after all monthly plan payments have been paid in full.

Chapter 7 bankruptcies allow an individual to eliminate all unsecured debt, such as credit card debt and personal loans. Therefore, a person who is only interested in eliminating unsecured debt would file a chapter 7 case, if one meets the criteria.

The chapter 7 case takes about four months to complete after the filing. No payments are required in a chapter 7 case.

The Impact of Bankruptcy on Your Credit

A chapter 13 bankruptcy filing stays on a credit report for 7 years from the date of the filing. A chapter 7 bankruptcy case, stays on a credit report for 10 years from the bankruptcy case filing date.

Typically, filing for bankruptcy has a negative impact on a credit score, although the filing may increase a person’s credit score, based on their financial circumstances.

The most important criteria impacting the credit score are as follows:

The shorter the credit history the less advantageous it;
Missing payments reflect a derogatory mark;
The amount of one’s revolving credit limit compared to the amount of the debt incurred.

The optimum debt to credit limit ratio is a debt balance of 30% of someone’s credit limit. The additional debt incurred over 30%, the more the credit score is negatively affected. For example, a person that used $3k of their total $10k credit limit has used 30% of their total credit limit. However, if the same person charges a total of $6k of the $10k credit limit, the ratio is increased to 60%, which reduces the credit score.

A person’s credit report lists their creditors and other facts regarding each creditor. This includes the status of payments; type of loan; length of the loan, and the loan balance. Typically, a credit report also reflects a bankruptcy filing, foreclosure action, repossessions, charge-offs, and debt settlements. The credit report also reflects a total score, indicating the general state of a person’s credit.

A prospective lender must analyze a person’s financial circumstances to determine: if they will issue the loan; what type of loan will be issued; the loan amount; the loan interest rate; and, the length of the loan.

Based on each creditor’s internal lending requirements, the determination of extending credit is based on a balancing act between the loan applicant’s credit report, income, expenses, the debt amount, debt payments, assets, and other information.

Typically, a person considering filing for bankruptcy protection is experiencing difficulty paying their monthly credit card payments and/or mortgage or auto finance payments. Consequently, such a person usually has a low credit score. The lower the credit score at the time of the bankruptcy filing, the less the impact the bankruptcy filing has on a credit score. Conversely, a bankruptcy filing will have a substantial impact on a person with a high credit score.

In general, a high credit score does not always guarantee that a person will obtain the loan they want with the best terms. A prospective debtor with an excellent credit score and substantial monthly credit card payments may experience difficulties, without filing for bankruptcy. What if a person with an excellent credit score has a very low income?

Let’s assume that a person with a high credit score, with substantial monthly debt payments, eliminates all credit card debt, in addition to other types of debt in a chapter 7 case. Initially, the person’s credit score will sustain a substantial hit, resulting in difficulty obtaining any loan.

However, within a reasonable time period, together with the proper credit repair, the person’s credit score will substantially increase. In the future, the person will apply for credit without their enormous monthly debt payment load.

Now, let’s assume that a person with a low credit score and substantial monthly debt payments eliminates all credit card debt, in addition to other types of debt in a chapter 7 case. Initially, the person’s credit score may sustain a minimal hit.

However, most likely this same person was experiencing great difficulty obtaining credit prior to the filing. If this person implements the proper credit restoration process, the person’s credit score will substantially increase, as well. Ultimately, within a short period, the bankruptcy filing will likely increase this person’s ability to obtain credit

Typically a bankruptcy mark on a credit report has a negative impact on prospective creditors to review. Generally, within one year after the completion of a chapter 7 case, the debtor (the person that filed) will experience great difficulty obtaining a loan.

Although obtaining a loan depends on the totality of the person’s financial circumstances, the rule of thumb for receiving automobile financing with a reasonable to low-interest rate is about one year after the completion of a chapter 7 case. The rule of thumb regarding the receipt of a reasonable to low mortgage rate is about two years after the completion of chapter 7.

Based on a debtor’s financial circumstances, she may be able to obtain automobile financing and/or a mortgage during the chapter 13 case. Otherwise, the same rule of thumb applies to a chapter 13 debtor as a chapter 7 debtor regarding obtaining a reasonable and low-interest rate after the case is complete.

