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Restoring Your Credit after Bankruptcy

Repairing Credit in Michigan

One of the very reasons why so many people struggle with the decision to file for bankruptcy is because they are afraid of what will happen to their credit if they file. First of all, it's important to realize that before most people file for bankruptcy their credit has already been damaged. It's not uncommon for people to be extremely delinquent on their credit cards or medical bills to the point where the creditors have charged them off, and it's not uncommon for peoples' vehicles to have already been repossessed prior to filing. In cases such as these, the damage has already been done.

Don't let fear over what will happen to your credit bar you from filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy if you would truly benefit from doing so. Contrary to popular belief, it can be far easier to rebuild one's credit following discharge than if one chose not to file at all, or if they let the debt sit there and accumulate interest and penalties, or if the person chose to slowly chip away at it over a number of years.

Credit Cards are Your Friend

Once a bankruptcy is discharged, you have to realize that credit cards are your friend, not your enemy. Even if you've sworn off credit cards forever, it's important to understand that when it comes to re-establishing your credit, not only are they your first step, but they are your best friend.

Fortunately, there are a number of secured credit card offers and other credit card offers that give people a second chance. While your initial balance will be low, and your interest rate high, you can still shop out cards and compare offers over the internet. However, as long as you pay off your balance every month, you won't have to worry about paying interest.

It's recommended that you get two or three of these credit cards, keep your charges to less than 20 or 30 percent of the credit line (this shows creditors self-control), and pay all or most of the balance off each and every month. After demonstrating good payment habits and exercising self-restraint, you can anticipate getting credit line increases and becoming a more attractive consumer for better credit card offers in the next year or two.

Tips for Improving Your Credit Score

Going about rebuilding your credit is very similar to establishing good credit in the first place.

If you wish to restore your credit as quickly as possible following discharge, it's important to adhere to the following principles:

  • Make sure you have a regular and steady source of monthly income coming in.
  • Make a budget and stick to it.
  • Save at least 10 to 20% of your paycheck for a rainy day.
  • Don't live beyond your means.
  • Try to remain as stable as possible, especially maintaining a residence at one place for a significant period of time if you can (this makes you appear stable to potential lenders).
  • Very important – pay all of your bills on time!
  • Keep your credit card balances low, maxed out credit cards are not a good thing.
  • Determine what got you into this situation and take the necessary steps to ensure history doesn't repeat itself.

By maintaining a regular and steady source of income, developing a sound budget and sticking to it, and by taking out credit cards and maintaining a very low balance and paying all your bills on time, you can put yourself on the right track to restoring your credit in no time.

For those who actively work to restore their credit following a bankruptcy discharge, they can often get auto loans and even home loans within two to three years after discharge. It just takes a good work ethic and discipline to restore your credit once more. The good news is that since you can't file bankruptcy again for a number of years, many lenders may find you a more attractive borrower now than if you still had all of that debt counting against your debt to income ratio.

Small Changes Reap Big Rewards

For some people, finding balance in their budget so they can be solvent comes down to making some changes in their spending habits. Such changes may include buying the black coffee from Starbucks instead of the Iced Mocha, or brown-bagging lunch instead of eating out every workday. Or, it may involve clipping coupons or buying generic instead of the name brand. Every little bit counts and sometimes these minor changes can add up to huge savings, and more available money to put aside for that rainy day that hopefully never comes.

To learn more about credit restoration, please contact the Hensel Law Office, PLLC to schedule your initial consultation with our Michigan bankruptcy attorney.

Client Testimonials

  • Sincerest thanks for all of your help in affording me what I consider a real "fresh start."

    “I wanted to give you my sincerest thanks for all of your help in affording me what I consider a real "fresh start". My divorce was unfortunate but definitely a needed change for the better. However, the financial side of things still seemed to keep that past linked, which makes this an enormous weight lifted. I just can't believe the impact it's made on my outlook with...everything.I will be sure to keep your business cards handy to distribute along with highly favorable words of recommendation should the needs arise.Thank you again for your time and professional guidance.”

    Michelle

  • We have and will continue to recommend you to others in need of a fresh start.

    “Dear Tom, my husband and I wanted to express our deepest thanks for the help you gave us during our embarrassing and stressful time. I was very impressed that you returned every phone call in a timely manner. You were able to explain exactly what was going to happen in words that "we" could understand. You answered every question we threw at you. The whole bankruptcy process from start to finish was complete in the time you told us it would take. Your professionalism yet friendliness made the whole experience for us almost enjoyable... almost! We have and will continue to recommend you to others in need of a fresh start.”

    Melissa

  • Professional, competent, empathetic attorney.

    “My husband and I were forced into a position to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. We were devastated and mortified that we had to choose that route, but Tom eased our stress about the filing and court hearing process, as he thoroughly explained what Chapter 7 entails, as well as exactly what to expect during and after the filing process; he was accurate on each point that he advised us on. Tom also kept in frequent contact with us and responded quickly to any questions or concerns that we had while we worked with him. Tom's expertise and tact was invaluable for us, and we will absolutely recommend him to any of our friends and relatives that may find themselves in similar positions to ours. Thank you, Tom, for your dedicated help during this process.”

    EJO

  • We couldn't have gotten through this difficult process without Tom.

    “We couldn't have gotten through this difficult process without Tom. We evaluated a number of bankruptcy attorneys and found Tom to be the most knowledgeable and compassionate. He takes the time to explain all aspects of the process and answers your questions thoroughly and promptly both in person and via email. He knows the law and ensures that you receive the best treatment possible depending on your particular situation.”

    T & J

  • You made a difficult experience so much easier.

    “Back a few years ago, you helped me through a bankruptcy. I still tell people how you made a difficult experience so much easier, with your clarity, support, and friendly approach to the law. I'm still very appreciative for all your help – it really helped to pull me out of a difficult place and put my life back on track.”

    Eric