Accepted 19th Oct 2012

[acendancy]

So mine was accepted with a few minor modifications. I know that life will be tough now for the next few years but I cant help but feel relieved at the thought that in 5 years I will be debt free and can really get on with life.

I am a little apprehensive about the next few months what with Christmas and several birthdays round the corner but I guess my friends will just have to get used to me not being able to spend as much as I used to.

Tough times ahead but lets see how things play and take one day at a time

[Niobe]

Hi and welcome.

Congratulations on getting the IVA approved. The forum is here for any support you may need along the journey,

[acendancy]

Thank you, looks like a great bunch of people here will be nice to have people in similar situations to chat to and share ideas with.

[Foggy]

Congratulations on the acceptance. Yes, things will be a bit strange for a couple of months, but you will soon settle into the groove, and, as Niobe says, there is a wealth of support here.

[Donkeysass]

Hi

Well done on the first stage I am done with mine and looks like another 6 months of waiting for the completion certificate
The first year should go smoothly and will pass Try not to get into the Oh poor old me stuck with this for 5 years thing Best way is to be positive and break the years into smaller parts Think 2 or 3 months ahead then when you get to that point Do the same again and so on
Just look at it as a 5 yeat bank loan and put the past behind you and do the best for yourself Forget what other people do or want ok
Its not a walk in the patk Some people who are secure in their life and job then its not too bad it becomes just a monthly expense For others its a black cloud that hangs over you like you are being watched all the time
Try to put some money aside when you can and keep for the time when that black cloud starts raining
5 years does pass and try not to overthink it or worry about what may happen ot not Even if you hit a problem theres always a way around it and once you are in the IVA you are showing you are being serious and positive to do something so when you do the good thing then others are more likely to help you
good luck and take care

[mazbrown]

We're all here to help , we're a great bunch on here . Good luck

[MelanieGiles]

My clients tell me that the first year is usually the worse. Once you have got through a Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries and the summer holidays without resorting to sources of credit, you will then see the benefits of the arragement and start ticking the months off the calendar.

[Shining]

Congratulations from myself too.

The first year is definitely the worst as you're getting used to everything and things can appear tough and by the final year it's second nature to be frugal. x

[Donkeysass]

Hi
@Above
I found the first year a total relief and also the second a huge weight lifted from me and it was just a lower payout per month

The last few have been the worst I just wanted it finished and off my mind and the last year was the worst and even though you know its ending you are reminded of all the stress and worries of starting the IVa and if something will go wrong, have I done this or not done that

When I cancelled the payment for the last time I did not feel how I thought I would or in the weeks and days approaching ir.

On the day I was accepted I was high fiving all the way to work yes yes yessssss !!! wahooooooooo !!!!!!!! etc

My final payment day and subsequent days I have not done anything in that vain or actually felt any relief or happiness I know things will be better I will have money in the bank and can buy when I want and build up savings But the reality to me is that its going to take another year to get back on track and where I want to be

Its not to me a slap on the back well done as I should not have been in the mess I was in the first place so its not something I am proud of in that respect Its cost me a lot in more terms than money, it has piled on stress and worry and I have lost on out on life in many ways missed opportunities turning things down sorry maybe next time next year etc

For the last 5 and a half years irs been my main thought in the day and how to get it sorted I maybe put too much emphasis on completing to the end It was my problem and I resolved it so I am proud of that but I can set my mind on any goal and achieve it if its possible.

If you have ever seen Shawshank Redemption may I suggest you do as its 1 of the best films ever made But for me when the prisoners are released they have been locked up for years and then let out they have no idea what to do or where to go thats my feeling as now I have lost that main drive and motivation to get to the end and now its gone. maybe same as training for the Olympics when its gone its gone.

So its a very empty hollow victory for me and not the feeling of wow yesssss ... !! I thought I would have felt

So for me now I am just chilling down to new year and then off to a fresh start and move on lessons learned point given point taken ass firmly kicked get real etc and also time to reflect on what I need to do to change how I was in the past and get my act together

I am sure most will be thinking I would have a celebration party and go crazy etc I thought that but the reality of crossing the finishing line will be different for each person, 2 sides to everything in life

[libertyfund]

well done on beginning the new chapter in your life it very quickly becomes part of your normal life, it will be a quicker 5 years than you would have encountered if you hadnt made the choices you have. as you arent worrying about the next bill or the next credit card statement.

[acendancy]

Thank you all. some very interesting points and experiances. I am happy that things are heading in the right way and will remain as positive as possible. Been reading peoples posts about things they do to save money etc and an very happy to have found this forum.

Thank you all again and I look forward to speaking to you over the next few years

[12 months to go]

Hi donkeyass what a fantastic post

When I made my last payment in April I did indeed feel elated; however whist I'm overjoyed to have come out at the other end and am just awaiting my completion certificate, I am reflective and whist now financially sound and astute now, I did indeed miss many opportunities over the last 6 yrs and life did pass me by somewhat. I learned many a lesson along the way and now truly value money. My main regret is getting in that mess to begin with.



Acendancy as of course made the right move and if he/she was suffering creditor harrasment then this will shortly cease which for me was the weight of the world taken off my shoulders. You will learn to become thrifty but this will benefit you post iva I'm sure

Well done for taking the plunge and be sure to keep using the forum

[Struzzo39]

Congratulations from us also. heres hoping your road to becomming debt free is a smooth one for you x Fab post Donkeyass

[MrsKnight]

Congratulations from me too.

Excellent post donkeyass - I totally understand where your are coming from & as the last few months go by & the end is in sight, I can relate to what your saying x

[luluj]

Good luck on your debt free journey ..the first year is the worst and when you receive your post in January and realise there are no credit card bills you will know you are heading in the right direction ....it is such a good feeling and in a few years time you will be completely debt free and able to start all over again - but this time within your means !