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5 Tactics to Improve Your Credit Score This Year

Inflation is up, money is tight, and your credit score is in the gutter. What a way to start the year! Instead of wallowing in self-pity, it’s time to finally do something about your unfortunate credit score. This January, kick-off an improvement plan to improve your credit score by the time the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31. 5 Lucrative Ways Improve Your Credit Score: 1. Know What You’re Working With You can’t fix a problem you can’t see. If you’ve been avoiding checking your credit score for fear of what you’ll find, get over yourself. Now is the time to set aside your pride and review the damage. Your credit score impacts nearly every financial move you make. Working to improve it now, before you consider shopping for a major purchase, can make your life easier. Pull up your free annual credit report to review the data that’s been reported to the credit bureaus. If you’ve got missed payments, high credit utilization, or too many accounts, take note. Then consider your overall score. Anything under 700 should be seen as an opportunity to improve. Now you’re ready to create your action plan. 2. Take Action Daily You can make measured improvements on your credit score just by being mindful of your daily actions. If you struggle with overspending, pause before you swipe your card. Consider whether the purchase you’re about to make meets your goals and if you’ve got the money to repay the balance. If the answer to either is no, resist the urge to buy. Instead, save up for want-based purchases so you can treat yourself without sacrificing financial security. In an e-commerce age, you probably can’t eliminate plastic from your purchasing repertoire entirely, but you can be smarter about it. Familiarize yourself with different payment options like a credit builder card. These cards are secured by a funds transfer or initial deposit. Every time you pay your bill, your good payment history is reported to the credit bureaus. Over time, this great track record can improve your score. 3. Get Your Budget on Point The way you spend often dictates how well you can keep up with the demands of your bills. While everyone has core expenses across housing, food, and transportation, it’s essential to manage one’s variable expenses. Sit down with the last two months of your spending history to identify budget busters and trends you’d like to address. If dining out is a sore spot for your budget, create a system to help you indulge with purpose. Set a dollar amount that you can spend without dipping into cash reserves dedicated for other expenses. Think about why you like to spend in this category and whether there’s another way to fill your cup. If your real desire is to spend time with friends, pivot to hosting a small potluck dinner once a month. Adjust your spending toward this event, and you just may find you like the results better than gathering at restaurants. 4. Dispute Inaccuracies Your comprehensive credit report may be telling lies about you. If your careful review identifies inaccuracies in your report, it’s in your best interest to dispute them. Late payments are one of the biggest dings on your credit report. If you’re a reliable payer, it’s only fair to fix any errors in your report. First, reach out to the company reporting the information to the bureaus to dispute your account status. Then report the error to the credit reporting bureaus. You’ll need to include a dispute form and documentation supporting your case. This process can take months to resolve, so stay the course on other credit-boosting activities while you wait. Inaccurate reports happen, so it’s important to review your credit report regularly so you can quickly address them. 5. Attack the Two Most Impactful Credit Factors Put your energy into the most impactful parts of your credit score: on-time payments and credit utilization. Your payment history drives 35% of your credit score. If you have a history of late payments, you’re killing your score. Catch up on missed payments and create a system to help you manage your bills. Set up autopay for your core bills (rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, etc.) so you can ensure that your obligations are covered. The second most impactful area of your financial behavior is credit utilization, which makes up 30% of your score. Credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit that you’re using at any given time — signifies how well you manage money. Work to keep your utilization below 30% to earn a good mark from the credit bureaus. If you can, request a credit limit increase to improve that percentage, but resist the urge to tap into it. Consider making payments toward your balance as you make changes to keep your utilization low. Creating the Accountability to Stay on Track Any goal is more achievable when you breathe life into it. So create a vision board of your credit score goals and post it where you can see it daily. Talk about your plan with your friends and family to create an accountability team for your new credit-building habits. Monitor your progress regularly and course-correct if you need to. The more you interact with your plan and assess your behavior, the more likely you are to be successful. Who knows? After a year of hard work, sacrifice, and intentional effort, your score could even climb from poor to exceptional. Read Also: Revolving Debt Vs Installment Debt – Which Impacts your Credit Score Why Would I Need A Business Credit Report? No Credit Rating Check Lendings Online split Second Authorization 5 Credit Card Perks that are Noteworthy How a Smart Guy Gets an Amazing Commercial Lease with Bad Credit

