Many people share intimate details of their lives on social media — vacations they take, places they shop, purchases they make, and even what they wear. Unfortunately, this form of sharing can sometimes have legal repercussions. For example, angry posts about your soon-to-be ex-spouse can find their way into your divorce case. Similarly, social media posts that depict a financial situation that is different from what you have claimed in bankruptcy filings could also cause serious problems. In fact, a high-profile example from a few years ago shows just how difficult things can be when you are not careful on social media.

Bankruptcy Filing and a Social Media Blunder

In 2015, the rapper 50 Cent filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Right in the middle of it all, he posted several Instagram photos with loads of cash — one of a stack of money in his freezer, one in which bills were arranged to spell the word “Broke,” and one of him surrounded by stacks of cash on a bed. The rapper claimed the bills were props, such as those used in music videos, but his creditors and the judge were far from amused.

According to the New York Times, 50 Cent stated that the postings were essential to maintaining his appearance and securing his future. When his history of merchandising deals and “living large” were mixed with a number of failed business ventures and several lawsuits, it was understandably difficult to determine whether he was hiding assets or telling the truth. Because of this, his creditors asked for a reevaluation of his assets, and a judge pulled him back into court to speak about the matter.

The decision to file for personal bankruptcy is not one that is easily made. Moreover, the days, weeks, and months following the decision can also be difficult, as there may be feelings of fear or concern. Then there is still the stress of preparing for the bankruptcy process. The following may be able to help alleviate some of that stress and provide guidance on how to find the assistance you need.

Start by Contacting an Attorney

While there are many steps to take during the bankruptcy process, your first should be to contact an experienced bankruptcy lawyer. Not only does this help you prevent missteps during the bankruptcy process, but it can also expedite the next steps. By contacting a lawyer, you can get you on your way to less stress from the creditor calls and collection letters.

Cancel Your Automatic Payments

If you are like most consumers, you have automatic payments that are drafted from your account. Some might be for subscriptions while others might be with creditors, all should be eliminated. This can help you start to step forward and manage your debt more responsibly. It also gives you more control over what you are paying in the weeks leading up to the bankruptcy filing.

There are many negative perceptions about bankruptcy. On one hand, some of these perceptions are well-deserved. After all, there are some potential drawbacks to filing. Yet there are also some major misconceptions about bankruptcy—some of which could keep someone from filing when they really should. The following information is designed to debunk these bankruptcy myths. It may even help you decide what your next step should be, and if bankruptcy might be the right solution for you.

Myth 1: Bankruptcy Ruins Your Credit Forever

True, your credit can take a hit after filing for bankruptcy, and it may be difficult to obtain new lines of credit once the process starts, but bankruptcy does not completely ruin your credit. If anything, it gives you a clean slate to start over. It is also usually less damaging than continuing to make late payments on your debts. If you are still a little apprehensive about filing, talk to a qualified bankruptcy attorney for a comprehensive analysis of your financial situation.

Myth 2: You Lose All Your Personal Property

Many people think you have to give up everything in bankruptcy, but this is not always the case. In fact, bankruptcy is designed to help protect some of your possessions from creditors. Furthermore, you may be able to keep some of your unprotected items by agreeing to continue paying on them. Do not expect to keep it all, just do not expect to lose it all either.

The words “filing for bankruptcy” can be enough to send those struggling financially into a full-blown anxiety attack. You may be thinking about the dramatic television depictions of bankruptcy, with peoples’ belongings being publicly advertised for sale and everyone becoming aware of their financial destitute. Because of these dramatizations, many will seek alternative options for paying off their massive credit card debts. No one wants to find themselves in the situation where bankruptcy is their only option; however, these alternatives can be more harmful to your credit than properly filing for bankruptcy. Debt settlement companies are a commonly advertised substitute, but the promises are often too good to be true.

What Is a Debt Settlement Company?

A debt settlement program is one sponsored by a for-profit company with the promise that they will work with your demanding creditors to negotiate a viable settlement for you to resolve your past-due payments. This settlement will be a lump-sum amount that is less than your total debt owed. Since it is unrealistic that you would have this money on hand, you will be asked to set aside a fixed amount every month into a savings account. Once the sum totals the settlement that they negotiated, you will pay the settlement amount. These companies or programs often tell their clients to halt their monthly payments to their creditors as they gather their settlement funds in their savings account.

For most people in the United States, owning a vehicle is a necessity that allows them to get to work, go to school or even just go about their daily lives. Because of this, those who are struggling to make car payments or who are aiming to file for bankruptcy tend to be worried about whether or not they can keep their vehicle. For most people, keeping your vehicle after a Texas bankruptcy is entirely possible, though it depends on whether or not you are still making payments on your car and what type of bankruptcy you file.

Understanding Secured Debt

The first thing you should understand is that your car loan is a secured debt, which is unlike other types of debt such as credit card debt. A secured debt is one that is backed by physical property used as collateral, such as a vehicle. If you stop paying on your secured debt, your lender has the right to repossess your property.