Feeling very scared and uncertain what to do...

[flowerpot]

I am experiencing days when I am feeling positive that IVA route will be the best option but despite talking to a few different companies now, I am still scared that creditors wouldnt accept it and then proceed with other action against us.

The best attention we have had so far has been from cleardebt, but worry that the proposal they've drafted might not be enough.

Today is a bad day, as my nerve has gone and I'm left wondering if we should just struggle on and pay what we can when we can, but it takes some materminding!

However, I also feel like I've become overwhelmed with the idea that an IVA will cure our debt worry and the rest of my life is on hold at the moment.

Bewildered flowerpot.x

[kal]

Hi flowerpot,
I can so relate to what you are saying - I am just staring out on the IVA road (accepted on Monday), and up until then (and still now!), I kept thinking am I doing the right thing etc.
For me there IVA is definately the right option - we were in a DMP, and at the end of the day it would have taken us at least 10 yrs to pay it off - and there is no guarantee that creditors would freeze interest for that long...in fact my IP told me they wouldn't...they would get 'bored' of that idea and we would end up with them taking us to court etc.
If you can get through this, and get accepetd...which I'm sure you will, then I'm sure you will have made the right decision.
5 yrs is not that long when you look at how long it would take to actually pay it off properly - and think of all those phonecalls and letters that will stop.
Good luck.
k.

[Julian]

Hi, I am at the same stage as you I think, currently on a DMP bu am now petitioning for an IVA. Full of doubts and worry but have to do something. It is about getting your life back, by facing up to debt you have taken the first step reponsible and honest to yourself. Good luck with your IVA.

[louisa.s]

Hi Flowerpot,

Keep your chin up.

There will always be ups and downs but you should feel positive that you've taken those all important steps to resolving your debt issues.
Before we had our IVA accepted we were told we were a borderline case between an IVA and bankruptcy as we would start off by repaying about 28p in the pound. However we were determined to try the IVA route first and fortunately we were accepted.

We are now 23 months into it and yes at the beginning it was tough adjusting to the restricted budget and not to be able to put things on the cards but we fought our way through and now we are at the point where it has become a normal part of our day to day living and we've actually been able to save for the first time in 10 years!!!

The rollercaster of life is spinning you around at the moment but it will soon start to level out and you will regain control of your lives and your finances again and that is a very empowering and positive thing.

Just try and take one day at a time but it will get better!

Lou x

[size5]

I have to remain impartial as you have approached us for help, but the best thing you can do is to seek reassurance from whoever is dealing with your case, whether it is me or one of my colleagues. It is to be expected that you have some nerves but please remember that it is just as much in our best interests as well as yours that things progress smoothly.
If you wish to call or e mail me directly then I am sure Andy will be happy to give you my contact details.

Regards.

[Sarah]

Hi

I have to say i think everyone has these doubts and although you may read a lot of bad things on this forum there are also some really great things. I have been in an IVA for nearly 2 years now and although i have had some down times my life has just gone from strength to strength since i have been in it and i have to say it has flown by! Although it may seem tough now things really do get better!

[aguise]

Hi flowerpot. Just to echo everyones advice. We all have felt as you do, from at the beginning, wondering will it be accepted, is it the right thing to do. The one single thing that I was sure of, is that we could not have gone on for much longer the way were were, we were suffering and in all honesty I think I realised iva or bankrupcy, could not be any worse. Now in an iva and all is going well, like louise we manage to save a little for the first time in all of our married life, we pay as we go along and we are so much happier and stress free, I still have the worries that something could give and change things but we will face that if and when it happens. Stay strong and I am sure you will be fine, these weeks are the hardest to get through, but you will see that others have got through and so will you. Come and have a moan or a chat if you feel down as you have and will always get support.

Ang x

[flowerpot]

Thank-you all for your kind support, it really helps. I suppose the two things I am most frightened of is 1) not being accepted, and 2) Is it even the right thing to do.

I keep telling myself that we have to do something to address the matter, as it will only get worse otherwise.

Secondly, I suppose if we dont try for an IVA we'll never know if its an accept/decline.

What I really need to do is keep the ball rolling and get on with it without becoming obsessive about it, I've certainly got plenty of other stuff to be getting on with!

But as I said, thank-you all so much for posting to me, its great to have your support.

flowerpot

[size5]

That's the spirit!!

[angela18]

I feel exactly the same as you, I know in my head that IVA will be the best way forward, but my heart hurts at how I've let myself down. Also worry what options will be available if all fails. Melanies team are being great, but that nagging doubt is always there. Having a bad day today also, dog is not so good and think if one thing worries you, everything else just follows in freefall!! But hey ho, tomorrows another day and its also Friday which is another bonus!!

[lily]

Hi Flowerpot

I know its scary right now but there is always a way forward, you cant go on as you have been and you know that. I know that I just couldnt face it at first, I just hoped I would win the lottery or something. But in the end I felt better when I took that first step.

Its really hard at first, almost everyone says that, it sure does consume you also.

Hang on in there, try not to think about what ifs because, believe me you never know whats round the corner.

Youre on the right path I am sure, your IVA would not be put forward if it didnt stand a chance of being accepted. Youre in good hands.

We all make mistakes sometimes huge ones, like debt but we can only do our best to address it and that is a brave thing to do on your own.

Cheer up and keep going, it will get better.