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  We get a lot of questions about bankruptcy at LMM but it’s a complicated subject so we brought expert Steve Rhode to help explain the fine details. Some people consider bankruptcy the easy way out but it’s more complicated that.  Any time money is concerned, there is no quick fix.  But in some cases it’s also not as dire as some of us believe and may be the best option. It takes seven years for bad marks to fall off your credit report but you don’t have to wait seven years to start rebuilding your credit.  According to Steve that is just not as big a deal as people make it out to be.  Missing payments stays on your record just as long but you’re still paying that bill.  About twelve months after declaration, you can get secured credit cards, get better rates on loans and even qualify for a mortgage and car loan.  It might not be a great idea to do that, but it is possible. Bankruptcy doesn’t have to be a last resort.  If the amount of debt you have is going to really hamper your ability to retire, screw