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Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 8:29 pm
by jes2710
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 [:)]

Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 8:34 pm
by Sinking Fast
Congratulations Julie, and what an inspiring post for others starting out such as myself.

Well done, and enjoy your debt free life.

Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 8:38 pm
by jes2710
Thank you Sinking Fast. Good luck with your IVA. I hope the time flies by.

Julie x

Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 9:00 pm
by jaspersgirl2
Great post. I keep thinking of what I will spend my first payment thats mine and not my creditors. I pay just over £400 so we will have to see.....maybe I will keep it...who knows!!

I do feel for those just starting out or stuggling with their IVA's. The best bit of advice I can give is to talk to your IP. Mine have always been great..it's Budsworth by the way. I had to buy a new car...second hand of course but they allowed me to miss a payment which no doubt I will make up at the end of the term.

Enjoy your savings/spending jes2710.

Jasp

Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 9:04 pm
by debtfree-wannabee
Thats great Julie
It is great to hear stories from people at all stages of the IVA process.
Thanks for sharing x

Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 9:23 pm
by steppingstones
That is such an inspiring post Julie. I have been really worried about how I am going to manage for the next 5 years but what you have said has really made me look beyond the next five years and that it will all be worth it once I am debt free.

Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2010 5:14 am
by Shining
That is truly a positive post and will help so many posters who are either starting/mid way or completing their IVA's.

Enjoy your debt freedom and I personally wish you all the best xx

Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 8:34 pm
by Julie
What a great post! Thank you for sharing with us, its always nice to read about someone "coming out the ther side".

I'm sure with your experience,you could help with a lot of the questions posted on here xx

Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 11:46 am
by kallis3
Excellent post jes. Well done on your completion and good luck for your debt free future.

So good to read success stories - gives hope to those of us starting out or part way through.

Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2010 12:12 pm
by cockerhoop
good to here how Bridstones looked after everything at the end, hope they do the same with us in Nov/Dec this year when we finish our 6th year. we weren't to impressed with them earky on, but the girl who handled our file has left and the new one is much more helpful.