ok - so I've don my research and now know what an

[trina]

Hi all

This post is exactly the thing I need to be reading, it just further makes me realise we have made the right decision.

trina

[Moneystinks]

Oh Barb how lovely!

I wish I was her age again. Can't say I would change anything but I had an absolute ball at 16 through to 18. great years![:D]

[Kazzy E]

Hey Barb, how lovely for you, I bet you were so proud. The young ladies look so grown up in their prom dresses don't they. I am sure she had a lovely time, even though she didn't have all the trimmings. It just goes to prove that she didn't need them to look beautiful, bless her. You are such an inspiration, keep up the great work.

Big hug hun, Kazzy x

[Lisa2009]

We were lucky enough to end ours 2 years early.
It was tough and it caused us problems here and there.
In the 3 years the IVA was in place, we overcome a lot. My diagnosis of MS was really difficult because hubby so wanted to be at home with me because i was in bits. He had to carry on as normal and go to work so payments could be met. His boss even sent a driver to take our daughter to school out of town because for a while i couldnt drive.
Our little boy who is now 5, was starting to show signs of problems with behaviour and social and communication skills. He was a lot of hard work and i thought that along with the MS was going to finish me off.
Friends and family stepped in and looked after me and our little boy so we never had to miss a payment. Mum helped when we were struggling and our daughter grew up over night and became a mum to myself and her little brother.

The IVA was finalised in December and since then things financially have improved because i was awarded DLA for both myself and my son. Both at high rate.
Because the IVA rehabilitated us, we still spend carefully and save all the DLA.

The feeling is amazing when looking at the bank balance and not seeing a big fat zero.

I wouldnt get credit again and neither would hubby. If we cant afford, we dont get its as simple as that and the kids agree too.

They are fed, clothed and very happy and thats all that matters to them and us.

There deffinately is light at the end of the IVA tunnel, you just have to keep digging untill you get to it but trust me, its well worth it in the end......you will see.

Best of luck to all just starting their journey and those who are part way through. Stay positive and you will achieve it.

[MelanieGiles]

I know smparry very well, and he - and Mr & Mrs Skint - are real inspirations as to the success of the IVA procedure if it used correctly.

I am sure that smparry will not mind if I state that we went through the darkest of times on a number of occasions during his IVA - which started in 2000 and was succesfully concluded in 2005, during which time he sadly lost his wife. We still occasionally catch up for a chat, and I know that this very grown up man has really come through an enormous journey, and is now very in control of his finances and therefore his ultimate destiny.

Mr & Mrs Skint have followed a similar journey - and are the most wonderful people (and loving parents!), having met them in Manchester earlier this year.

If an IVA is for you take inspiration from these guys who are a testament that there is life at the end of the tunnel if you wish to follow that track.

[angela18]

i hope my IVA will be as successful as Mrs S and SMParry.. we are 3 months in and seem to be managing up to now.. well done everybody.

no major disasters as yet (touch wood)

[Soulgrowth]

I think it's great to recieve a post such as these as it shows the great thing that an IVA can be, amongst all the 'problem' posts that we recieve here on the Forum ... and good that Admin has started up a new distinct thread.

Although my IVA din't go its full term because of a hitch, it would have ... and because of the IVA I was able to gain an even better outcome with a F&F.

Debbie

[cfnc]

Reading all these just enforces that we have made the right decision.

We have had debt problems for many years, probably kick started by the birth of our twins 7 years ago.

We unsuccessfully tried a DMP but were convinced to pay much more than we could afford, we ten kept getting letters and phonecalls and it got to the stage we no longer had the phone plugged in or opened any mail.

We decided on an IVA after a recommendation from a friend in November 07 and finally got it accepted in March 08, part of this delay was still me burying my head in the sand.

Now we have paid 3 months and due to pay our 4th, I must say how relieved we are and we actually quite enjoy budgeting. We have had lean months, especially this one, car tax, MOT, school trips and the petrol increases, which have especially hit us hard as my husband travels all over the country and does not get his petrol repaid for about 6 weeks.

But all in all deciding on our IVA's is the best thing we have ever done and hopefully after our 5 or maybe 6 years are up we will have conditioned ourselves to carry on being frugal.

Kirsty

[angela18]

me too kirsty.. i'm obsessed at the moment. checking banks and how much we spend, but we have to.. i check the bank every morning so I know where i'm at.. i do have miserable days.. but they well over shadowed by the happy relieved ones. Just hope i'm still the same in the months to come [:)]

[Soulgrowth]

That simply shows that you have regained control of your financial situation [:)]

I check mine every morning as well ... I also have only the bare minimum of direct debits on my account now ... I like to be able to be in full control of what goes out of my account [:)]

Debbie

[kallis3]

What inspirational stories! Good to see someone come out the other side.

I still have a long way to go, but am determined to make it even though I know it will be a struggle sometimes.

I do have a lot of dd's on my account, but they are all for essential stuff and I know exactly when they go out and when the last one goes out for the month. I do check the balance regularly. Some of our money is hubbies Incapacity Benefit which we get from the Post Office every week. If we are running a bit short in the bank, some of this has to be paid over to cover. We still have enough to live on though (just about!)

[michael.t47]

i too check my new bank account daily, feel really positive as it is not overdrawn and says overdrafrt facility zero. also using microsoft money and every penny i spend is inputted and catergorised si can see exactly where our money is going an where i can make further savings

[angela18]

i do feel in control Debbie.. I once asked in the early days of posting What Frugal meant!! I know now and I have an honorary degree in it[:)]

[Jan01]

Hi Apple 2

We have had our IVA for just over 3 years. It is hard at times but that far out weighs the stress of having creditors on your back and not having any money. As other have said having money now for food, and utility bills is great. I enjoy and get quite a kick trying to save money looking around for bargains. it is a pain only having a basic bank account with only a cash card and not a debit card I don't miss not having credit cards and I don't think I will have another. For us it was the best thing we ever did our debts are being paid well 85% we will not be able to pay the IVA off early as we have no assets but no matter. I have learnt so much and material things don't matter so much.

So Good Luck

Jan

[Soulgrowth]

Well said Jan! [:)]

Debbie