Important Things You Need To Know Before Filing For Bankruptcy

Published on: 13 February 2021 Last Updated on: 26 December 2024

The aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic saw a string of businesses file for bankruptcy. The United States saw many B2B businesses including, FTK Worldwide (Jewellers), Contact Transport (Logistics and Supply), and others opt for the bankruptcy route.

Legal experts are of the opinion that no two bankruptcy cases are the same. They differ in terms of their exposure, risks, legalities, and the court judgment. Even if two companies file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7, their judgments and orders can be different.

In this article, we speak to a leading bankruptcy Birmingham law firm that specializes in these issues. we ask them about some important things businesses and their owners need to keep in mind before filing for bankruptcy.

List of Important Things you need to know before Filing for Bankruptcy

1. Chapters 7 and Chapter 13 are Important for Individuals and Businesses

Legal experts suggest that solopreneur ventures and sole proprietorships that are individual-centric should go for filing bankruptcy under Chapter 7. This puts a stay to debt and credit obligations and allows individuals to even retain control over their property.

Businesses that are well-established should opt for Chapter 11. This helps in keeping the business entity alive and allows for a payment restructuring plan that works to ensure complete repayment over a period of three to five years.

2. Hiring Legal Help is of High Importance

It is important to understand that individuals or businesses looking to file for bankruptcy should always avail of expert legal help. If you are trying to use Google to do all the paperwork, you might get into serious trouble in the near future.

Bankruptcy laws are incredibly complex and technical. In particular, Chapter 7 allows liquidation of debt to take care of financial obligations and absolve the individual from repayment. All collection attempts must stop. Subsequently, a bankruptcy trustee collects non-exempt valuable assets and sells them to pay off debt. The law discharges eligible debts, such as credit card loans, medical bills, and old utility bills. So, you need an experienced bankruptcy attorney to help you fend off the debtors, and work with the courts and the banking institutions. At the end of the day, you do not want criminal proceedings to be initiated by any of the parties.

You can hire an expert in your area, such as a Florida Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer. A bankruptcy lawyer’s job is to help you overcome debt, so they’ll guide you through the process by offering advice or assisting you in filing for bankruptcy protection.

3. Bankruptcy does not mean All Debts go away

If you were under the impression that bankruptcy is going to help you walk away scot-free think again. Legally, the following are some areas where bankruptcy will not be able to help you-

Alimony Payments
Student Loans
Taxes on Luxury Items
Taxes
Child Support Payments

All the above-mentioned areas and payments are not something that the court can give you relief from. If you miss your payments or taxes, new legal cases can be brought up against you in a court of law. The punishment and legal repercussions for the same will be different.

For this reason, it’s a must to talk to an experienced attorney and a personal financial advisor who can help you determine other options for addressing these problems. Social workers and community leaders can also help. The government and private sectors offer programs for citizens needing financial and social support services. They’ll help you get through difficult times, so don’t hesitate to consult them.

4. Your Credit Score will get Affected Post-Bankruptcy

According to leading legal experts, ten years is the period where your credit score will carry the blemish of your bankruptcy declaration. If you are looking to get loans or credit during the period, the same might get very difficult. You need to be prepared to address the credit score.

Some lending companies may offer you a personal loan. But the interest rates are high. You can take the risk to recover gradually from poor credit standing. However, you’ll have to make sure that you pay your loan on time.

Fortunately, there are some professional services that have come up in recent years that can help you improve your credit score within a short period of time. If you want to get back in the game, you can always avail of such services.

5. Bankruptcy can help you give Yourself a Fresh Start in Life and Business-

It can be stated that most businesses that suffered because of the pandemic did so for no fault of their own. In such instances, legal experts suggest that bankruptcy can be a sound tactical and strategic decision that can be taken by businesses and individuals.

Banks, lending institutions, and even the judges that will be hearing the case are already aware of the drastic and negative economic fallouts of the pandemic. In fact, there have been cases, where the banks have discussed with lenders and worked out a positive restructuring plan to help individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic.

