Hello everyone
No questions on this posting, just my ramblings about how things are going for me now I have completed my IVA. I made my last payment on 5 January this year, but it didn't actually complete until 5 February (the date of the creditors meeting). So I have been about two months officially debt free. My certificate of compliance came through mid-March, which has been copied and sent off to my creditors and all the credit reference agencies and my credit reports are starting to be updated. Out of curiousity I got my credit score on Experian. Weird thing... when my IVA was still seen as current, my credit score was 900 and classed as Good. When the IVA had been confirmed as completed, it dropped to 854 and Fair. Anyway... that's by the by. I don't think I'll be looking for credit for a while. Although in an attempt to rebuild my credit score, I have taken out a Visa Vanquis card, on which I buy petrol only. I'm so scared about credit now though, I daren't even wait for the statement to come through, and make an online payment through my bank account on the same day that I use the card, so there's no chance of a late payment.
My IP company was Bridgestones and I'd like to take this opportunity to say how good they were in looking after me. They were very friendly, helpful and efficient and always answered any questions promptly and thoroughly.
When I was coming up to my first salary payment not to include an IVA payment, I was planning what I would treat myself to. I fancied a new watch to mark the occasion, maybe some killer heels? I actually spent it on NOTHING WHATSOEVER! I am such a miser now. I save every penny I can and have managed to save £2k in three months! How times have changed. I have savings for the first time in years. And I have no compulsion whatsoever to spend them on daft things. Now I have no debts, I have finally agreed to move in with my boyfriend. I didn't want to tell him about my IVA and felt there wasn't a house big enough to hold my debt "baggage" and my debt guilt. I told him about my IVA, but only after it completed, and I was still dreading it, but he was lovely about it. I think he was more upset that I hadn't told him and gone through it all on my own.
So another 10 months and my IVA will drop off my credit report, but not from my memory or my attitude. I am a fully fledged, cured, ex-spendaholic. I've been there, bought the t-shirt... literally.
To anyone who is struggling with their IVA, when it seems like time just won't go fast enough, take comfort in the fact that you will get there. You will be debt-free soon and you will love the feeling of achievement. Although it might not seem it, it will all be worth it in the end.
Julie x [:)]
IVA Completed - 5 January 2010. Yay!!
