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Debt Settlement Programs and Chapter 7 – Part 1 (Page 1 of 2)

When debtors find it difficult to redeem their outstanding dues, they generally try to find various ways and means to repay their debt. However, in many cases, this does not work out properly owing to various reasons, and debtors start thinking in terms of Chapter 7 and filing for bankruptcy. Availing the facilities offered by the statute can solve some of your immediate debt problems, but a certain amount of debt will remain even after discharging Chapter 7, and your credit ratings will carry a “flag” for at least seven years. Needless to say, it becomes almost impossible to avail large credit facilities in the future. Many companies offer debt settlement facilities in the form of debt settlement programs. One of the most common type of debt is credit card debt, in which cases the companies offer credit card debt settlement programs so the debtors can redeem their dues.

Generally, credit debt settlement companies work to provide customized solutions for individuals who have low monthly incomes and delinquency problems. The extent of debt settlement services vary from company to company. However, all companies provide certain features which remain common, and facilitate credit card settlement. A debt settlement company can provide options to redeem, and it is advisable to avail the facilities rather than file for Chapter 7 and bankruptcy. It is important to know exactly what Chapter 7 is, and what issues are associated with engaging in bankruptcy. The knowledge can be useful in deciding whether to file for Chapter 7, or avail debt settlement program to repay.

What does Chapter 7 signify? Chapter 7 of the Title 11 of the United States Code, dealing primarily with the bankruptcy code, fundamentally governs the process of liquidation under the bankruptcy laws of the United States government. Chapter 7 is associated with liquidation and bankruptcy issues. It offers the simplest and quickest way to file for bankruptcy – and the statute is available to all U.S. individuals, corporations, and partnerships. As per the statute, a trustee is appointed by the court to gather and sell all non-exempt property, and use the proceeds availed from the sale to pay off the outstanding dues to the creditors.

According to the law “Exempt property” is the property that the debtor is allowed to keep or retain on his or her own name. The facility is given to the debtors, so it becomes possible to “save” something for the sustenance and livelihood of the debtor’s family, as well as the debtor. The nature and kind of property exempted depends upon the state jurisdiction and its bankruptcy laws. It is advisable to consult a good attorney to have a clear understanding regarding exempted properties. According to the new law, it is mandatory to keep residence in a particular state for certain duration before availing the statute benefits and facilities. The new updation was enforced to prevent a debtor from “moving” to another state offering more generous exemptions, just prior to filing for bankruptcy.

Tips on How to Rebuild Credit after Bankruptcy

Many consumers today are very conscious about their credit scores. This is because they know that their respective credit ratings directly determine the terms and rates of interest that will be imposed on the financing deals that they might be taking in the future.

These consumers are also well aware of the fact that a bad credit report can significantly reduce their chances of being granted low interest credit programs. They know that having bad credit marks such as tax liens, foreclosure, court judgments and of course bankruptcy can cause lenders to shy away from extending them the financing deals they need.

Let us consider the effect of bankruptcy. A bankruptcy record is usually retained on your credit file for a period of seven to ten years. This means that you will have a very difficult time searching for lenders, willing to provide you credit lines, for a very long time. You will have to wait for a minimum of seven years before your bad credit report will be dropped and before you can receive again offers for low interest credit accounts.

Still, this does not mean that you have to wait that long before you start repairing your credit history. It is possible to gradually rebuild your credit reputation even after your debts have been discharged under bankruptcy. But how can you do this? You will find the answer to this question in the succeeding paragraphs of this article.

Three Tips on Rebuilding Credit History After Bankruptcy

Even if you cannot eliminate bankruptcy from your credit records, you can do things that will help improve your credit score. Below, we have listed three tips that you can employ to do so.

1. Regularly check your credit report. Always obtain a copy of your credit file from the three credit reporting agencies -Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You can do this by ordering your free annual credit report from Annualcreditreport.com.

Once you have received your credit report, you must carefully check the entries reflected on it. Scrutinize your personal information, as well as your existing credit accounts. In case you find an error or misprint, immediately file a dispute letter with any of the three credit reporting firms. This way, you can prompt them to investigate your credit records and verify your claim. Should they find your claim valid, they will issue you an updated and more reliable credit file.
2. Seek professional assistance. There are many non-profit organizations that provide free credit repair services. By enrolling in these programs you can certainly learn effective tips that you can use to gradually regain your credit reputation. Not only that. Credit repair guides also provide advice on how you can manage your finances as well as your credit accounts responsibly. This way, they can assist you to avoid falling into new debt traps and encountering bigger financial problems in the future.

3. Make a conscious effort to avoid debts. The two tips we have listed above will not work unless you resolve to change your spending habits. So, we encourage you to avoid incurring new debts. Apply the money-management tips that you have learned from your free credit repair sessions. This way, you can succeed in regaining your credit worthiness and in recovering your financial health.

Follow these three tips and for sure you can successfully rebuild credit even after you have filed for bankruptcy.