How to Repair Your Credit After Bankruptcy

Personal bankruptcy rates fluctuate, but always remain at fairly high levels. If you have gone through bankruptcy and are finally serious about getting your credit and finances in order, you may be wondering how long it will take for your credit rating to get back to a level where you can get better interest rates on mortgages and car loans.

If people have had poor actions that have led them down the path of bankruptcy, all is not lost. Credit repair after bankruptcy is not only possible, it's critical for the individual to accomplish or they will continue to only tread water. Bankruptcy allows people to have a new fresh start by wiping all of the debt away and begin to project a positive credit history.

It is not a good idea to immediately apply for unsecured lines of credit. You are likely to get rejected at best, which will show up on your credit history, and keep your credit score low. You might get accepted, but you will probably pay much higher fees and interest rates. One thing to consider is getting a secured credit card, where your credit line is determined by depositing cash into your account as collateral.

Even with good use of your finances, it can up to ten years to get your credit back to a normal level. It may seem like a long time, but the benefits can be tremendous in terms of money saved. And when you consider that you have just had your big debt balances erased by bankruptcy, this is still a better situation than before your bankruptcy.

Some Steps For Credit Repair After Bankruptcy

The first thing for people to do after bankruptcy is to take stock of all they have and make a plan to make things better. This can be done by having a budget. Make the budget realistic by adding every expense that there is.

Next, put some money aside via automatic deposit for emergencies and future planned expenditures like a house, college for your kids and retirement. Then plan your purchases and avoid impulse buys. If you really have a weak moment and buy something unplanned, use cash. Remember, you don't want the suffocating feeling of drowning in debt again.

If impulse buying was what got you into trouble before, find a way to short circuit that tendency. Aren't at least a little mad at yourself and the finance companies for your previous debt problems? Resolve to keep them out of your life this time. One good trick is to wait a day to buy that thing you think you just have to have. You will find that almost always the urge goes away.

Find ways to have fun that don't require buying something. I am sure deep down you know that a new pair of shoes or a new tool for the garage or a new book don't bring you real satisfaction. It is more like the joy of a child at Christmas, who goes from gift to gift but doesn't really appreciate them. As you keep your spending under control, you are moving closer and closer to reaching the financial goals that really matter, and with that your credit repairs itself.

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Author Paul McDermott shares his experience with credit repair after bankruptcy and other credit and debt issues at Credit Repair.