Rebuilding credit after bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is something that stays on your credit report for a long time.Ideally a chapter 7 bankruptcy remains for 10 years and chapter 13 bankruptcy remains for 7 years on your credit report.However, even though you have just come out of bankruptcy you can try and rebuild your credit Even though you have faced bankruptcy you get a new chance to start rebuilding your credit. There are a number of things that you can do to help yourself. Some of these are mentioned in this article.

Steps that help you take the right move

When it comes to rebuilding credit after bankruptcy then there are certain things that you can do to help yourself. Let us see some of these steps.

  • The first resolution that you should make is to start paying off your bills on time. It is high time that you stop paying your bills late. You should try and pay all your bills either before time or on-time.
  • Get a copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus.Check these reports whether all the payments have been reported on time and if not then send the documentation of the payment of the bills and get it updated.
  • Avoid taking any more credit from finance companies. These companies usually provide credit help at high interest rates and moreover they can result in lowering your credit score.
  • Try not to have a co-signer for any more of your credits.Having a co-signer on your credit can lower your credit score further.Lenders usually consider people with co-signers as a great risk.
  • If you are going ahead to apply for a loan and the lender says a plain NO then go ahead and ask the lender about their criteria and ask some open-minded questions.
  • You can open a savings or a checking account.When you apply for a loan the lender sees this as a positive aspect and considers you to be responsible towards handling money.
  • Try and stay away from payday loans for the time being.These high interest loans if not paid on time can result in worsening your credit.
  • How can you start rebuilding credit

    Now that you know where to start from let us see some of the best ways in which you can start rebuilding your credit.

    Secured credit cards:This is one of the most secured ways in which you can start rebuilding your credit. There are many banks that provide these cards with the credit limit equal to the amount that you have in your account. However, before you take these cards you should make sure that the bank reports your account to all the three credit-reporting bureaus.

    Prepaid credit cards: These are similar to having secured credit cards but are not given against an account.With these cards you would be filling in your card with money at the outlet of the provider and you can use it as a normal credit card.With this card also you should make sure that your account is reported to the bureaus.

    Get a car loan: If you think that you need a car then you can easily apply for a car loan. Usually car loans can be applied for just after the bankruptcy is discharged.However, if you are taking one just after the bankruptcy then you would be charged a higher interest rate. You can wait for sometime and then get the loan to qualify for a decent interest rate. For this you need just proof of your income and your payment capacity. You are required to convince the lender that you would be able to pay off the loan on time.

    Mortgages: This is another way in which you can rebuild your credit.However, for qualifying for a mortgage you are required to wait for a period of two years after the bankruptcy is discharged. There are a number of lenders who are ready to finance mortgage loans for people who have faced bankruptcy.They would see your payments during the two years after the bankruptcy is discharged and would also see your income whether you would be able to meet with the payments or not. Though these ways are simple to read but then it is you who is required to manage it.It is very important that any form of credit either a loan or a credit card the payment towards them should be made on time. Unless you make the payments on time it is difficult to restore your credit. It is very important that now that you have tasted what it feels like being bankrupt you manage your finances properly.

    Food for thought

    One of the major steps to start rebuilding your credit is to have a budget and cut off the unwanted expenses. It is very important that you understand the difference between your need and want so that you can manage your monetary wealth properly and stay out of debt in future. Whatever, new accounts that you are opening after bankruptcy should be paid off on time and be wise enough to open accounts only those that you are sure you can make payments towards. You should beware of lenders and brokers who can talk you into a credit that can make your situation worse. Analyze your income and then work accordingly. In case you find it difficult then you can always take the help of a financial expert who can guide you on how to manage your finances.

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