Managing Your Finances after Bankruptcy

 Posted on June 29, 2018 in Effect Of Bankruptcy

Think about it: you have already made the mistakes; therefore, you know what to avoid. Bankruptcy tends to make filers better money managers both through experience, as well as through the required courses. Most new clients ask how long it will take to rebuild their credit, followed shortly by the firm statement that they will only ever pay for anything in cash ever again. Bankruptcy is one experience that will help you better manage your finances and empower you to to make better decisions in the future.

Education Requirements

In 2005, Congress passed the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA) due to their belief that the system was too lenient on those filing for bankruptcy. At that point, they instituted a two-part education program as a requirement to file for bankruptcy. These sessions include:

• Pre-petition credit counseling which explores all financial relief options to determine if bankruptcy is, in fact, the best option; and
• Post-petition financial management which occurs before the discharge is finalized and educates clients about how to move forward, budget, manage money, and rebuild credit successfully.

Beyond the Sessions

Most families attending these courses gain essential insights into bankruptcy alternatives, if they qualify, as well as best practices in money management to avoid a recurrence. A few of the most helpful pieces of advice include:

• Get budget help through financial tracking apps;
• Start an emergency savings fund instead of an emergency credit card;
• Live within your means (appropriate house and car size);
• Eat at home more often than you eat out (this includes coffee and sodas);
• Cut cable and other unnecessary expenses;
• Unsubscribe from tempting advertisement emails;
• Teach kids to be thrifty in spending; and
• Remember that less is more.

Ask Someone with Experience

Believe it or not, you will begin receiving offers from lenders offering you loans and credit lines shortly after finalizing your bankruptcy. Unfortunately, many people accept these offers for fear that there will be no other offers. Advice to consider is to avoid large loans in the beginning. If you work with small lines of credit and keep them paid on time, eventually better offers will come in. If you have questions about how bankruptcy can help your current situation and your future, a Boerne bankruptcy lawyer can help. At  Law Offices of Chance M. McGhee, we provide cost-efficient and compassionate counsel to individuals, families, and small business owners struggling with a financial crisis. Call us today at 210-342-3400 to schedule a free case review.

Sources:

http://www.txs.uscourts.gov/bankruptcy