First 90 Days After Bankruptcy Discharge Financial Checklist
Days 1–30 Reset and stabilize
Confirm your discharge is complete
- Keep a copy of your discharge order permanently.
- Confirm creditors are updating accounts correctly.
Create your new monthly budget
Track:
- Housing
- Utilities
- Food
- Transportation
- Medical expenses
- Savings
- Personal spending
Build a starter emergency fund
Goal:
- First milestone: $500–$1,000
- Keep it separate from everyday spending.
Review your bank accounts
- Remove old automatic payments tied to discharged debts.
- Set up autopay for necessities.
- Avoid overdrafts.
Pull your credit reports
Check that:
- Discharged debts show properly.
- No incorrect balances remain.
- No accounts are reporting late payments after discharge.
Days 31–60 Begin rebuilding credit carefully
Open or maintain one responsible credit account (if appropriate)
Options may include:
- A secured credit card
- A credit-builder account
- A low-limit card
Rules:
- Keep balances very low.
- Pay the statement balance in full.
- Never use credit to cover expenses you cannot afford.
Create a savings routine
Even small amounts matter:
- $25/week
- $100/month
- Automatic transfers help.
Review insurance and protections
Check:
- Health insurance
- Auto insurance
- Home/renter’s insurance
- Life insurance beneficiaries
- Disability coverage
Create a “financial dashboard”
Once a month review:
- Bank balances
- Credit score
- Savings
- Bills
- Spending patterns
Days 61–90 Build long-term financial health
Increase emergency savings
Target:
- 1 month of expenses first
- Eventually 3–6 months
Start planning retirement recovery
Depending on your situation:
- Resume contributions if possible
- Review retirement accounts
- Avoid borrowing against retirement
Set financial boundaries
Examples:
- No co-signing loans
- No lending money you cannot afford to lose
- No using credit for lifestyle expenses
Create a 12-month plan
Include:
- Income goals
- Savings goals
- Housing goals
- Major purchases
- Career plans
