Some of these rumors have basis in fact others are overly exaggerated. Yes it is true that declaring bankruptcy can hurt your credit score for a period of time. It’s also true that a bankruptcy declaration is a matter of public record. However, critics of the bankruptcy process tend to overemphasize these negative points. If you’re struggling to repay your bills, none of your debt-fighting options are going to be easy or free from stress. It is true that there are a number of methods of debt relief that might help improve your financial situation over time, it important to always remember there’s no magic switch that you can flip to rebuild your credit.