Bankruptcy is in place as a way to get out from under your bills, to get your finances in order and to be able to afford everyday life. Bankruptcy is filed for all types of reasons; maybe you've recently lost a job, maybe it's due to a divorce filing, or some other life-changing situation that made it impossible to afford your bills. No matter what the reason, bankruptcy does not mean the end of the world. You'll have a life after your bankruptcy and will qualify for loans or credit cards, but it may take some time.

See below for some post-bankruptcy tips to help get you on your feet and to keep your finances in line.

Don't Spread Yourself Too Thin

The problem that most likely got you into trouble could have been spreading yourself too thin with too many bills and not enough income to afford them. Don't end up in this trap again. Don't open up a bunch of credit cards or take on debts that you don't have the money to pay for them. 

Save, Save, Save

Start a savings account if you don't already have one. If you do have one, start putting money into it. You should put away a portion of each and every paycheck into that savings account. The money in the account should not be touched unless you have an emergency. Think of it as a nest egg and leave it alone until absolutely necessary.

Think Before You Spend

Just because you have an extra $20 leftover doesn't mean you need to spend it right away. Just because you want coffee out doesn't mean you should get one every day (especially when you have a perfectly good coffee maker at home). Those cute new shoes may look great on you, but it doesn't mean you should buy them. Think about your purchases and spending habits before actually going through with the purchases. 

Open Up A Credit Card

To help raise your credit rating, you should open up a credit card. The card may have a higher interest rate, although over time you can ask that it be lowered. Make small purchases on the credit card once per month and pay it off immediately. The credit card should not be used and maxed out in the first month you have it; it should be used only to show that you can have a credit card and keep the balance low (and paid off). This will increase your credit rating over time. 

Bankruptcy is not the end of the world; it's only the beginning. Change your old habits, so you don't wind up in the same predicament and keep a savings account with a large balance in the event of an emergency. Contact a company like Molleur Law Office for more information and assistance. 

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