On TV, I heard about Personal Bankruptcy. But what is Bankruptcy anyway?
Bankruptcy is a legal process that helps people sort their finances, when they cannot pay off their debts – due to excessive borrowing, a major financial setback like job loss, etc.
How does the bankruptcy process work?
Personal bankruptcy can be filed under either chapter 7 or chapter 13 of the U.S. bankruptcy code.
When someone declares bankruptcy under chapter 7, the assets they own are valued and sold to pay off their debts. Any debts that cannot be paid off are forgiven – with the exception of certain types of debt like student loans.
Under chapter 13 bankruptcy, people keep their assets but work out better repayment terms with creditors to pay off their debts. However, their debts are not forgiven.
This sounds too tempting. If I can’t pay back my debt, I can just file for bankruptcy? Is there no downside?
Bankruptcy is considered a very bad sign on your credit report – and results in higher interest rates for future loans. In fact, you may not even be able to get a loan or a credit card if you have filed for bankruptcy in the recent past!
Bankruptcy can stay on your credit report for up to 10 years – so it is a decision that can have long-lasting consequences on your finances, and should not be taken lightly.
Does bankruptcy have any benefits?
The main benefit of filing for bankruptcy is that you get a financial reset. You can start building your financial credibility from scratch by overcoming debt and regaining financial freedom.
It also gives you peace of mind, since you don’t have to deal with collection calls and harassment from creditors anymore!
How can I prevent bankruptcy?
You can check with your lenders if they can renegotiate terms so it is easier for you to pay off the debt. Doing so is also a good deal for them – they’d rather have you pay back the loan slowly than not pay back at all!
How can I file for bankruptcy?
Filing for bankruptcy is a complex legal process, involving eligibility checks, filling out numerous forms, filing a petition in court, and much more. It is best done with the help of a lawyer.
Podcast: What is Bankruptcy or Personal Bankruptcy
Fun, informative and concise episodes by a 10-year old, breaking down complex financial concepts in a way that kids and beginners can understand. Episodes cover personal finance topics like saving, investing, banking, credit cards, insurance, real estate, mortgage, retirement planning, 401k, stocks, bonds, income tax, and more, and are in the form of a conversation between a cowboy (a finance novice) and his friend, a stock broker. Making finance your friend, only at Easy Peasy Finance.
A little bit about me: I have been fascinated with the world of personal finance since I was 6! I love to read personal finance books, and keep myself updated on the latest by reading various personal finance magazines. My friends often ask me questions about finance because they find it complex and intimidating. That’s what inspired me to start my YouTube channel called Easy Peasy Finance when I was 8, and this podcast 2 years later.
Everything you need to know about bankruptcy: What is Bankruptcy or Personal Bankruptcy, How does the bankruptcy process work, Is there any downside or disadvantages of bankruptcy, What are the benefits of bankruptcy, How can you prevent bankruptcy, How can you file for bankruptcy and more.
Show notes and transcript at: https://www.easypeasyfinance.com/what-is-bankruptcy-or-personal-bankruptcy/
