If you are facing a high amount of debt, one of the first things you can do is take action to stop accruing more debt. Here are five ways you might be able to cut some debt accrual in the next month.
Professional help with a Chapter 13 plan
When you file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy petition, you get immediate debt relief via the automatic stay that comes with filing any type of bankruptcy. That means collection actions against you must cease, including foreclosure or garnishment of wages. Since a Chapter 13 filing involves a debt repayment plan, it doesn't mean you're off the hook for payments for good.
Negotiating with credit card companies
If you owe a credit card company and you are not able to pay the total balance each month, then you are probably racking up interest and finance fees. Those charges can quickly spiral to create an ever-increasing balance, especially if you are still charging with the card. One way you might be able to reduce the balance you owe is to negotiate with your credit card company.
How is a credit score calculated?
Credit scores are often a concern for anyone considering filing bankruptcy. Bankruptcy does negatively impact your credit for a short time, but it can also help you in the long run. This is due in part to how credit scores are calculated.