The Bottom Line

Filing for bankruptcy can probably the single hardest decision you would have to take in your entire life. However, rather than make the decision an emotional one, it is best to exercise reason and proper judgment and take help from an experienced legal attorney to find your way.

Read Also:

Debunking 7 Notorious Bankruptcy Myths
What are the types of debt that can be discharged in bankruptcy?

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7 Important Things You Must Do Right After Your Retirement

Retirement can be a time of mixed emotions. Everyone certainly wants to enjoy their retirement with prosperity and happiness. According to professionals, 93% of formal workers worldwide have yet to learn about their retirement. Along with that, the health risk also increases as you age and decrease in physical condition. It is important to remember that happiness is not just a comfortable life after retirement but essential for mental and physical health. Thus, investing in your happiness can be the best thing you can do for yourself in retirement. One of the biggest challenges is finding a new meaning and purpose in your life. This article will help you discover some important things you can do after you retire. Things To Do Once You Reach Your Retirement Retirement is a perfect time to pursue your passion and allows you to explore new interests. Whether it is traveling to your favorite destination or assisting in some care centers, there are endless things that you can do after your retirement. Here is a list of things you must do after your retirement. 1. Maintain Your Physical And Mental Health Staying healthy and active is important for your mental and physical well-being right after your retirement. Doing yoga or exercise is one of the best ways you can stay healthy with your physical abilities. If you practice it regularly, it will assist you in regulating a well-maintained weight, improve your mental health, and minimize the risk of any chronic disease. You can make a schedule to exercise at least once a day or go for a walk in the nearby park or garden. Besides meditation or yoga, there are many fun and enjoyable ways to remain active in retirement. You can take a Zumba class, a swimming class, or a local sports team. There are endless options to keep yourself healthy and active in retirement. 2. Diversify Your Income Stream While you still actively work and make a monthly income, you can consider your spending habits. Thus, you can start with a frugal living so that you can save money and later use it as your retirement fund. Financial stress is a major source of worry and anxiety in retirement. However, it is important that you manage your finances strategically and plan for the future to remain stress-free. To ensure a comfortable retirement, you can also contact pension consultants to develop a retirement plan. This will help you meet your goals and meet your needs. Furthermore, you can further develop and start paying off your debt with the small things. 3. Start Investing In Your Hobby Think about your favorite hobby or activity that you like to do. Start doing it regularly. Therefore, this will help you maintain good health, specifically your mental health. Thus, you can enter your retirement phase and continue to do your hobby to remain active, relieve stress, and be productive. In addition, constantly practicing your favorite hobby will keep you away from heart disease, enhance mental well-being, and normalize high blood pressure. However, learning new things can assist you in staying mentally sharp and engaging with the people around you. 4. Clear All Your Debts Whether you have planned a retirement plan or not, remember to pay your debts before your retirement. This would help you fill retirement without any loans or debts. Hence, you can start paying off your debt from the smallest one. Thus, make sure you avoid getting tempted to add extra loans so that it does not become a burden in retirement. 5. Prepare A Source Of Fund Start preparing for your fund at your early employment stage. In order to maintain your lifestyle after your retirement, it is important that you plan while you are still working. Apart from your savings or recurring, you can start with other investments for your retirement and protect yourself from various life risks, such as stock markets, mutual funds, and other schemes that will help you build hefty retirement funds. All you would require is a well-prepared plan that will make sure you love a wealthy and happy retirement. Hence, in order to reach there, you need sufficient funds for your retirement. Remember to protect your retirement plan with insurance, which will help you secure your retirement life and protect you from various life risks. 6. Give Back The Community Helping in charity or volunteering in home care centers is a great way to give back to the community and create a positive surrounding around you. It can also teach a sense of purpose and meaning in your life in retirement. There are several ways to volunteer in retirement, from mentoring people in your community to helping in local food banks. While volunteering can be a great way to meet new people, it also assists in building a respectful relationship within the community. 7. Travel And Explore New Places Retirement is a perfect time to plan trips and explore places that have been on your bucket list for a very long time. Whether you are exploring a new country or simply exploring a park, travel can bring a sense of excitement and adventure to your life in retirement. On the other hand, travel can be a great way to learn new things and make new friends. Whether you are traveling with friends or family, there are endless options to explore the world and create new memories. Wrapping Up Thus, sticking to the program will be fine if you are determined to follow the plan. It is only possible to achieve this with active participation and a good advisor's support. Therefore, remember that retirement is a chance to look back with happiness on all the great achievements in your career. Similarly, you are being able to draw and enter an exciting new stage of your life. From drawing up your favorite hobby to diversifying your income streams, you can set up a plan that fits your needs and preferences. All you need is to remain stress-free. Yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help manage stress and improve overall well-being. Hence, start to plan the key decisions and let them play out in their own time. Read Also: Smart Ways to Invest in Gold How To Start Your Investor Journey: 5 Credible Options To Explore What Investors Should Know about Investment in Gold and Silver Assets

