According to the NFCC, budgets can actually free up money as well as relieve financial stress, increase financial security, help
structure a
plan for the future, allow
planning for large purchases, assist in meeting financial goals; uncover money available to invest, allow preparation for emergencies, avoid late payments through scheduling timely payments, find hidden money for
debt repayment and potentially raise credit score.
Congress further articulated consumer bankruptcy law in 1978 when it distinguished between Chapter 7 filings, which completely erase a debtor's
debts, and Chapter 13 filings, which require certain debtors to make partial
repayments under a
structured plan.