One thing that many people worry about when it comes to filing bankruptcy is the effect that doing so can have on their credit. This is a legitimate concern, of course, but there are steps that you can take so that you can start out with a clean slate and rebuild your credit the right way. Even though it might take a little bit of time, following these tips can help.

1. Pay Your Bills on Time

First and foremost, you should think of your bankruptcy as providing you with a clean start with which you do not have to worry about being behind on your bills anymore. It is important to focus on paying your bills on time every month and to avoid acquiring any new bills that you cannot afford. Paying your bills on time from now on will help you restore your credit score slowly but surely and will also help prevent you from sliding into the same situation that caused you to file for bankruptcy in the first place.

2. Take Out a Secured Credit Card

A great option for anyone who is looking to rebuild credit, including someone who has recently filed for bankruptcy, is to take out a secured credit card. With this type of credit card, you basically provide the bank with a certain amount of cash. This money is then put into a savings account that you will not be able to touch and which may or may not build interest over time. Then, the bank will provide you with a credit card with a limit that is based off of the amount that you have put forth as a deposit. This can be a great way to get a credit card that you would not otherwise qualify for; just make sure that you choose a card from a bank that will report to the major credit bureaus each month that you make a timely payment.

3. Get the Help of a Co-Signer

If you have a family member or close friend who has good credit and who is willing to take a risk for you, asking him or her to co-sign with you on a loan can help you rebuild your credit. Plus, if you find yourself in a situation in which you need to purchase a car or otherwise take out a loan, this might be one of your only options for qualifying while you are still working on rebuilding your credit.

Rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy can take time. However, if you are diligent and patient, you can rebuild your score and move forward after filing. For more information about bankruptcy, contact a law office such as Dunbar & Dunbar.

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