How To Use An SBA Loan For Business Purchase

Financing is crucial for prospective small business owners. Personal loans that are made for companies usually have high-interest rates. Small businesses acquire SBA loans from banks as well as credit unions. Such an economic government financing approach ensures loans to an amount of $5 million for small company owners. Small enterprises may get loans with government guarantees. Such kinds of bank loans are, therefore, SBA-approved, and lenders get applications. Moreover, the bank receives payments. SBA will cover losses up to 85% if the borrower fails. The safety net it provides reduces small company owners' risk, promoting low-interest lending. For any buyer, defaulting is awful, too. The buyer community at Beacon provides educational materials, deal-assessing tools, and industry experts and entrepreneurs to assist consumers in making wise purchases. What Is An SBA Loan? The U.S. Administration of Small Businesses supports the SBA loan. It stands for small business administration loans that allow multiple financial enterprises to offer business loans that have higher flexibility than traditional loans. Since the government backs these loans, banks are encouraged to lend financial help to enterprises that might not be able to function otherwise. Lenders get the opportunity to offer business loans with fewer down payments and lower stringent credit standards. The repayment terms on these loans are usually longer and might extend up to 10-25 years in various circumstances. In the later section of the article, let’s discuss the eligibility criteria for an SBA loan. Can I Acquire A Company With An SBA Loan? The answer is yes! Acquisition loans from the SBA may be utilized for working capital, debt refinancing, real estate purchases, equipment acquisitions, and company purchases, including franchises. How Can I Get This Loan? Four easy stages comprise the application procedure of SBA. Look for a lender Select your loan type. Prepare documents Send your application. Guaranteed Loan Program For SBA The 7(a) secured loan program is the primary one offered by the SBA. However, it does have additional lending programs. Monthly payments are required for loans up to $25,000 to $5,000,000. Here is a brief idea of the maturity rates: 25 years in the realty sector 10 years dedicated to gear Inventory or working capital loan for 10 years Several simplified and guaranteed SBA 7(a) loans are available to small company entrepreneurs who need to finance quickly. Preferred Lender Program or PLP– A limited collection of loan lenders may independently approve SBA loans. They function like 7(a) guaranteed loans and are confirmed by the SBA within 24 hours of the request. BA Express Loan Program – Like PLP, SBA Express Loan Program lenders have the power of unilateral credit approval. However, SBA Express loans are only guaranteed up to almost 50%. Our service makes it simpler and quicker for every lender to lend $350,000 or less. Typically, the SBA guarantees these loans not more than 24 hours after the request is raised. SBA Veterans Benefit— The SBA Express Loan generally waives a 0.52% guaranty fee for small businesses both operated and owned by veterans. But that’s not all! They might also belong to National Guard