October 26, 2011
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Embracing Life After Bankruptcy
Filing for bankruptcy is a life-changing event. After years of financial turmoil, you will finally get a fresh start. If this gives you a bit of anxiety, you're not alone.
Many people emerge from bankruptcy wondering how to put their life back together. They worry that they may never be able to get a credit card, a car loan or a mortgage -- or worse yet, that they will fall back into the same habits that that caused the bankruptcy in the first place.
Thankfully, the task is not as hard as it seems. With a proactive attitude and some careful planning, you can be back on your feet much more quickly than you think.
Address the Root Causes of Your Bankruptcy
The first step to recovering from bankruptcy is to address the reasons it happened in the first place. Are you following a realistic budget? Do you need more savings or a better job? Be honest with yourself about the real reasons you fell into bankruptcy.
To move forward, you will need to become extra vigilant about your finances. Set a strict budget and follow it. List your needs -- things like housing, food, utilities, gas, car payments, student loan payments, etc. -- and always pay those first.
After struggling financially for so long, it's easy to want to treat yourself. That's okay in moderation, but make sure to stick to your budget.
Many people also find it helpful to set up automatic payment so they always pay their bills on time. Your bill-paying habits account for 35 percent of your credit score.
Re-Establish Your Credit
Once you've set a budget that you are able to follow, you should focus on rebuilding your credit. You may be wary of using credit after having been burned in the past, but you'll have to do it if you ever want to get a loan in the future.
Many companies offer secured cards that you can use to safely rebuild your credit. To use the card, you deposit money with the issuing bank -- usually somewhere from $200 to $1,000 -- and that becomes your credit limit. If you charge a small amount each month and always pay off the full balance, you'll be able to see your credit score gradually improve.
Focus on Your Emotional Health
A bankruptcy can be a stressful, and sometimes devastating, experience for many people. It's not uncommon for people to report feeling guilty, embarrassed or disappointed in themselves.
Don't get caught in this trap. Sometimes bankruptcies happen -- in fact, they happen to over a million people every year. Put the past behind you and focus on moving forward.
After all, how many people can say they got a second chance?
Article provided by The Law Offices of Elizabeth Quick, PLLC
Visit us at http://www.lizquicklaw.com
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