Find the best financial services for you at: SMARTFINANCESOLUTIONS.NET - How long does an Arizona Chapter 7 Bankruptcy stay on your credit report.? - 10 years. You need to take some personal responsibility with your finances. If you cannot afford something, don't buy it. Buy only the bare essentials-- food, rent, gas. Pay with cash, not credit. Use credit cards only for true emergencies like car repairs, paying for air fare to attend a funeral, etc. Know that your credit report affects not only your ability to get a loan. Many employers these days run credit reports and in this economy, they can be picky bc there are so many applicants. -