Chicago Bankruptcy Attorneys Warn Social Networking Could Affect Your Credit
Remember the days when lenders would look at your credit score to determine whether you were a risk? It was so much simpler back then.
So what's changed? Social networking was invented. By now, most us use - or are at least familiar with - Facebook. And so are lenders, creditors and employers, who are increasingly looking up applicants online to see what comes up, according to Chicago bankruptcy attorneys.
Obviously, it's not going to bode well for you if they see photos of you kicking back cocktails and dancing on tables at your favorite club. You say it's unfair to judge you for what you do on your own time? You have a point, but wait, it gets worse. They also check out your friends. The idea is, responsible people might choose responsible pals. That means whether or not you get that loan might rest not just on the level of your debt, but on whether or not your best friend forever posted those pics from her bachelorette party.
Keep in mind that this is still an extreme scenario. But it's one that is becoming more common every day. Fair or not, the Internet - and social networking - has opened a new window into our lives. Ten years ago, no one would have access to our private lives except friends and family. Now, all someone has to do is Google our name.
Now, I'm not suggesting that you change your behavior - that's a personal decision. But I do think it's smart to exercise caution about what you make available for the world to see. Sure, letting loose at your birthday party is usually harmless fun. But just make sure to keep those crazy photos to yourself. And if your friends post something you don't like? Consider requesting that they remove it, explaining that you want to project the best image of yourself possible because you're looking for a loan/job/credit card/fill in the blank.
Gaining control over your financial life takes discipline - maybe more so nowadays. But the good news is, it can be done. And, if you're really struggling with debt, it can be made easier with tools like bankruptcy. Filing for bankruptcy not only offers an effective way to start tackling your debt burden, but it can also legally protect you from foreclosure and other lender actions. Interested in finding out if bankruptcy is right for you? Just try our free one-on-one debt analysis with a Chicago bankruptcy attorney or check out our online video learning center. Both are just a click away. In some ways, the Internet has made life harder - but, in this case, it can make your life a heck of a lot easier.