www.iva.co.uk

I can't believe how quickly the time has gone!

I can honestly say my whole attitude towards money has changed since being in my IVA. I am horrified at the amount of money I used to spend on credit cards and it has shown me how little I can get by on.

Only 4 1/2 years left!!!

Well done Poppy and good luck for the next 4 years 6 months[:D]

It is amazing how quickly you adjust to life in an iva, mine was approved in November and it feels so much better to have a clear end to look forward to.

Hope things continue to go as well for you[:)]

Well done poppy keep it up.

mrs skint

Hi Poppy,
What was life like for you Pre-IVA and do you feel a bit more better off as now you have some light at the end of the tunnel.

Hi, thanks for your messages.

Life was completely different for me pre-iva. I lived in my credit cards and overdraft and ignored my growing debt for years. I had sleepless nights, was constantly worried and spent my days trying to calculate how on earth I was going to pay my debt off. Although I had heard of an IVA I didn't think it was a route I could/would go down. I thought I was about £15k in debt and when I added everything up it was actually £42k.

Things came to a head when my overdraft and credit cards were maxed out and I couldn't make my repayments. I found the whole process of applying for an IVA really stressful, especially dealing with the creditors calls/letters. I was relieved when it was accepted but also worried how I would cope with my budget. Things are tight but I manage well and by swapping bits of my budget around I can still have the odd night out and can buy clothes every now and then.

I am only 25 and glad I am on my way to sorting my money out. By the time I am 30 I will be debt free and I can't wait!!

To everyone out there in the process of applying for an IVA, keep going and stay positive. There is light at the end of the tunnel!