According to the United States Bankruptcy Courts, the number of bankruptcies filed each year is on the rise. People file bankruptcy for a variety of reasons, such as preventing foreclosure on their homes, preventing repossession of property, loss of employment, or reducing or eliminating debts. The most common types of bankruptcy for which individuals file are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 involves the surrender of property to pay debts, while a Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows for the retention of property but requires payments over the next three to five years. A person who finds himself or herself in this undesirable situation may wonder how they are ever going to repair their credit. This guide provides the answers in a clear-cut, easy-to-read manner. The author tells you how to take charge of your credit so you can apply for loans and mortgages and obtain low interest rates. In addition, you will learn how to order a copy of your credit report, how to check your credit report for accuracy, how to read it, how to avoid discrimination and credit repair scams, how to apply for an unsecured credit card, how to report your good work to bureaus if creditors do not, how to maintain good relationships with your bank and creditors, how to consolidate all your debt, how to lessen your reliance on credit cards, and how to decide if lawyer-assisted credit repair is right for you. You will also learn simple strategies for making payments on time and for rebuilding your credit. Whether you have just declared bankruptcy or you have been living with the stigma for years, this new book will provide you with all the information you need to take a step in the right direction.