The difference between someone who comes in to see me for the first time and someone who leaves my office after filing their Missouri or Illinois bankruptcy case is tremendous. At first, many are tense, confused, and frustrated. Being under overwhelming amounts of debt is stressful—and it is clear in the faces of those who first come into my office. By the time they leave after filing their case, however, their spirits are suddenly lifted. They can feel the burden of debt leaving and their new lives being closer than ever.

It is that experience that allows me to see that it is debt that is truly stressful, not bankruptcy. Your post-bankruptcy life should be easier and less stressful—but there are a few tips that you may want to know to keep it that way.

New credit might be your enemy. Many folks think that it is impossible to get credit after Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Missouri or Illinois. Actually, getting credit is the easy part. It is not abusing that new credit that is difficult. If you immediately accept and use up all of your new credit, you could find yourself right back in the same situation—needing protection from foreclosure, credit card debt help, and a way to stop those creditors from harassing you.

Spend wisely, save wisely. It sounds simple enough to not spending money you don't have and make sure you put a savings plan together but don't underestimate how tough it might be for you. Take an honest look at how much you spend each week—and make sure it isn't going over any budget you've set for yourself. A savings plan should also be a part of your budget to make sure that there is a safety net there in case of any debt problems in the future.

Ease back in to credit cards. For many, credit card debt was the first sign of trouble. Filing bankruptcy doesn't mean that you can't have a credit card in your post-bankruptcy life. However, it does mean that you need to watch out for the role they play in your finances. Start with a secured credit card that is linked to your bank account. Make your payments on time and gradually build up your credit. In a relatively short period of time, you can be getting your credit back to where it should be.

These tips can help you have a successful post-bankruptcy life—and avoid any more trouble with debt in the future. Make sure any St. Louis or Wentzville Missouri bankruptcy attorney that you hire is willing to give you the best tips for success, even after your bankruptcy is finished.


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Missouri Bankruptcy attorney James Brown has been working to relieve the debt of hard-working American families for over 15 years. He has dedicated his career to educating consumers about options for debt relief and has released 5 publications, including, "Get Out of Debt: Secrets Your Creditors Don't Want You to Know." You can request a free copy at http://www.castlelaw.net