Bankruptcy provides an excellent way to get your financial life back on track, a journey which truly begins once your case is discharged. While the result will stay on a credit report for up to a decade, there are steps you can take to rebuilding the score and keeping future debts in check. The following tips will help you take advantage of the various available opportunities.

What to Do After Your Bankruptcy

1. Check Your Credit Report

About six months after the discharge, get a copy of your credit report and check it over for errors. The debts included in your bankruptcy petition should all be marked “discharged,” with an outstanding balance of $0. If any of the accounts are still listed as delinquent or in default, dispute the information with the credit bureaus immediately, even if the creditor isn’t actively trying to collect.

2. Pay Off Remaining Debts

Many types of debts aren’t eligible for bankruptcy discharge, including student loan payments, some taxes, and criminal fines. If you have any left over after the discharge, make your payments on time and in full every month. Keeping up with them will help you establish a history of on-time payments.

3. Start Saving

After a bankruptcy, you’ll likely have a little more flexibility in your monthly budget. Setting up a savings account and depositing all the funds that used to go toward your bills will ensure you’re equipped to handle auto repairs, a job loss, and other financial issues that often lead to bankruptcy. As a general rule, try to set aside enough to cover at least three months’ worth of expenses.

If you’re struggling under the weight of debts you can’t repay, the bankruptcy attorneys at Achille Law, P.C., in Brookville have the expertise to help you claim a second chance at life. This legal team prides itself on providing customized solutions to clients throughout Pennsylvania in a wide range of situations, from bankruptcy to worker’s compensation disputes. Visit their website for more on their legal services, or call (814) 849-6701 to schedule a free phone consultation today.