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Several factors will determine how quickly you rebuild
credit after your bankruptcy in British Columbia is done and,
in turn, your ability to borrow money.
First, if you are currently an undischarged bankrupt, it will be close to impossible to get a loan. However, if you have been discharged from bankruptcy, a lender may consider your application. It will be more difficult to borrow in this case than if you were never bankrupt.
Lenders will also look at how long you have lived at your current address, your work history, your monthly income, and whether you have any security for the loan. They may require a co-signor.
Here are several suggestions for repairing your credit after bankruptcy.
First, begin to save money. During the time you were bankrupt you were making a contribution to your bankruptcy estate, by paying the trustee each month. Since you are now accustomed to living without that money, start putting that money in a separate bank savings account each month.
Next, once you have built up some cash in the bank for emergencies, you could consider using some of your savings to get a secured credit card. For example, if you give the credit card company $1,000 as a security deposit, they will probably give you a Visa card with a $1,000 limit. Your credit card works just like a regular credit card, and it even shows up on your credit report. This is a crucial step for repairing your credit. Further information on secured credit cards can be found here: http://www.moneyproblems.ca/SecuredVisa.htm
Third, as you continue to save money each month, (and pay off your new credit card in full every month), you could invest your next say $700 of savings in an RRSP. With a secured credit card and money already invested in an RRSP, it is possible that your bank will lend you an additional $500 to invest in your RRSP. You now have $1,200 in your RRSP, and your tax refund may increase by $500 because of your RRSP contribution. You can use your tax refund to repay your RRSP loan!
Now your credit report shows a credit card in good standing, an RRSP loan that you have paid in full, and you have $1,200 in an RRSP. You are well on your way to repairing your credit.
Finally, continue saving, and once you have another $1,000 or $1,500 you can likely use that money as the down payment on a car.
You can't repair your credit right away, but if you continue
to save money, and follow the steps listed above, you can
gradually rebuild your credit after your bankruptcy in
British Columbia in done.
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