members, their spouses, widowed spouses of service members, active-duty military in TAP, reservists, or veterans who got killed during service, or service-connected disabilities. SBA Collateral Necessities The SBA requires borrowers to pledge all corporate assets as security, and liens made for personal assets might be needed to secure the loan. This usually involves residential real estate liens. If adequate collateral is unavailable, the borrower's loan qualifying will not be affected. This is one of the reasons why you may be denied. Learn more about why was my SBA loan declined. SBA Guarantor Needs One guarantor is required for every SBA loan. Individuals with 20% or greater firm ownership must furnish an infinite guarantee. One owner must furnish a complete, unconditional assurance if no one owns 20% of the firm or more than that. If the stakeholder's spouse owns either 20% or more of the firm, both partners must furnish a complete, unconditional guarantee. How Long Is SBA Loan Approval And Closing? Since a large amount of paperwork is involved, the SBA loan might take 60 to even 90 days to finalize. You may use the Express Loan to have the loan authorized and closed swiftly. SBA promises that this loan will be authorized or denied within a time period of 36 hours. However, paperwork and lender timelines might take 30–60 days. Related: How A Business Loan Helps Business People In 2023 SBA Loan Drawbacks Many small company entrepreneurs use the SBA for funding, but it has drawbacks. Businesses in these industries cannot borrow from SBA. Investment, gambling, speculation, loan packaging, lending, and multi-sales distribution Real estate investment companies Rare artifact dealers Sales pyramids Religious, charitable, or non-profit organizations. SBA doesn't allow complicated earn-outs. SBA loans restrict owners to transfer to one year after closing. Are There Alternatives To SBA 7(a) Loans For Company Acquisition? A standard small company or personal loan is available, but an SBA 7(a) loan is government-backed and given by banks and credit unions. Rather than lending, the SBA insures these loans against default. Apart from SBA 7 (A) Loans, small businesses can also opt for the following alternatives: SBA Express Loan: The express loan is usually used for working and equipment capital. They are ideal in situations where a small business needs working capital, money for equipment positioning, refinancing, etc, and are generally for a longer period of time. SBA 504 Loans: The 504 loans are generally used for commercial real estate financing and even for purchasing existing buildings. These are usually of two types- one that you get directly from the lender and another from a CDC or a Certified Development Company. The Bottom Line: Is SBA 7(A) Loan Worth Applying For? For budding enterprises that want money to establish their firm, SBA loans are absolutely worth it. This article has successfully covered all the important information related to the loan application and its eligibility. So, thank you for reading and if there’s something you would like to add, simply comment below. Read Also: How To Secure Your Dream Home With A VA Loan Ways To Apply For A Personal Loan & The Reasons To Opt For This Loan. Steps For Getting The Best Car Loan

