Show Your Bank Account Some Love This Valentine’s Day, Say Chicago Bankruptcy Attorneys
Love is supposed to be in the air, but it can be hard to feel positive when your bank account is, well, negative.
But whether you think of Valentine's Day as the most romantic day of the year or just another excuse to spend money cooked up by card companies, you can make the most of the holiday without going broke - even if you're in debt, according to Chicago bankruptcy attorneys.
For the diehard romantics out there, remember that it's the thought that counts. You shouldn't feel obligated to spend more than you can afford - if we bought extravagant gifts for every holiday, we wouldn't have anything left.
Chocolate gets eaten and flowers wilt. If you're going to buy something, make sure it's something that lasts - and preferably, that's useful. For instance, try buying something your honey needs anyway - the element of surprise might make even a new pair of shoes seem interesting. Or how about framing a photo of the two of you together - or putting together a scrapbook of your last vacation? If you want to save a ton, cook a romantic dinner for two (or your whole family) instead of going out to eat - chocolate-covered strawberries, anyone?
Even if Valentine's Day isn't your thing, you can still show yourself some love this holiday by vowing to improve your finances. Are you losing sleep because you're afraid the mailman might bring a foreclosure notice any day now? Are you stressing because you can't afford to pay cash for even the most mundane purchases - and thus have to keep adding to your already large credit card debt? Why keep torturing yourself?
The most practical way to eliminate debt is by finding ways to cut out spending. When you spend less than you earn, chances are you'll have enough in the bank to cover everyday stuff like gas and groceries. Once you stop growing your credit card balance, the interest you owe will also level off - and you can apply the savings towards actually paying off debt.
Of course, if you've already cut back on spending - or if circumstances beyond your control are preventing you from doing so - and you're not making a dent in your debt, you might need a little assistance. And often that means a bankruptcy plan. When you file for bankruptcy, an automatic stay protects your home from foreclosure. In the meantime, you can reduce or eliminate debts with an affordable payment plan. Want to find out if bankruptcy is right for you? It's free when you sign up for a personal debt analysis with one of our Chicago bankruptcy attorneys. Look at it as our Valentine's present to you and your bank account.