Tag: bankruptcy

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Business Loans

Business Loan Despite Bankruptcy

business loan despite bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a highly dreaded word in the realm of financing and getting a business loan despite bankruptcy is a bit difficult. Even though it is dreaded, many people end up in a situation in which filing for bankruptcy is the only solution they have. Nonetheless, considering that you’ve done that in the past, a looming question is can I apply for business loans regardless of that? As you might expect, the answer to this question isn’t a fixed one – there are many factors that should be considered, which we’ll outline in the present article.

Bankruptcy Can Be a Fresh Start

Irrespective of the negative connotations associated with bankruptcy, you should note that this isn’t the end of the road – or at least it shouldn’t be this way. Even though it isn’t an easy thing to do, the most challenging process follows after filing for bankruptcy. This refers to aiming at rebuilding your finances and credit.

Generally speaking, a bankruptcy statement will remain on your credit for a few years’ time. Therefore, if you apply for business loans afterward, your capability of getting financing won’t be affected in any way. On the other side, if the bankruptcy statement still is still present on your credit report, which will, inevitably, impair your creditworthiness and reliability as a borrower.

Can I Apply for a business loan despite bankruptcy?

Yes. But bear in mind that your options will be limited. Generally speaking, the longer you wait after you have filed for bankruptcy, the more likely you are to get convenient loan terms and interest rates. At the same time, there are some lenders that are more open to working with you, as opposed to traditional banks whose lending criteria are rather stringent.

Nevertheless, the downside is that the interest rates and additional fees will be significantly higher than they normally should. Therefore, before you apply for business loans, make sure that you can afford to make repayments. If you can’t, this will imminently worsen your financial situation. Evidently, applying for a loan when you’re struggling financially is a decision that requires a lot of consideration and in-depth thought.

The Differences Between Personal and Business Bankruptcy

Considering that you own a business which has established credit, you might have the option of applying for business loans. In this scenario, your firm’s credit rating will be taken into account. In other words, your personal bankruptcy file won’t affect your ability to get business loans in any way.

Your personal credit score is a major constituent for most lenders. That is to say, your credit rating and personal finances are of major significance, even though this is to your disadvantage. Hence, depending on the state of your finances, you might be unable to get financing. Or, your only option could be getting business loans with unfavourable terms and interest rates.

What Steps Can You Take?

Separate Business and Personal Finances

Before anything else, you should strive to distinguish between your personal and business finances. The thing is that, if your business is new, this might not be a possibility. But, if you’re an established business owner, you should definitely separate your personal finances from your firm’s finances. Otherwise, you are inevitably taking unnecessary risks.

Apply for Secured Business Loans

If you really need a form of financing, your only option could be using your valuable assets as collateral for new loans. By adding collateral, you are instantly minimising the lender’s risk when they borrow you the money. This could increase the likelihood of having your application approved.

Be Patient

If you need a business loan despite bankruptcy, avoid requesting a $500,000 loan immediately afterwards. On the contrary, take up smaller amounts of money instead, and focus on making the repayments – this will allow you to rebuild your credit and prove that you’re trying to get back on your feet.

Explain The Circumstances of Your Bankruptcy

Talking openly about the circumstances that led to your current financial situation can be helpful when you apply for a business loan despite bankruptcy. There are situations in which unexpected circumstances can cause unwanted complications. We’re referring to health problems, divorces, or natural disasters – these could seriously mess up your financial life without any fault of your own. Therefore, by being upfront and transparent, you can increase your chances of getting financing for your business.

At the end of the day, it is mandatory to comprehend that each lender has different criteria that ought to be taken into account. Do your research beforehand, so that you don’t end up sending numerous applications all around without any results. Australian Lending Centre can help you – make sure you visit our website to find out more about our loan offers.

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Debt Consolidation Debt Management

Is Debt Consolidation better than Bankruptcy?

debt consolidation loan||debt consolidation||Debt Consolidation

When you have a lot of debts with different interest rates, the first thing you will think of is debt consolidation. However, there are certain situations when debt consolidation doesn’t make the cut and other options seem more feasible. Is bankruptcy one of them?

We will compare two financial services—debt consolidation and bankruptcy—and see which one is better for your situation. Note that before you request these types of financial services, you will need to contact an expert to get an idea of what to expect and whether it is a good idea.

Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation is a great tool you can use to save money and leave your credit rating unaffected. Debt consolidation will transform all your debt payments into one payment. This method’s idea is to lower the monthly payment and interest rate.

You can consolidate your debts through a secured or an unsecured loan. This service requires a certain fee but in the end, you might save more money than before, and you will regain control over your finances.

Here are the pros of Debt Consolidation:

  • Your credit rating and reputation are protected. Your credit score won’t be affected, and you won’t be bankrupt, meaning that your financial status won’t be made public. Bankruptcy records are easy to find and view, and this kind of reputation can affect your future financial endeavours.
  • You can simplify your debts. This means that you will focus on one payment with one interest rate, but you will also get to pay every debt in one go. In other words, you will no longer have to worry about missing a payment or paying it later than usual and suffering the penalties.
  • Unlike other services, debt consolidation will also let you keep your credit cards.

