Advice for a friend

[Julie]

Good morning,

A very good friend of mine confided in me about her debt probs last night. It was great to be able to offer her advice but obviously I only know from my own experience and what I've gathered from here.

Basically she owes in the region of £25K to more than 3 companies. She takes home approx £1500 a month and has a joint mortgage, with a pig of a man but lets not go there [xx(]. She is now at a stage where she's uses all her pay to keep the wolves from the door. Which leaves her 3 weeks to live on fresh air.She's worrying herself sick. She now realises she needs help so I've suggested she gives Melanie's office a call.

She doesn't want to go bankrupt so do you think an IVA or DMP is the way forward for her?

Just hoping for a bit of advice so I can ease her worries until she plucks up the courage to make the first call. She's been a fantastic friend to me and I just want to help her all I can. I've even offered to go to any meetings with her if this helps and of course if IPs allow this?

Thanks all [;)]

[MelanieGiles]

Either a DMP or an IVA could work very well for her, subject to identifying the specific criteria of her case. And what a good idea for you to go to the initial meeting with her - as your experience and knowledge would be invaluable.

[Julie]

Thanks for the prompt reply Melanie. I'm meeting up with her again on Thursday, she'll have details of her debts ready for me by then (hopefully). Is it ok for her to contact your office for proper advice? If so what time do you close?

I think we're both supporting each other at the moment, but thats what friends are for eh?

[Wizzard]

Hi Julie

I coulda done with a friend like you a few years ago ... I hope things work out for your friend.

[Julie]

Thanks Ray - to be honest when we first when down the IVA route we totally fumbled our way through. I'm only glad she felt she could confide in me and that I can help.. I'm showing her this wonderful site on Thursday so she can see she's not alone.

My hubby said he hasn't seen me so animated in a long time and he thinks I should change jobs, to a debt advisor! At least it takes my mind of my problems.

[chris.g]

Julie, it's really good that your friend has you, I had no-one to talk to when we were first having money problems. You're a true star!! xx

[kallis3]

I wished I had had a friend like that as well.

We have told my step children as they are in pretty much the same state as us, but in a DMP. Our daughter knows money is tight, but that's all.

If it wasn't for this forum, we would feel totally isolated.

[moretolife]

friends like you are very precious...hope she decides to take the next step....hold her hand all the way

[Julie]

I've been reading the other thread Chris started and its amazing how many people are in dire straights. At least by facing up to our problems we've all found this forum...I would have been lost without it!

I'll support my friend all the way - she'd never heard of an IVA and BR scared her. Hopefully she can see the light eh.

[Viki.W]

Julie, sounds like you both have a great friendship. I hope she finds a solution. With you there every step of the way, I'm sure she'll be fine.[:)] X

[tori]

thats lovely.you're friend must feel so relieved to have told somebody.and at least she knows that she has your support,knowledge & friendship to help her through this.x[:)]

[Julie]

Just spoken to my friend and she feels so much better today, although she knows there's a long way to go. I really hope she contacts Melanie's office , I'll be happy then that she's getting the best advice possible.

[chardonnay]

Hi Swans girl,
Yor friend is so lucky to have some-one like you - and you have each other now for the tough times, fantastic.
Welcome her to the forum from me and I'm sure she'll take comfort from all the help, advice and supprt this site gives us all.
All the best for Thursday - itn't it great to be able to give advice....
Hugs,
Chardonnay

[orchid5]

just had to say swan and everyone else, the support on this site both from novices like myself and the experts is so welcoming. Swans what a friend to have, i too have been blessed with friends who have done nothing but support me through my financial difficulties so i know the worth of having someone like you. Good luck to your friend and hopefully she will be able to put her troubles behind her and start to live her life again.


12 down, 48 to go.

[Soulgrowth]

I hope your friend gets something sorted soon Julie ... it's a amazing the sense of worth and value we can derive from helping others, even when we are having problems ourselves.

Debbie