www.iva.co.uk

Hello all you lovely people. I have just started my IVA. I still feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. Is this normal? I just feel so worried that I am going to find living on what I have been left difficult. I constantly worry about my IVA failing and being made bankrupt. The fact I have to release equity worries me greatly. I know all these worries are probably normal but its just a really scary thing to have entered into. Could anyone, wherever they are in their IVA tell me a bit about how they are getting on and if its been okay. Thanks

Lauren

Hi Lauren
I am post IVA and it's the best thing in the world.
No debts and total rehabilitation
An IVA is meant to be tough,but well worth it in the end
Good luck

Hi Lauren.. we're in IVA. it is hard but a great learning curve to learn to live within your means. Its the best thing we did as we couldn't have survived otherwise.

Money is tight but what we spend is ours and not credit. I worried about the 4th yr equity clause, but its in our chairmans report and will deal with it when the time comes around!!

we are in a better place now and hopefully thats where we'll stay xx Good luck with yours

Thanks Andy, just feel very scared about the hole thing. Just out of interest I owe about 21k. Ho much do you think would be a reasonable offer of a a settlement? Just thinking about whether I would be allowed to remortgage in the second year to settle the IVA early?

Hi Lauren ... I think that what you are feeling is quite natural. My F&F was accepted two months ago but I still have a sense of lethargy and concern hanging over me although it is gradually, day by day, starting to lift.

I think that like any period of adjustment it takes time to come round to a new way of thinking ... take each day as it comes and relish the new start in life that your IVA is giving you [:)]

Debbie

It is a struggle at times, but have managed so far and now almost half way there. It feels good to check my bank account to see I'm in credit rather than constantly being overdrawn like I was pre iva.

Thanks everyone, you guys are awesome and I certainly ouldn't have got this far without you!

Hiya Rockstar.

As you know, we are both newbies to the 'approved' gang. Its really strange you saying that you are still really worried, because I've never felt better since I've been in debt. I feel as though I have a massive weight that's been lifted off my shoulders. I know things are gonna be tight, but I was thinking the other day, I actually have money to spend on a food shop now. Pre-IVA, I would scrape up any money I could to put food on the table, mostly with thanks to my flexible friend.

I get a great feeling out of paying in cash at the supermarket, all of my essentials are on direct debits so for once in my life, I know exactly where my money is going and can keep track to the penny. I'm really sorry to hear that you don't feel the same way, I wonder why that is? Luckily we don't have the equity clause hanging over us, as we rent our house, maybe it is that on its own that is making you feel so bad about the whole IVA situation?

Just think, you'll be debt free in 5 years and it will all be over. Remember if you consider remortgaging that it won't make any difference to your credit score if you finish early, you will still have to go the term as far as the credit reference agencies are concerned. Hope you feel better soon. Kazzy x

Thanks Kazzy, I think your right, it is great to feel in control of what I am spending and yes being in credit! I also don't have a family to support, its just me, you guys who are in an IVA with families, I just think are amazing! I think it is just a period of adjustment. I would just love to settle my IVA early. we shall see how it goes. My Mum has been amazing but have not plucked up the courage to tell my Dad as he has money in the house! Anyway we shall see what tomorrow brings!

Hi I too was scared when we started our IVA how would we live? would we have enough money?
I wrote down all we had to pay and how much we had coming in and at the end of the month there was still some money left over not much but it was ours, everything was paid for. I still use a note book and jot down everything I spend so I always know how much money is in my purse and bank account what has been paid and what has to paid. Its the only way I can manage to live, so I know yes I can buy something or no I can't.
I also check our bank balance every couple of days, something I never did pre IVA.

yes its hard and difficult sometimes but I have enough money to pay the bills buy food and a little extra to put aside for Birthdays, Christmas and the odd emergency.
And this forum is best place for advice, ranting when things go wrong.

Jan

Hi again, in the space of half an hour, you are already beginning to sound more positive. Keep your chin up mate, and give that lovely Mum of yours a big hug, she's a star for being so supportive. Have a good weekend. Kazzy x

hi lauren,im sure that what you are feeling is perfectly normal.of course,it is an overwhelming relief to have an iva approved & be utterly grateful for that 2nd chance,& also to be able to leave behind all the worry,stress & anxiety that comes with being in debt,but i am the world's worst worrier & its only natural to be anxious.but try to stay positive & think about how much better life is without the huge burden of debt hanging over you.& the love & support of a mum in times like this is priceless.xx[:)]

Hey Lauren, I'm not in an IVA but I know that it's tough going. You're doing so well and it's only natural to be a bit in shock! If you have any panic attacks, just post on here.[:)] X

hi rock star....we are almost 2years into our IVA and like you...worry was my middle name...couldnt sleep ...panic etc..
BUT since i found this site a few weeks ago ..slowly but surely the worry is beginning to be replaced by a sense of HOPE .

the feeling of not being alone on this journey the knowledge that others understand
the humour of others
the excitement when IVAs are approved
the empathy when others have IVA rejected
the place i can be myself...not feel ashamed
the correct but impartial advice
the possiblity of going to frugal friends in future
the little tips re shopping

and much more...believe me...if you keep posting and keep reading the worry and anxiety will be slipping away...day by day....

when i first registered i called myself
"tired of life" cos...everyday i was just so tired of life ...and while i still have moments i can see myself gaining more emotional energy...so maybe at some point i will rename myself...hee hee

Just as soon as you feel like changing your name tiredoflife do let us know.. and then perhaps you would like your own special avatar to celebrate [:)]
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