What is Bankruptcy to You? Do You See it As a Solution to Your Debt Problems? Think Again!

You might have heard that if you are in debt that you should file for bankruptcy. We have been told for years that bankruptcy is your one great chance to get a fresh start. Yes, bankruptcy will get you a fresh start but that so-called fresh start isn't as great as it sounds. Why?

Bankruptcy isn't a true debt relief procedure. Yes, it does get you out of debt. On that same note, seeking relief from a problem doesn't involve running into the corner to hide. That is sort of what happens when you file for bankruptcy. You don't address the problem that got you in debt, you don't take steps to improve your finances, and so forth. What you do is file a few papers and basically toss your hands up in defeat while walking away.

Bankruptcy will get out from underneath all that debt of yours, but you will also get a low credit score. On average, your credit is impacted for a total of seven long years. During this time, you will find it very hard to get financing for personal reasons (including a new home, car, or medical emergency). Financial lenders will deem you too much of a risk. Say that you owe only around $10,000; seven long years is a lot of time to suffer with a poor credit score when in that same time frame you could have easily paid off your debts in full with a debt relief program.

Finally, it is important to consider the fact that bankruptcy isn't as easy as it seems. Yes you do need to file a bunch of papers. You do so to ask to have some of your debt forgiven. Sometimes you will find yourself jumping through hoops to get that done. Some debts aren't exempt, like your taxes, child support, or alimony payments. Then, a judge can toss out your filing or some of your debts should they not fall under the letter of the law. When it is all said and done, it might have been easier to go with a debt relief program that specializes in settlements.

Now it is important to state that I am not 100% against bankruptcy. There are some cases where it might be an okay option for you, but don't you want more than just "okay." If you want to get out of debt and not ruin your credit or ruin your chances of getting financing in three or four years, why not consider your other debt relief options first?

If you are over $10,000 in unsecured debt you really should consider getting a debt settlement. Creditors of unsecured debt are fearful of collecting and they also have stimulus money to make debt settlements financially feasible for them. Once the economy turns around it will be too late to eliminate your debt.

Check out the link below to locate legitimate debt relief companies in your area: