Credit after Bankruptcy in Yakima

How can I rebuild my credit after bankruptcy?

Declaring bankruptcy will have a negative impact on your credit score. There are many things you can do to build it back up, and an experienced Yakima bankruptcy attorney can help you get started.

Beware of Credit Offers Aimed at Recent Bankruptcy Filers

Carefully read any credit card or other credit offer from a company that claims to represent a lender you listed in your bankruptcy or that owns a debt you discharged. This may be from a debt collection company that is trying to trick you into reaffirming a debt. The fine print of the credit offer or agreement will likely say that you will get new credit, but only if some or all of the balance from the discharged debt is added to the new account.

"Secured" Credit Card

These are cards where the balances are secured by a bank deposit. The card allows you a credit limit up to the amount you have deposited. If you can't make the payments, you lose the money in the account. Since almost everyone now gets unsecured credit card offers even after previous financial problems, there is less reason to consider allowing a creditor to use your bank deposits as collateral. It is preferable not to tie up your bank account.

Credit Repair Companies

Beware of companies that claim, "We can erase bad credit." These companies rarely offer valuable services for what they charge, and are often an outright scam. The truth is that no one can erase bad credit information from your report if it is accurate. If there is old or inaccurate information on your credit report, you can correct it yourself for free.

Avoid High-Cost Predatory Lenders

Don't assume that because you filed bankruptcy you will have to get credit on the worst terms. If you can't get credit on decent terms right after bankruptcy, it may be better to wait. Most lenders will not hold the bankruptcy against you if after a few years you can show that you have avoided problems and can manage your debts. Be wary of auto dealers, mortgage brokers and lenders who advertise: "Bankruptcy? Bad Credit? No Credit? No Problem!" They may give you a loan after bankruptcy, but at a very high cost. The extra costs and fees on these loans can make it impossible for you to keep up the loan payments. T his kind of loan can ruin your chances to rebuild your credit.

Mortgage Loans

If you own your home, some home improvement contractors, loan brokers and mortgage lenders may offer to give you a home equity loan despite your credit history. These loans can be very costly and can lead to serious financial problems and even the loss of your home. Avoid mortgage lenders that:

Charge excessive interest rates, "points," brokers' fees and other closing costs
Require that you refinance your current lower interest mortgage or pay off other debts
Add on unnecessary and costly products, like credit insurance
Make false claims of low monthly payments based on a "teaser" variable interest rate
Include a "balloon" payment term that requires you to pay all or most of the loan amount in a lump sum as the last payment
Charge a prepayment penalty if you pay off the loan early
Change the terms at closing
Make false promises that the rate will be reduced later if you make timely payments
Pressure you to keep refinancing the loan for no good reason once you get it

Small Loans

It is always best to save some money to cover unexpected expenses so you can avoid borrowing. But if you are in need of a small loan, avoid the following high cost loans:

Payday loans - Some "check cashers" and finance companies offer to take a personal check from you and hold it without cashing it for one or two weeks. In return, they will give you an amount of cash that is less than the amount of your check. The difference between the amount of your check and the cash you get back in return is interest that the lender is charging you. These payday loans are very costly. For example, if you write a $256 check and the lender gives you $200 back as a loan for two weeks, the $56 you pay equals a 728% interest rate! If you don't have the money to cover the check, the lender will either sue you or try to get you to write another check in a larger amount. If you choose to write another check, the lender gets more money from you and you get further into debt.
Auto title loans - For many years, pawn shops have made small high-interest loans in exchange for property. A new type of "pawn" is being made by title lenders who will give you a small loan at very high-interest rates (from 200 percent to 800 percent) if you let them hold your car title as collateral for the loan. If you fall behind on the payments, the lender can repossess your car and sell it.
Rent-to-own - By renting a TV, furniture or appliance from a rent-to-own company, you will often pay three or four times more than what it would cost to buy. The company may make even more profit on you because the item you are buying may be previously used and returned. If you miss a payment, the company may repossess the item leaving with you no credit for the payments you made.
Tax refund anticipation loans - Some tax return preparers offer to provide an "instant" tax refund by arranging for loans based on the expected refund. The loan is for a very short period of time between when the return is filed and when you would expect to get your refund. Like other short-term loans, the fees may seem small but amount to an annual interest rate of 200% or more. It is best to be patient and wait for the refund.

What You Can Do to Avoid Problems

If you don't need it, don't get it. If you have doubts about whether you really need the loan or service, or whether you can afford it, don't let yourself get talked into it by a salesperson using high-pressure tactics. You can always walk away from a bad deal, even at the last minute.

Shop around. You may qualify for a loan with normal rates from a reputable bank or credit union. Don't forget that high-cost lenders are counting on your belief that you cannot get credit on better terms elsewhere. Do not let feelings of embarrassment about your past problems stop you from shopping around for the best credit terms.

Compare credit terms. Do not consider just the monthly payment. Compare the interest rate by looking at the "annual percentage rate," as this takes into account other fees and finance charges added on the loan. Make sure you know exactly what fees are being charged for credit and why.

Read before you sign. If you have questions, get help from a qualified professional to review the paperwork. A lender that will not let you get outside help should not be trusted.

If you give a lender a mortgage in a refinancing deal, remember your cancellation rights. In home mortgage refinancing, Federal law gives you a right to cancel for three days after you sign the papers. Exercise these rights if you feel you got a bad deal. Don't let the lender talk you out of canceling.

Get help early. If you begin to have financial problems, or you are thinking of consolidating unmanageable debts, get help first from a local non-profit housing or debt counseling agency.

Bankruptcy Lawyer in Yakima

Come to the offices of Eastwood Law if you need to file for bankruptcy and want to make sure that you can rebuild your credit after it is final. Too many people avoid bankruptcy because of the effect it can have on a credit score, but by taking the right actions, you will most likely be on a better footing financially sooner than you may think. We will work with you through the entire filing process to make sure that you do everything possible to protect your ability to build credit in the future.

Contact a Yakima bankruptcy attorney who can guide you through bankruptcy and help you take action to rebuild your credit.