Bankruptcy is something that many people talk about but few people understand. We always hear about companies going bankrupt and we wonder what that means. Even Donald Trump has gone bankrupt, but he’s still one of the most recognized billionaires today. Few people actually understand the basics of filing bankruptcy and its ramifications.
Personal bankruptcy often occurs when someone has acquired an insurmountable debt that they cannot pay. There are basically two main types of bankruptcy that an individual can file to help manage their debts.
Bankruptcy Changes
For years, the number of bankruptcy filings were increasing as people went deeper and deeper into debt with no way out. As a result, legislators felt it was important to do something about the situation.
Filing personal bankruptcy is becoming more common, especially in this tough economy. Some of the stigma associated with bankruptcy has disappeared over time. People use it to wipe out debts, stave off foreclosure or just start over. Still, while it’s nothing to be ashamed of if you feel it’s your best option, you need to be aware of the ramifications of filing. It affects your credit report for 7-10 years and can negatively impact interest rates on credit cards and loans and even insurance premiums. Bankruptcy can negatively influence prospective employers. It also usually won’t eliminate child support, most student loans or taxes owed.
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