Your money questions answered: Denisa Tova chat transcript, Aug. 8

I filed bankruptcy and was discharged last dec..just a a letter from transunion 4 negative reports..wasn’t I suppose to protected from that by now? and what should I do other than order credit reports?

Hi Beth,
What do you mean by “being protected from that”. Your bankruptcy will stay on your report for up to 10 years

Which bankruptcy discharges all of your debts?

Hi Rick,
You are talking about Chapter 7 (but you can’t generally discharge IRS debt, college loans…)

Denisa, and how can you possibly recover after bankruptcy?

Rick, you will have to try and add as many positive items to your credit as possible (timely credit card payments, low outstanding balance…)

I have a car loan and I am going thru divorce. My wife is on that loan. How do we handle this?

Hi Nolin,
You will eventually need to separate your debts and one way to remove your spouse is by re-financing your loan into your name.

Good morning Denisa

Where can I get my credit report? How often should I check it?

Hi Kim,
go to www.annualcreditreport.com. Once a year you will be able to get a FREE copy of your report from all three credit bureaus. That is generally enough unless there is suspicious activity on your accounts, or you went thru a transition like a divorce – you may need to check it more frequently.

Where can I get quotes for interest rates for a car loan (you mentioned a couple of sites this morning)

Hi Paula,
the two sites I mentioned today (primarily for those with no- or poor- credit history are: www.up2drive.com and myautoloan.com.

I watched your segment today about car loans. I have a really high interest rate and my payment is high. I can’t afford the payments and I was thinking about having them repo my car. Is that a good idea? Thanks.

Hi James,
Be careful, because even if you let your creditor reposess your car, you will still be liable for the loan!

Hi Denisa Thanks for answering questions! We’re starting divorce mediation after a 30 year marriage. Do you think it’s possible to receive spousal support from my husband? I have been on SSDI and federal disability for 6 years and unable to work, I’m 53. He decided to retire early from PERA in 2007 promising he would get another job. He’s healthy 58 and has a master’s degree but does nothing now, by choice. His income was around $60,000. Before cancer my income was about $75,000. His pension is $30,000. My combined SSDI and pension are about $30,000. We have one child 16 and I think he will pay limited child support until age 18, and SSDI for him ends then too. Sorry for the long background. Do you think he may pay alimony or need to return to work since he is fully able? Even with scaling back we won’t be able to run 2 households on these pensions.

nevermind I see its a stream..you were answering someone else..sorry… I just did as you say it says my credit score is 672 not so bad as I thought after bankruptcy

wrong person sorry

Hi Michelle,
This is a complex question beyond the scope of this chat. Pls email me directly at contact@denisatova.com.

HI Beth,
That’s great. Make sure that you continue to add positive history to your credit.

Thanks Denisa- I will be in touch with you. During separation do you recommend each person getting separate credit cards and bank accounts. We have always had joint bank account and debit cards/credit cards.

Again, send me an email…