Bankruptcies are sometimes seen as a last resort and something that people try to avoid at all costs. They are almost seen like an evil in this society, even though bankruptcy laws are a helpful protection for both consumers and businesses. They're actually very common.
What can bankruptcy do to get your finances back on track?
When you think about a bankruptcy, what do you see? Do you imagine collectors coming and taking away your assets, leaving you with nothing? The reality is much less terrifying. The myths that surround bankruptcy have made it seem like it's a situation where people lose everything they've worked so hard for, but the truth could not be further from that idea.
How to decide whether to pay your bills before filing bankruptcy
Deciding to file bankruptcy is a serious decision. A bankruptcy can remain on your credit report for seven to 10 years. It may be more challenging to get new credit such as credit cards, mortgages and personal loans during that time. If you can secure credit, like an auto loan, you may be looking at higher interest rates, larger down payments and the possibility of needing a co-signer.
How should you choose between the many debt relief options?
There are two primary ways that individuals end up in debt — by living beyond their means and being confronted with unexpected bills. The latter can happen as a result of a medical emergency, job loss, divorce, death of a spouse and other non-planned events. While it would be ideal if everyone could pay their bills off, many can't. Debtors often look for debt relief options and end up choosing bankruptcy. It's not necessarily always the best choice for them, though.
Behind on medical bills? Think about these points
Medical bills are a huge concern for millions of Americans. These expensive bills might be reduced some by health insurance coverage, but there are still some individuals who are dealing with very high balances on these accounts. If something unexpected happens, such as a job loss, a person's ability to pay for those bills might be limited.
Bankruptcy: This may or may not be the answer for you
No one takes on debt thinking that they'll be unable to pay it. Whether debt is accumulated because of a medical emergency that is out of their control or because they have enough of an income to justify it, most people have a plan for paying it back. Even if they pay just a small amount monthly, they make ends meet.
Is it time to consider bankruptcy?
In the United States, bankruptcy is designed to help those who cannot pay their debts. It helps them start fresh, either through liquidating their assets or by creating a repayment plan that allows them to pay what they owe over time.
Is bankruptcy common? Is it going to be right for me?
Going into bankruptcy can be a tough decision, even if you've been struggling with debt for a while. According to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Greenville and Knoxville had a total of 594 bankruptcy filings in May, 2020.
Credit scores and bankruptcy: Here are the facts
Bankruptcy doesn't have to be something that scares you. It's designed to help you get out of debt and to minimize the impact of those debts on your life.
Should you choose bankruptcy? Here are reasons to consider it
Bankruptcy is the last thing on most people's minds, even when they're struggling with debt. The reality is that bankruptcy is seen as a kind of last-ditch effort to get out of financial trouble, even though the truth is that it can be an excellent way to stop collections and to get back on track financially even before it's the only option left.
