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Saturday, September 5, 2009

Helpful Tips For Those Who Want To Live Free Of Bankruptcy

By Dawn Enstruthe

What exactly does being bankrupt mean? The word "bankrupt" is actually a more formal term for being broke. Nonetheless, they mean the same. Bankruptcy refers to your state when all your assets are tied up and you no longer have a means of paying back your debts. Filing for bankruptcy has been made possible to help individuals with their financial situation.

Then again, despite the fact that it may help with your financial situation, filing for bankruptcy should always be the last resort. Once a bankruptcy record is included in your credit history, you will no longer find it possible to get a decent deal from any financial provider, if you get approved a deal in the first place. Finding a job may also be tough. When you try to get a loan, refinance a car or home, or rent an apartment, chances are you will get declined.

Moreover, the effect of a bankruptcy record may last for up to ten long years. Can you imagine what a life that would be? Ten years of trying everything in order to recuperate but all efforts in vain is not something you are looking forward to, am I right? Therefore, you must see to it that you are doing all you can to avoid the need for a bankruptcy filing. The best way to do so is by developing a budget and following it strictly.

Every individual must develop a budget and abide by it. Buying impulsively and irresponsibly is not only risky for big expensive stuff, but can also be expensive for smaller items that accumulate, pushing you further into debt. When you go shopping, it is best to leave your credit card or checkbook at home. Create a checklist of the things you are going to buy and bring just the amount needed plus a little extra pocket money. Also, before you buy a certain item, check with other stores. You might find a similar item that is sold for a cheaper price.

The more stores you visit, the better your idea will be of what a reasonable price for a certain item is. Do not hurry when making purchases. Take your time when choosing items to buy and make sure to evaluate each one. Doing so helps in eliminating impulse buying. When you have finished comparing items from different stores and have decided which items are those that you really need to buy, then you can go ahead and purchase them.

If you find that your debt is really overwhelming, you can still do something to somehow improve your situation. Calculate how much your debt to income ratio is. If you credit card debt is quite substantial, you can try to contact the credit card company and agree on a payment plan.

If you have not enough confidence and guts to handle things on your own, you can seek the help of a financial counselor. He can take care of all the needed paperwork for you and be the one to talk to financial establishments in your behalf to ask for help. He will take care of the negotiations necessary. A decent financial counselor will be of great help so you must spend ample time choosing one who is sincere, competent and trustworthy.

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