The filing fee for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is currently $338. See https://www.ilnb.uscourts.gov/fee-schedule

The bankruptcy discharge will wipe out certain debts. To see what kinds of debts will be wiped out, see this link: https://www.uscourts.gov/court-programs/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics/discharge-bankruptcy-bankruptcy-basics

Are you behind on your mortgage payments? You can call your mortgage company and see if they have any loan modification programs available.

Certain debts will not go away in a bankruptcy. Child support is one of these.

Here is the link to the bankruptcy court for most of the Chicagoland area: https://www.ilnb.uscourts.gov/

Bankruptcy can be a way to prevent a car repossession, as long as you still have the car.

Your payment history is a big part of your credit score.  It counts for more than a third of your credit score.  If you are late on payments for credit cards, department store credit cards, car loans and mortgages, this will bring down your credit score.

Whenever possible, try to get federal student loans rather than private student loans.  The federal student loans give you more protection.  They also have more clear cut rules and applications about repayment and deferment.

A car loan can help you build up your credit score.  If you make regular payments, it will build your credit over time.  Be careful to not buy more car than you can afford.

When someone calls you to collect on a bill, here are signs that they may be a scammer: They want you to pay by money transfer or prepaid card They threaten you with jail time or they say they are from the government They ask you for confidential information, like your social security number or […]