As someone struggling with increasingly overwhelming medical, credit card or other debt, you may be thinking about filing for bankruptcy so you can get that fresh start you desperately need. While filing for bankruptcy may, in fact, be able to help you get your finances back in order so you can manage them, several unavoidable ripple effects come with filing.
For example, your credit score will undoubtedly take a hit in the aftermath of a bankruptcy filing. This can make it difficult for you to obtain additional credit cards, a mortgage, an auto loan or what have you. Therefore, it is critical that you begin the process of rebuilding your credit after filing for bankruptcy. There are several things you can do to speed up the process. For example, to rebuild your credit score after a bankruptcy filing, consider:
Finding a co-signer
One effective method of rebuilding your credit involves finding someone who will co-sign on a loan or credit card on your behalf. In agreeing to become your co-signer, this person also agrees to take on any debts you accrue that you do not pay off yourself, so it is a big responsibility to become a co-signer. Therefore, it may serve you well to ask a parent, a spouse or a sibling who trusts you enough to feel confident in your ability to cover your debts moving forward.
Obtaining a secured loan or credit card
If you do not wish to ask someone to co-sign on a loan or a credit card on your behalf, you may want to think about getting a secured loan or credit card. With a secured loan, you essentially borrow against the money you put down as a deposit. A secured credit card works in a similar manner, with you putting down a deposit and your card’s limit not exceeding the amount of that deposit.
Both of these options can help you rebuild your credit score after bankruptcy. You may also want to explore other possible options, such as having someone name you as an authorized user on his or her credit card.