A Primer on Bankruptcy Strategy

When creditors are knocking, it is time to reconsider your priorities. Slipping behind on your payments—occasionally—is not a cause for concern. You know you can stretch your bills a month or two and catch up, paying only a few late fees. Chronic lateness however is an entirely different matter.

If you lose ground every month, added late fees alone can destroy your financial health. You are on a slow-motion roller coaster heading down. If realize you are in this position, worrying will not help. You have options. Take charge of your future.

No one wants to file bankruptcy. Perhaps you intend to try a debt management plan or a debt settlement plan. These tactics are worthy of your consideration. The trick, if you use them, is not compromising your bankruptcy alternatives. You would not marry the first person who smiles. Take your time, and keep your options open until you understand the ripple effect of your choices. Then decide what you must do.

Bankruptcy is a full strength solution that is available to almost everyone. Success claiming maximum benefits in one chapter or two chapters successively is somewhat more difficult. You must choose a far-reaching and complementary strategy to enhance your unique personal situation. Debt management and settlements are but two available tactics. Chapter 7 is an option to consider later, if necessary. Chapter 13 provides the power to defeat even IRS super-priorities. You should know when to convert Chapter 7 to Chapter 13 and then back. All tactics should work together in harmony to serve your ultimate goal: your strategy for long-term financial security.

Before committing to any course of action, review your qualification and the availability of a wide range of choices. Consider your overall strategy and how your options may complement each other. It is not difficult to keep your options open, profitably, and insure you receive the greatest benefits each step of the way. If filing bankruptcy becomes necessary, you should keep all assets you now own and discharge all debts quickly. You can plan your strategy yourself or with the assistance of an attorney. But, there is always a catch. You must be the first to act. In the meantime, do not waste another cent on needless payments once filing becomes imminent.