still thinking about options

[kallis3]

Both are excellent and come highly recommended on here.

[harrimav]

txs everyone, don't know why so scared- thinking i am just going to suffer a life of misery for next5 years.mind you as i reflect, this doesn't seem too far off the approach of taking yet another loan to pay off debts! and at least there is an end to this

[kallis3]

You won't suffer a life of misery at all - we do manage to live reasonably well in our IVA, it's all a case of learning to budget and it's a great feeling when you're actually in credit at the end of the month!!!

[harrimav]

Thanks Kallis, you are really positive. Secretly , I think I want to start owning a spreadsheet and budgeting and feeling in control of myself. Using your bank card to buy everything is so easy and need to get used to just spending cash in my purse. I lived in the Middle east in the mid 90's and you were not allowed any o/draft etc and I just got used to it, I never had this much debt or problems then!

[kallis3]

I use a combination of cash and debit card. I just make sure I keep an eye on the spending on the card and always check my online banking to make sure everything is ok.

[harrimav]

that's what I am having to do now anyway as my credit cards maxed out lol!

[kallis3]

I remember that feeling well!

[harrimav]

thanks . Funnily I am learning to live to a tight budget anyway and consider what i spend as dont have the surplus cash as it goes on horrendous interest rates assocaiated to credit cards esp MBNA who are awful!

[kallis3]

That's a step in the right direction, once you start the ball rolling you'll be able to build up a bit of a contingency fund by not paying your creditors or by making token payments

[Foggy]

I actually have more money in my pocket these days! All important payments are budgeted for and no horrendous debt payments swallowing up what's left !

[harrimav]

yes , thnks both. i had heard that you need to stop payments once IVA is underway. that'll help me by about £1500 per month!

[kallis3]

A decent sized emergency fund then!

[harrimav]

well, yep sort of , will help through christmas and a bit aside for bits and pieces next year. I had a friend who went through bankruptcy a couple of years back and she said the best thing about it is knowing that now all her money is her own, she has 7, yes 7 kids, single mom but now is in control and she always finds a few ££ to spend on herself for the little treat to make her feel human![:I]

[kallis3]

My Christmas is funded by the vouchers I earn from online surveys - I've just ordered £150 worth and it's not cost me anything other than time!!

[harrimav]

that sounds like a good idea