DEAR BRUCE: My question is, do you have to disclose that you had a bankruptcy when it is off all of your credit reports? This is for creditors, banks etc.? Mine came off this past November. -- T.H., via e-mail

DEAR T.H.: If you are applying for a loan and if it says on the application "have you ever had a bankruptcy?" you will have to answer in the affirmative, otherwise you are filing a fraudulent credit application. This is not information that you have to volunteer, but if the question is asked, you will have to answer honestly.