I have been on my iva for almost 6 months within freeman jones. So far, I have no complaints and as I was shoulder deep in debt, I feel it was the right decision for me. But since reading some if the horror stories in here about freeman jones, I've worried myself slightly about weather there ever is an end? Has anybody got any positive stories about finishing in the expected time and being debt free?
I wouldn't worry too much about the tales you read about on this forum - it is natural that people use the forum to complain when things go wrong, but rarely do we see posts confirming the positive sides of IVAs these days. We used to, but it just seems to be the direction the forum has taken over the last year or so.
Concentrate on making your own case work, and don't worry too much about what is going on in the outside world that does not affect you.
Welcome to the forum, we are pleased that your IVA is running smoothly for you - as they do in the vast majority of cases.
On the whole our clients are happy with their IVAs and the service that we provide. You can take a look at what hundreds of our customers say by searching for us under the supplier tab on independent review site Feefo.com.
Of course we don’t always get things right, and those are often the cases that you see on here. If something does go wrong (as I think you’ll see on the forum) we do our very best to put things right.
If you do have any concerns or questions about your IVA it’s always best to let us know and often you’ll find we can put your mind at rest.
In the meantime this link should help redress the balance a bit!
Hopefully you feel a bit more reassured now. The key to a successful IVA is communication - keep in touch with FJ if you have concerns and Sarah is very good at picking things up for FJ clients should the need arise. Melanie is right, often public forums become a place for people to air their grievances, which they should do, however it would be nice to have a balance as there are an even bigger number of people out there delighted with their IVA and the positive changes it has made to their lives.
Best wishes and keep in touch with us all on here too to help you along the way
Regards, Tina Shortland, Debt Advisory Manager for Melanie Giles at Debt Advice TV.
If you’re looking for effective debt related information, articles and news, then go now to our on-line advice service at www.debtadvicetv.com
If you’re ready to ask us for specific advice or help, then get in touch at www.call-me.debtadvicetv.com so you can start to free yourself from the stress and anxiety of overwhelming debt.
I think, as Melanie has stated, over the last year or so there has been an increase in disgruntled posters.
This is probably indicative of the amount of people entering the final stages of their agreements during this period caught up in the PPI scenario and the increase in cases whereby some are encountering difficulties with their IVA providers/facilitators regarding equity release matters.
There have been a number of posts about co-operation and contact issues regarding some IVA companies over the last eighteen months or so too.
People do still post when things are hunky dory, they also have the right to post when things aren`t so rosy and these posts give a reflection on how things are for some within IVA`s and they use the forum looking for the help and advice they need as situations arise.
So, as and when debtors successfully and smoothly complete and close out their IVA`s I`m sure they`ll continue to post about it.
Kerry.04, there is an end and each payment you make is a step nearer to it.
I too am a worrier, I worry and stew about anything and everything but as we stand I`m almost at payment 39 and the time has honestly flown by.
Keep your chin up Kerry, you`ll get there.
"When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea".
Hi Kerry, and welcome to the forum,
There are a lot of unhappy posters but most are with Grant Thornton, The folk on here are fantastic, Mel is brilliant at reassuring us all and I can only wish you luck. I finished my IVA in November last year after 72 monthly payments. Still waiting for C of C but the light is shining at the end of the tunnel. All I would say is keep your end of the deal and make all payments on time and in 5/6 years you will be debt free, Good Luck
Final Payment made Nov 2012 after 72 months
C of C received - 18/10/2013 - + 11 months
NOW Debt Free woo hoo
GT are still a joke
Hi Kerry, we were with Freeman Jones and during the iva they were very helpful and accommodating even when I was ill and off work for 9 months. We did have a few problems at the end but Sarah and her colleague (I can't remember his name!) sorted it out. Although to us it didn't seem quick, reading other people's experiences on here has made me realise that it probably was. One piece of advice is to always keep them informed of any changes. Good luck with your journey, it really is worthwhile.