9 Vital Options for When You’re Desperate for Money

Most people themselves in a financial jam from time to time, but not everyone knows what to do when it happens! The initial reaction is a sense of panic or desperation. But at some point, logic steps in and reminds those who are short on cash to take action and turn things around. If you're in need of money fast and you're not sure what action is best, don't worry. Take a deep breath and keep reading. Here are nine things you can do if you're desperate for money. 1. Pawn Something You Own: Maybe you don't have too much money in your bank account right now, but chances are you have plenty of things you can sell for quick cash. The real issue comes down to what you're willing to part ways with and how much you can get for the things you pawn. Take a moment to consider all the electronics you don't use anymore and the jewelry you never wear. See if there are any pieces of furniture around your home that are in good condition but that you wouldn't mind not having. It's not like you have to turn in every single thing of value you own. A few personal sacrifices can go a long way, though. 2. Go Through Your Closet: Instead of pawning one or two things of value, consider getting rid of a lot of things of average value--like a bag of old clothes. There are tons of consignment shops and thrift stores that are willing to purchase the old clothes you rarely ever wear. The thing is, your clothes have to be in good condition, and you shouldn't expect to get the same amount money back as what you paid. Still, one bag of clothes can become the money you need to do groceries for the week or get enough gas to get to work. 3. Do Odd Jobs: Another option you have to make quick money when you're short on cash is to do odd jobs. This can be especially profitable if you just got laid off. As weird as it may sound, just take a second to think about all the odd jobs you can do in one day. You could run errands for people who are too busy to do them themselves--like walk their dogs or pick up their dry cleaning. You could babysit, mow peoples' yards, or even take out their trash. There are plenty of things that people will pay others to do if it means not having to worry about it themselves! The trick is to get out of your comfort zone and swallow your pride a bit if you want these odd jobs to help you pay your bills. 4. Pick Up a Side Job: You could do a lot of random odd jobs or you could pick up one side job in addition to the work you already do. This will take up all of your time. It will make you tired and a bit restless, but it will also help make ends meet. It's worth it, and, it could be more fun than you think! A side job could be anything from bartending at night to being a coffee shop barista in the mornings. It could mean you become a waitress or waiter or that you wash dishes in the back of a restaurant, too. 5. Sell Unused Gift Cards: Here's an interesting thought: you may have more money available to you than you think. It just may not be in the form you need it. If you have a bunch of gift cards to clothing stores and online shops, sell them. This can give you the cash in hand you need for more important things like groceries, rent, and gas. It's a simple, stress-free way to make money in a short amount of time. 6. Get a Cash Advance: Getting a cash advance isn't the best idea on this list if your credit is already really bad. But, it could help you if you're in a financial jam for the first time and you have a plan to get out of it. Cash advances give you access to money from your credit card. Instead of using your credit card to pay for things, a cash advance gives you cash to do whatever you need to do. Keep in mind the interest on this charge may be higher than your card's regular level of interest. Most cash advances also apply an added fee to the transactions. If you're looking for a better alternative, try searching for payday loans online no credit check instant approval. These will work similar to a cash advance in the sense that you'll get the money you need in a short amount of time, but, you won't have to worry about charging even more to an already steep credit card statement. 7. Try Peer to Peer Lending: Still looking for options? Consider peer to peer lending! This is a solution most people don't even know about when they're desperate for cash. It works kind of like a personal loan from a bank, but it's more flexible. To get funds from peer to peer lending, you have to find a group lending platform and apply as a borrower. Then, a lender will decide whether or not to give you their own money for a set interest rate. You then create an agreement with this lender for the amount you're going to borrow and how you're going to pay it back. 8. Borrow Money From a Friend or Family Member: If you're considering peer to peer lending, you may as well borrow money from a friend or family member. There's no shame in doing this from time to time. Your loved ones want to see you succeed, and they're usually willing to help you get out of a jam. It's not a gesture to abuse, though. You shouldn't assume that borrowing from loved ones is a safety net that will always be there. But, it is one you can rely on when something unexpected comes up that you have to figure out how to pay for. 9. Take Advantage of All the Free Services You Can: Sometimes, the best way to make money is to save more of it. If you find yourself feeling desperate for more money, be careful about how you spend the money you do have. Take advantage of every free service you can--from food stamps to public transportation to doing laundry at your parent's house. These may change your way of life for a bit and require extra planning during your day to day routine. But, it can do wonders for your personal finances. How to Never Feel Desperate for Money Again: It's one thing to figure out how to make money fast when you're desperate for money, and another to establish such a good relationship with money that you never find yourself in such a place again. This is 100% possible if you put your mind to it. You don't have to be filthy rich to be financially secure. You just have to figure out better ways to make, save, and spend your money. You can turn a little bit into a lot if you know how to best make use of it. It takes time and effort. You'll have to change a lot of your spending habits and overcome a few fears about money, too. But, you'll come out the other end in a much better place. Here are some tools to help you figure out how to become financially secure. Read Also: Hotel Jobs In NYC – Top Reasons To Explore This Opportunity How To Save More Money?

