I am new to the forum but been an avid reader for the last 18 months - seeemingly my last login didn't register because it was too long ago>
Kallis I am calling you...
I am a single mum for the past 12 years of my boys life bother aged 11 and 12. Recession hit us all and now we are on a shoestring - I don't even know how we are going to manage for food since my pay day is not until 15th September.
I am so low. Boys start school on Tuesday.
After more than a year of diliberating I have decided to apply for an iva. My first choice was Melanie Giles however after feeling pressure from one of her advisors I held back ... if there was a way to speak to Melanie directly I would have no hesitation but messages left on my landline voicemail when I specifically asked for them not to be has left me skeptical of the previacy process. All i am asking is that my privacy is protected and at this point it does not seem to be ?
Melanie, as you know, posts on here regularly and I am sure she will pick up on this thread and deal with any issues you have with her staff. They all have brilliant reviews and I am sure this is a simple misunderstanding that Mel will be able to resolve for you quickly. If you still feel put off then go to iva.com and there is a list of IVA companies who will be willing to help you and you can get advice from two or three of them and go with those who make you feel most at ease.
The relief you feel once you get to tell someone all about the problems you have on the phone is amazing and you will feel much better once you take back control of your finances and your future. You are taking a very big step in identifying you have a problem already and seeking help is a brave and sensible thing to do.
I wish you the best of luck with your enquiries and I am sure Mel will be in touch with you shortly re your concerns.
Welcome ....please don't panic and make yourself ill....
Entering into an IVA is extremely daunting but once the first steps are taken the pressure lifts and before you know it you are in a new way of living and having money left albeit a few pence at the end of each month.
Mel's company are extremely recommended and I would think this is a clear oversight which only happens in extremely rare occasions....
I am sure Mel will pick this post up and will want to resolve the concerns directly with you.
As always there are other companies out there offering the same services...contact a few of them and go with one that you feel comfortable with.
Regarding food for your family between now and payday....in some areas of the country there are Food Banks available that will help and support people in your situation....I appreciate asking for help is not easy, but it may be just one way of support for you.
Otherwise 4pm at a supermarket on a Saturday is always a good time to get a few Whoopsie items that may see you through !
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
There is a solution for everyone .... Just need to stay positive !
I'm sorry but I can't identify you from this name, what was your previous ID?
I'm quite surprised that someone from Mel's company would pressure you, that is not the way they operate and I am sure she will pick up on this.
If you're not happy with that then speak to a couple of other companies on www.iva.com and take it from there.
There will be a solution out there for you.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Hi, and welcome back. If you had already contacted Mel's team, I am afraid that it would be quite natural for them to call you back sometime as they will need to speak with you on the telephone to get everything right. Mel, I know for sure, and all the other IP's here take your privacu VERY seriously.
That said, entering an IVA, at the best of times, WILL feel like an invasion of privacy. The IP will need to know many things we would prefer not to discuss, but it has to be done, and is soon dealt with.
The initial stages can get vert trying at first, but worth it in the end.
Best of luck.
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
I found the hardest part was making that first phonecall. I thought i would be judged and have comments made about my spending and we should have known better. But it couldn't have been any more different, there was no comments or judging, but they do need to know all your debts, incomings and out goings, but it doesn't feel like prying. If we had any questions or problems during our IVA, we only had to ring or email the IP and we got an answer more or less straight away. As for food, we go camping alot, cheap and cheerful, so we just utilised our camping recipes and still use then now even though we finished our IVA last Feb.
Thank you all for your kind comments they are very much appreciated. I too agree that Melanie Giles company is very highly recommended and I can see from her posts her clients best interests always come first. My niggle was that I had specifically asked and confirmed by email that messages were not left on my landline mentioning iva but it happened twice - one of which was picked up by my mother. This was my main concern.
Mel will be unhappy that your specific request was not met,as customer care and satisfaction is very high up her list of wishes!!
Do contact a couple of companies as suggested.
I assume that you live with your mother. You will find that creditors may well phone you at home also,so if this is going to cause a problem try either changing your number or possibly even discussing this with your mum. I know this can be very hard to do,but an IVA lasting 5 years will be tough on you if you are unable to discuss it with anyone.
Let us know how you get on.
Paul
Discharged today the 8th feb 2012. View is much brighter now.
Continuing to rebuild our credit worthiness.
Hi plasticdaft. thank you I appreciate and understand your comments. I don't actually live with my mum - I had just requested that if a message was left to say it was 'joe' or somesuch on the answerphone. Unfortunately, I don't have anyone that I can talk to for support but have found reading forum posts and other's experience a real lifesaver and it has helped me enormously along the road to my decision. I can quite honestly say I don't think I would have come to a decision without this forum. Thank you all for your kind comments.
Do you have a mobile? People could leave messages on there for you without it involving your mother.
If you have online details registered with any of your creditors then you could try going on the site and removing your contact details.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Well plenty people get through an IVA without telling anyone,the only person we have told is our 14 year old,who is old enough to know why we are skint all the time!!!
Paul
Discharged today the 8th feb 2012. View is much brighter now.
Continuing to rebuild our credit worthiness.
My daughter and her fiance know, as do the step kids but that's all.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
hi, i can understand how you feel,it felt/feels a private matter to me too,only my parents know because we needed help & a married couple who are our friends.
privacy is important. i'm sure Mel will pick up on this. but,if you don't feel sure why not give 1/2 others a call? maybe just use a mobile number then voicemail would just be for you,you can even put a security pin in your phone so no one can get into it.
well done for facing that you do need help,that is the biggest thing. you sound a bit low. things can get better,with a younster to look after you need to take of yourself. post for support,you're not alone sweetie x
Nothing stays the same...everything changes..hang on in there!