Bankruptcy is, unfortunately, not all that uncommon in the United States. By June of this year, more than 600,000 bankruptcy cases had been filed. But these numbers might actually provide you some comfort if you’re in the same financial situation because they let you know you’re not alone. Many people struggle with keeping their finances in order. Most people who end up in this predicament find themselves dealing with personal finance challenges due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. Nonetheless, when you are in the middle of it, you probably need to find ways to save money, especially with legal fees and possibly stalled income on the horizon. And while saving money not an easy concept to learn for a lot of people, it’s important to realize that there are a lot of small ways to do this. You just have to get focused and prioritize your finances.
Skip the spa.
Giving up little luxuries like spa treatments and gel manicures can feel like a punishment for people who are used to pampering themselves regularly. While there’s definitely nothing wrong with this kind of self-care, in the midst of the bankruptcy process cutting corners everywhere you can is essential. That doesn’t mean you have to give up your beauty routine altogether, though. Instead, try to find cheaper alternatives and ways to take care of yourself at home. For example, you can find high-quality gel press on nails that give your hands a well-manicured look without the price. These are easy to use and easy to change, so you’ll have the versatility and look of a fresh manicure as often as you’d like.
DIY your health.
Surveys show that American adults age 18-65 spend about $155 a month on their health and fitness. Included in that are gym fees, supplements, meal plans, trainers, and supplements. It might be time to take inventory of your actual spending in this area and see where you can cut back. Gym memberships are often difficult to get out of if you signed a contract, but with a pending bankruptcy and a letter from your lawyer it might be possible. All of the supplements, meal plans, and trainers can certainly be put on hold for a period of time. That’s not to say any of this is not important, but most of these things can be found for free online. And anyone can exercise for free in their own home or outdoors with a little creativity. And if you’ve been on this path of health for a while, you can probably create your own meal plans without any help.
Find the best bankruptcy attorney you can afford.
While saving money during bankruptcy is the goal, you don’t want to skimp on your legal advice. Your Louisville bankruptcy attorney should provide you all the support and information you need to get through this trying time in your life. They will guide you through the court proceedings, take care of all the necessary paperwork, and be there to answer any questions you might have. They might also help you deal with any creditors or harassing phone calls you’ve been getting.
Learn how to manage your money.
There’s never a bad time to learn how to manage your finances, and there are tons of online resources to help you. Not to mention, there are a lot of credit counseling services available to consumers. While you’re in the midst of bankruptcy, you might not be able to bring in a lot of extra income, but it’s a good idea to increase your knowledge about how to do so when the time is right. Study up on investments like real estate or trading. Talk to a financial advisor about the best way to start a retirement plan or get a fresh financial start and read as much as you can on how to create a monthly budget and build your savings account.
While facing bankruptcy can be scary, it doesn’t have to be the defining moment for your financial future. In the long run, if you’ve got the right tools to manage your personal finances, you’ll end up making decisions that are in your best interest and pulling yourself out of this mire you’re in.