How To Choose The Right Insurance Plan For Business Owners

Small businesses require insurance to protect themselves in case of unforeseen costs such as lawsuits or operational shutdowns. However, navigating the selection of the right coverage and policies can be overwhelming. As a small business owner, it's essential to understand the different aspects of insurance policies, their costs, and how to choose the best one for your company. Moreover, opting for only legally required business insurance can be expensive since uninsured accidents can incur additional costs. The type of insurance required depends on the company's operations and state laws. Although state laws may mandate specific policies, the business owner must ensure the right coverage. Small businesses need insurance to avoid out-of-pocket claims and protect their survival. Understanding Business Insurances Having business insurance is essential to protect your business from financial loss during times of crisis or unexpected events. There are various insurance types available. However, combining policies will depend on your company's unique circumstances. Business insurance helps with legal payments, claims, employee issues, and damage to business property. It can cover compensation claims, legal fees, and property damage or employee-related issues. Moreover, the benefits of having insurance include financial and legal protection. This protection can help you recover and continue operating your company in case of various losses, such as the following: Employee injuries. Office building fires. Lawsuits. Business partner deaths. The right business insurance or an independent insurance agency can assist you in bouncing back and maintaining operations. Business owners must decide on the right insurance by analyzing their risks and evaluating the cost of insurance against the risk of loss. Steps to Find The Right Business Insurance Given below are some of the most important steps that can help you choose the right insurance for your business— 1. Examine Your Business Assets And Legal Responsibilities Before looking for the perfect insurance plan, you must examine the assets needing insurance. This analysis is because different types of assets demand different insurance due to their legalities. Moreover, this factor is not limited to physical assets. If you have a functioning factory or manufacturing unit, it is necessary that you ensure your employees. Therefore, your company will need injury and accident insurance for your employees. Additionally, every state in the USA has different legal regulations and necessities for asset insurance. Thus, you must first analyze the important assets in your company and then understand the legal implications that you must follow. 2. Understand What Risks You Can Face Business risk refers to the potential loss that is closely associated with the way a business operates. This type of risk is often considered unsuitable for insurance coverage and is instead managed as overhead. Therefore, insurance companies carry out risk assessments to evaluate the risk associated with covering an individual. The process involves considering various data points and potential risks to the policyholder in order to determine the appropriate insurance premium. A business always comes with additional liabilities and risks. Analyzing these risks can help you determine the appropriate insurance for your company. 3. Determine The Scalability Insurance is a crucial investment that protects individuals and businesses from unexpected occurrences that can cause financial distress. However, it's important to note that not all insurance plans are created equal. Scalable insurance plans are particularly beneficial as they offer greater flexibility and can be modified to accommodate changing business needs. Whether you need to downsize your team or your business is affected by unforeseen events such as a global pandemic, scalable insurance plans can be adjusted to meet your evolving coverage requirements. Therefore, it's crucial to conduct due diligence and verify the scalability of insurance plans before making a final decision. This will help you ensure adequate protection in the long run. 4. Find A Reliable Insurance Partner It's crucial to do your research and compare insurance providers based on their policies, premiums, and coverage. You should consider various factors such as cost, reliability, customer service, and claim handling. Make sure to buy from a licensed company in your state to ensure the state insurance department can help you if issues arise. Additionally, prices vary significantly among companies, so shopping around and getting at least three quotes from different sources is essential. Your state insurance department may have a guide on policy charges in different areas of your state. Your insurance company and representatives must answer your questions fairly, efficiently, and timely. You can determine this by talking to previous customers, checking a national claims database, and consulting your state insurance department. They can also provide information on the number of consumer complaints about a company relative to its policy sales. 5. Research The Insurance Market Having a comprehensive insurance policy is indispensable to guarantee the safety and security of your business. It encompasses various types of insurance such as business owners, business interruption, errors and omissions, product liability, cyber, and auto insurance. Finding the right insurance provider and policy can be daunting, but researching professional ratings can help you make informed decisions. Moreover, comparing deductibles and coverage is essential to ensure that your business is adequately protected. This detailed research will ultimately lead to better financial outcomes and peace of mind in the future. 6. Consider Your Industry-Specific Obligations The federal government requires all businesses with employees to have insurance for the following: Workers' compensation. Unemployment. Disability. Therefore, to ensure that your business complies with the legal requirements, reviewing the Division of Insurance website for your industry and state is important. If you need assistance with insurance, consider speaking with an agent who specializes in your industry or state. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right insurance plans to identify any gaps in coverage and determine the best way to fill them with other plans. How Does Business Insurance Ensure Success In The Long Run? Having business insurance is a must for all companies. It offers protection that can make the difference between having your claim paid by your insurer or paying it yourself. The latter could spell financial catastrophe for your business. Selecting the right policies ensures your most likely claims are covered. However, contrary to popular belief, insurance is not necessarily expensive. Moreover, you can obtain a general liability policy. These come for as low as $25 per month, with the average policy costing $65 per month. Read Also: 5 Must-Have Long-Term Goals For A Secure Future 10 Estate Planning Tips To Help You Prepare For The End Everything you Need to Know About Term Insurance Plan Premium

Does Bankruptcy Ruin Your Credit?

The Importance of Talking With an Expert

Different Types of Bankruptcy

The Impact of Bankruptcy on Your Credit

B Corps Vs Public Benefit Corporations: Understanding Ethical Investing

What Is A Pay Stub?

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

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