There is no “quick and easy” answer to this question. You should discuss your situation with a credit counselor or a bankruptcy attorney, to evaluate the costs and benefits of bankruptcy given your personal financial situation.
Not every debtor qualifies to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A means test is applied to determine if you will be able to repay a substantial percentage of your debt, and if you are determined able to do so you will be ineligible for a liquidation of your debts and will likely have to engage in a repayment plan as part of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
The type of debt you owe can be a significant factor in whether you file for bankruptcy, as well as the form of bankruptcy you pursue. Factors which may affect your decision to file for bankruptcy protection are detailed in this associated article: Filing For Personal Bankruptcy Protection in a U.S. Court.
REESTABLISH CREDIT AFTER A BANKRUPTCY
Your ability to rebuild credit after filing bankruptcy is better than it has ever been. After you get your discharge, you will receive many solicitations from lenders offering to finance homes, vehicles and credit cards.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO RESPONSIBLY AND SUCCESSFULLY REBUILD CREDIT:
- Open a checking or savings account. Lenders may look at this to determine if you can responsibly handle money.
- Apply for store and gas credit cards that you would normally pay cash.
- Apply for a secured card where you deposit cash and charge against it. Pay advances back over two months so that they will be reflected as positive marks on your credit report.
- Pay your utility bills and rent on time for at least a year.
- Find a friend or relative to cosign for you on a loan and pay it on time.
- Look for car dealers and mortgage brokers that attest to be “bankruptcy friendly”. Buy a used car so you do not get hit with the depreciation that occurs during the first two years of a new car purchase.
- Stay away from payday loans that are at high interest rates and are a “bad credit” trap.
- Write a letter to each credit reporting agency explaining the circumstances that lead to you filing.
- Live within your means. Do not unnecessarily increase your debt to income ratio by taking on credit to purchase luxury items that you DO NOT NEED. Your payments on consumer debt should equal no more than 20% of your expendable income after costs for housing and a vehicle.
- Pay your reaffirmed, pre-bankruptcy debts on time.