How does chapter 13 differ from chapter 7 for a debtor?

Under chapter 7, the debtor loses all or most of his or her nonexempt property and receives a chapter 7 discharge, which releases the debtor from liability for most debts. Under chapter 13, the debtor usually retains his or her nonexempt property, must pay of f as much of his or her debts as the court deems feasible, and receives a chapter 13 discharge. The effect of a chapter 13 case on a debtor’s future financial opportunities is becoming less like the effect of a chapter 7 case as the credit community becomes more sophisticated and knowledgeable.