Cons of Debt Consolidation:

While debt consolidation is an excellent method of regaining control over your debts and economy, you could end up paying more in hidden fees and even lose the property. Here are some things to consider:

  • Hidden costs: Many people don’t consider the loan term. When you apply for debt consolidation, you will pay less every month and have a lower interest rate, but the loan term will be increased. If you stay in debt for an extended period, you may end up losing more money in the long run.
  • Losing property: If you default on your loan, you can lose your car or even your house. Depending on the agreement you signed with your lender, you might end up losing a lot more than just money if you default on your consolidation loan.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy should only ever be considered as a very last resort. You can eliminate certain debts when filing for bankruptcy. Here are a couple of positive things that bankruptcy brings:

  • When you file for bankruptcy, the creditors cannot harass you or take legal action against you. That means that you also are protected against foreclosures or repossessions.
  • Back to square one: Bankruptcy will eliminate most of your debts, and you can get a fresh start. Depending on your financial situation, you can even keep your car and home and pay them at a reduced rate.

The Negatives of Bankruptcy

Like any other financial service, bankruptcy has negative factors that you need to consider before applying. Here are a couple of things you should check:

  • Credit rating: Your credit rating will be lowered depending on the type of bankruptcy you apply for and your situation. Your credit report will show the bankruptcy for anywhere from seven to ten years. Of course, you may already have bad credit, seeing that you owe a lot of money and are bankrupt because of it.
  • You can have a fresh start once you receive your bankruptcy discharge, but until then, you will have trouble with lenders and other financial institutions.
  • Your reputation: Your employer or people who are associated with you business-wise can easily discover bankruptcy.
  • Financial sacrifices: You will have to sell your possessions if you want to be eligible for bankruptcy.

In the End

So, is debt consolidation better than bankruptcy? It really depends on your situation and what you want to achieve, but yes. Debt consolidation is a financial solution that can have a positive impact on your life, whereas bankruptcy comes with serious drawbacks.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of debt consolidation call us on 1300 138 188 or visit the Australian Lending Centre for expert advice.

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Debt Management

The Importance of Avoiding Bankruptcy

Debt Consolidation

Bankruptcy is that particular legal status of a person, a company or other entity that can no longer repay his or its debts to creditors. Even though some people may affirm that bankruptcy also has a few advantages, the list of disadvantages is definitely much longer. For this reason, you should think of bankruptcy only as an ultimate last resort, after you have used any other alternatives. Learn the importance of avoiding bankruptcy below.

Main Disadvantages of Bankruptcy

No matter if it belongs to a person or business, this status triggers a wide range of disadvantages, which will have a major negative impact on someone’s reputations. Furthermore, there are also practical drawbacks that will be experienced for sure by the person in this situation. Some of them are immediate while others will come around later.

First of all, you should be aware of the fact that you will lose most of your proprieties that are valuable. You will be allowed to keep only the assets you need for a basic standard of living. Anything you own and have a high value will be sold in order to pay the money to your creditors.

Another aspect you should consider before declaring bankruptcy is that you will encounter plenty of difficulties when trying to access credit. There is a specific limit of the credit you are able to obtain, but your chances are significantly lowered by your status, as there are only a few banks which take the risk to borrow money to a bankrupt individual. You may think that soon after getting rid of the bankruptcy, this problem will end. In fact, this issue will haunt you for seven years as the bankruptcy record has to be added to your credit report and remain there throughout this period. Also, according to the policy of some banks or finance companies, your access to your credit cards can be banned.

Moreover, there is a permanent record regarding this aspect that may be accessed by anyone who pays a small fee. They will be provided with an electronic index of these records, also referred to as the National Personal Insolvency Index.

When it comes to reasons why you should be avoiding bankruptcy, another important aspect is that this status will lower your chances of getting employed. In fact, even if you would convince an employer, there are particular industries with strict rules regarding this aspect, and they need to obey them and not hire you.

Less Extreme Alternatives to Bankruptcy

A convenient alternative is a debt agreement. This option is available for those who have not filed a bankruptcy form and consists of a debt settlement arrangement between you and your creditors. This will allow you to settle affordable debts, for example by freezing the interest rate.

Another less extreme alternative is a consolidation loan, which will help you manage your current debts much easier.

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Debt Management

What is the Impact of Becoming Bankrupt?

effects of bankruptcy

Bankruptcy does not last forever. Usually, its protection lasts only a year. During the period, the individual’s financial affairs will be put under restriction. That means there are certain privileges that the bankrupt person may not possibly enjoy even after bankruptcy has been lifted. Discover the impact of bankruptcy here in this article.

Furthermore, being bankrupt is not a guarantee that a person will be totally free from any financial obligation. In many cases, the individual is still required to pay a certain amount to repay debts from creditors following an assessment of current inflow and outflow of income. The repayment scheme under bankruptcy may continue even after the individual is discharged from the provision.

Needless to say, bankruptcy brings about serious implications. Its impact can never be underestimated and overlooked. Aside from the embarrassment and eroded self-esteem, an individual can face the greatest setback in his financial aspect.

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News

Controversy over Bankruptcy Threshold

Bankruptcy Threshold

The banks don’t want the government to go ahead with their plans to raise the bankruptcy threshold from $2,000 to $10,000. The Australian Bankers Association claims that by raising it to $10,000 it will encourage Australians to run up bad debts.

What this change will mean is that companies that debtors owe money to will not be able to ‘chase’ their payments from the debtor until they have accumulated at least $10,000 of debt.

The proposed new law also would increase the “stay period” from 7 to 28 days, which would force creditors to wait a month before being able to take action to recover the debts owed to them.

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