A bankruptcy can be the answer to your troubles or the bane of your existence. In most ways it is like starting over financially. You will however have a little shadow behind you that tells everyone that you have been in financial trouble before. If you have filed a chapter 7 or 13 Bankruptcy then you have or will have firsthand knowledge of the difficulties that can present themselves.
Re-establishing Good Credit
After a Bankruptcy you will need to re-establish your credit history. Having a good credit history for two years can also help you towards other financial goals. It will be almost impossible to obtain credit right after a bankruptcy. You can get a secured credit card in order to help your credit score.
Secured Credit?
A secured credit card is you essentially borrowing your own money. You invest 500.00 into an account. Then you can spend anywhere up to that 500.00. You will be required to pay back the debt to yourself as well as pay fees that the secured credit card company may instill on you. Paying this debt back on time each month will help to increase your credit score and increase your chances of being allowed real credit in the future. Even if you do not want any credit cards, it is a good idea to at least have one to help with the credit score. There are other things, such as a house, that you need good credit to purchase.
Time Frames
A chapter 13 Bankruptcy stays on your credit history for seven years, while a chapter seven is for ten years. Fortunately this does not mean that you will not be able to be granted credit in that time. After two years of good credit history, with you paying all of your bills on time as well as staying out of bad debt you should be able to qualify for a home loan. Planning ahead, and having a down payment, as well as a decent job, with security, will help get you there as well.
A bankruptcy seriously effects your credit status, and can take some time to overcome. The good news is, that with good financial planning you can have a great credit score and be financially stable.