Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Rebuilding Your Credit After Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows you to get a fresh start financially and erase past debts, but a legitimate concern consumers have is the effects it will have on their credit score and their ability to take out credit again.

One of the biggest misconceptions about filing for bankruptcy is that it will ruin your credit score and your financial future.  To the contrary, after filing for bankruptcy you can begin restoring your credit right away.

Here are some steps you can take to begin rebuilding your credit after filing for bankruptcy:

Create a budget.  This will help you stay on top of your finances and is something you should have gone over in the “pre-discharge” credit counseling.

Build an emergency fund.  Research shows that having as little as $250 saved up for an unexpected expense can protect families from having to resort to pay day loans and credit cards.

Plan your post-bankruptcy credit strategy.  Assess your situation by first checking your credit score.  Dispute any inaccurate information on your credit report and have this corrected immediately.  Remember, a Chapter 7 filing will wipe out your debts, but it does not wipe your credit reports clean.  Make sure and double check all three reports.

Here are some ways to access to new credit while rebuilding your score.

Secured loans are typically offered by credit unions or community banks.  One type of secured loan involves borrowing against money you already have on deposit.   The other type can be made without upfront cash.  Instead, this money is loaned to you and is placed in a savings account and released to you only after you have made the necessary payments.  In return, the financial institution agrees to send a report to the credit bureaus.

A secured credit card is backed by the deposit you make and the credit limit is typically the amount you have on deposit.  This can help repair your credit while you wait to become eligible for an unsecured card.

A co-signed credit card can improve your score, but it is definitely a big ask. Essentially, this individual (the co-signer) is risking his or her own credit history for you and will be on the hook if the full amount is not paid on the card.

If asking to co-sign is too much, an authorized user status will work.  Basically, you are an authorized user on that person’s credit card.  Just make sure the credit card will report the payment activity by authorized users to the credit bureaus, otherwise it will have no effect on your score.

A lighter debt burden automatically makes you more desirable to lenders, so be vigilant about paying on time.  Keep your credit card balances relatively low compared to the card’s limit.  For example, less than 30% is typically advised while using just 10% of the available credit is even better.

Still not convinced?  A testimonial from one of our clients in regards to their credit score after filing for bankruptcy.

My credit score said on all three reports 775, I couldn’t believe that I had such a great score before 10 years. Tim for me was the best move I have made for my situation. I have no regrets, I am glad the past is the past. – Bill T.

If you have any questions on this topic or are in a financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Related Resources:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/finance/rebuild-credit-after-bankruptcy/

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Best Credit Cards of 2014

The list is finally here! After an in-depth, independent investigation NextAdvisor.com has revealed its Best Credit Cards of 2014 list. This list can help you determine the best credit card for your financial situation and spending habits.

Best Travel & Rewards Card: Barclay Arrival World Mastercard. If you like to travel, this card is for you. This travel credit card earns 2 miles per dollar (equivalent to 2% cash back) spent on all purchases with no mileage caps or foreign transaction fees. In addition, consumers will earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days- equal to $400 worth of travel. The points are easy to redeem. Simply use the credit card to book the travel and then redeem your miles for a statement credit against the cost.

Lowest APR Card: Citi Simplicity Card. This card allows you to pay 0% interest for 18 months- the longest interest-free period for both purchases and balance transfers available. Think about using this card if you are looking to make a big purchase soon and plan on carrying the balance for a while or if you are looking to transfer a balance from another credit card. There are no late fees or penalty fees associated with this car.

Best Cash Back Card. BankAmericard Cash Rewards TM Credit Card. If you are looking for the best money-making cash back credit card, look no further. This card offers consumers 2% cash back at grocery stores and 3% on gas (for up to $1,500 in combined gas and grocery purchases each quarter) and 1% cash back on everything else. In addition, there is a $100 online cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months, and a 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Best Balance Transfer Card: Slate from Chase. If you have been stuck paying high interest rates on your credit card balances this card is for you. You can transfer your balances from other credit cards free of charge and start enjoying 15-month 0% intro APR on all purchases and balance transfers. This will allow you time to pay down the balances and will save you money on interest charges in the interim.

Best Card to Help Rebuild your Credit: Capital One Secured Mastercard. If your credit rating has taken a hit recently or you are simply trying to rebuild your credit following bankruptcy, the Capital One Secured Mastercard is a smart choice. This card is available to those with poor or no credit and can help consumers rebuild their credit history, if they use the card responsibly.The Capital One Secured Mastercard requires that you provide a cash collateral deposit to help secure the account. This deposit is usually equal to the line of credit on the card, and will help pay the balance in case of default. By making timely payments each month you can help boost your credit history. This card also reports to all three major credit bureaus on a monthly basis.

Best Student Credit Card. Citi Dividend Card for College Students. This card offers 5% cash back in quarterly rotating categories, 1% cash back on everything else and no annual fee. There is a 0% intro APR for 7 months, allowing you to use the card to purchase books tuition costs and pay no interest for 7 months.

Best Business Credit Card: Chase Ink Cash Business Card. Business credit cards are a great way to fund your business and keep your personal and business expenses separate. This card is oriented more towards business spending. You will earn 5% cash back on office supplies, on mobile phones, landline, Internet and cable TV expenses. You will also earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent each year at restaurants and gas stations. This card also has 0% APR for 12 months on balance transfers and purchases and no annual fee.

Click here to read more.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Rebuilding Credit after Bankruptcy

More than a million people file for bankruptcy each year in this country. It is important to remember that immediately after filing bankruptcy you can begin rebuilding your credit. Below are five steps you can take to rebuild your credit after bankruptcy.
1.) Go to annualcreditreport.com and pull your three credit reports (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion). Make sure all of the debts affected by the bankruptcy are listed. Also confirm all information is accurate on each of the reports.
2.) Start getting new credit. The best way is through a secured credit card. Almost everyone is approved and a deposit will guarantee that you are able to cover the charges.
3.) Pay off the card timely, along with all of your other bills each month.
4.) Start a savings account. Having emergency savings means you will not be as likely to tap into your credit.
5.) If you made mistakes, learn from them. You should not feel ashamed after filing for bankruptcy.

Click here to read more on ways to rebuild your credit after bankruptcy.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.