5 Fun Facts About The American Eagle Gold Coin

As the official bullion coin of the U.S., the gold American eagle coin is sought-after by investors and numismatics. These consumers are intrigued by the coin's all-American precious metals, the reputation of the coin, and the intricate, detailed design. The interest in collectors for this coin is also due to being one of the top-selling billions in the country. Serious investors also want to know that they are putting their money into an investment they can count on. Security of investment is a given with American gold eagle coins, as they are the only coins officially backed by the U.S. government. The guarantee eradicates concerns over the coin's validity in value, which tells investors they are truly getting what they pay for. With guaranteed quality control, investors and numismatics never need to worry about their investment's content, purity, weight, or quality of metal. With these facts secured, the investment is set to be used as legal tender or secured as an asset. While the legitimacy of the coin is the most crucial fact about the American Eagle gold coin, here are five additional fun facts to note. 1. The American eagle gold coin is more scratch-resistant than gold buffalos. The polished surfaces and keen attention to detail are showcased on American eagle gold bullions; their beauty adds to the investor and numismatic interest. Since the American Eagle gold bullion contain 10% copper and silver alloys, it is notably more scratch-resistant than its counterparts, 24-karat Gold Buffalos. Additionally, the U.S. Mint tailors coin production to meet the aesthetic appeal of collectors. 2. There are more opportunities for creative collection display. Collectors interested in placing their coins into a portfolio may wish to display their collectors' coins in a unique and creative way. For instance, some collectors may arrange coins based on historical significance, others by type or style. With the American eagle gold coin, you can also organize your portfolio by coin similarity. For example, the Gold Eagle is similar in design to the Double eagle gold coin. On both coins, Lady Liberty and an American eagle are displayed. Additionally, both indicate the currency value and mintage dates. 3. The gold is sourced by the U.S. All Gold Eagle coins are produced with gold sourced only from the U.S. The coins may not include metal from unknown or foreign sources during the minting process. As a legal requirement, these specifications are not to be altered for any reason. For collectors looking to invoke patriotism and American pride into their collection, the American Eagle gold coin is a wise investment choice. American-derived gold is of significant historical influence as well for collectors or investors interested in obtaining a piece of American history. 4. The coin value will always remain what it is. No matter if the price of gold decreases, the American Eagle gold coin retains the value that is minted onto them. Each coin has a face value from five to fifty dollars of legal currency. Regardless of changes in currency, the coin value is maintained, making Gold Eagles a wise investment for those looking to add tangible assets to their portfolios. Likewise, collectors looking to compile assets to pass on can achieve peace of mind knowing that the American Eagle gold coin will not depreciate in value, no matter how much time goes by or how American currency changes over time. 5. These coins offer the historical significance of legal tender. Some collectors and investors want to purchase coins that offer historical significance. Interest or appreciation for rich American history can be acknowledged by purchasing a Gold Eagle coin. The first Gold Eagle was introduced in 1986 in response to the Gold Bullion Coin Act Of 1985. The act recognized the value of gold coins with legal currency and precious metals. The American eagle gold coin is the established, official U.S. gold bullion. Invest in coins with permanent value and lasting significance. The American eagle gold coin offers numismatics and investors the opportunity to establish a balanced investment portfolio or collectors' portfolio. As a protected coin, devaluing currencies are not influential, allowing collectors to preserve their coins and maintain their value for future investment opportunities and generations to come. Read Also: Can I Convert My 401k To A Gold IRA? Starting Your Rare Coin Collections: A Beginners Guide to the 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dime Bitcoin’s 10th Birthday: Does Satoshi Nakamoto’s White Paper Still Hold Relevance?

Important Things You Need To Know Before Filing For Bankruptcy

List of Important Things you need to know before Filing for Bankruptcy

1. Chapters 7 and Chapter 13 are Important for Individuals and Businesses

2. Hiring Legal Help is of High Importance

3. Bankruptcy does not mean All Debts go away

4. Your Credit Score will get Affected Post-Bankruptcy

5. Bankruptcy can help you give Yourself a Fresh Start in Life and Business-

The Bottom Line

Want your Startup Revenue to Skyrocket? Here is what You Should Do

What Investors Should Know about Investment in Gold and Silver Assets

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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7 Important Things You Must Do Right After Your Retirement

How To Use An SBA Loan For Business Purchase

5 Fun Facts About The American Eagle Gold Coin

Important Things You Need To Know Before Filing For Bankruptcy

List of Important Things you need to know before Filing for Bankruptcy

1. Chapters 7 and Chapter 13 are Important for Individuals and Businesses

2. Hiring Legal Help is of High Importance

3. Bankruptcy does not mean All Debts go away

4. Your Credit Score will get Affected Post-Bankruptcy

5. Bankruptcy can help you give Yourself a Fresh Start in Life and Business-

The Bottom Line

Share this Article

Want your Startup Revenue to Skyrocket? Here is what You Should Do

What Investors Should Know about Investment in Gold and Silver Assets

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

Follow Us

Recent

Related