Even when you know well that you have made the right decision, filing for bankruptcy can be difficult. It’s not something you really wanted to do or that you planned to do. You know it can help you and that it’s the best option, but you have to adjust your thinking to accept it.
If you’re struggling with the emotional side of this process, here are a few tips that can help:
- Never blame yourself. Most of the time, outside factors (like medical debt) lead to bankruptcy. It’s not your fault.
- Focus on the future. Bankruptcy may feel hard right now, but it’s helping you get to where you really want to be. In the future, you’ll look back on it differently, and it’s that future that you want to focus on now.
- Remember that it’s just a legal and financial tool. Many people view bankruptcy through some sort of moral lens and try to decide if it’s the right thing to do. But it’s just a tool you can use like any other when it makes sense.
- Find people you can talk to about your feelings. When things are overwhelming, it’s often because you’re trying to deal with them on your own. Having a support network makes a massive difference.
These tips can help to put you in the right headspace to productively use the best financial tools at your disposal.
Bankruptcy can be a complex process
That being said, bankruptcy can be legally complicated and fairly complex. Be sure you know exactly what steps to take so that you get everything right. Having an experienced guide on your side can help.
