Okay, today was the day I did the dirty deed. I contacted my county courthouse and made an appointment to petition for bankruptcy. The BIG day is April 3rd at 9:45 am. She very kindly informed me to bring 3 copies of the bankruptcy application and £475. My hubby has to do the same. I then disconnected and squealed like a pig in slop. It was such a feeling of relief! I have not felt this 'light' in a year. I felt like Vanessa Feltz when she lost 2 stone and got a new man in her life.
We did calculate and recalculate to find anyway possible of doing this very unrealistic IVA. We looked at the savings if we converted to an interest only mortgage(which GE would not do). We even became so desperate we subtracted out the grocery amount thinking how great we would look this summer on the beach thin. I knew I had became a complete basketcase when I offered to make candles to save on the electric bill. Alas, it had to be faced.
We consulted CAB, National Debtline; and remembered what our IVA IP had informed us of regarding a BR. My husband and I did the dirty. Yes, we turned off the light in the study and closed the door. Our hands eagerly searched for a chair. He sat down on the chair. I sat on his lap. We were perspiring with anticipation. His hand slowly reached out...and turned on his computer. Yes, I remember the moment in January well.
He brought up the bank account details, found the direct debits;and gave me one last long loving look. With my hand placed on top of his, he depressed a key. Whoosh! GE mortage gone. My heart was racing,but I felt secure because I have been on medication for my heart condition for several months now. Then another key depressed, the consolidation loan gone! I tell you my sisters in debt, it was a strange sensation. Fear, happiness all rolled into one. Reminded me of labour. [:)]
Since, that time we have been saving money in order to get a rental. We are using private landlords. We did try to use the high street,but all they did was take a reference fee (exorbitant amounts) and request 6 months rent upfront. Hmmm, sounds like an IP I know. Anyway, we perservered. Me in my debtor's warrior helmet (mine's pink), explaining the situation as honestly as I could to prospective landlords.
Then one day, a lady said she liked my helmet. I am pleased to say, she is my future landlady. AND she wants a deposit and first months rent,not 3 or 4 months like some had wanted. The place is absolutely beautiful too. It's a smaller version of Buckingham Palace. You know, that very small bit on the left wing of the palace. So, we have a roof over our heads. Next step was bank accounts.
Since, we must remove ALL money from the bank accounts BEFORE the day of the BR we will need a new bank. Gosh!Once I told some of the banks I contacted of my future plans they offered me a cashcard. I do not like having to withdraw cash from an ATM before I go shopping or purchase petrol. I decided on Co-Operative Bank because they are so co-operative.[:)]They also offer the electron card to bankrupts.
I also contacted Gregory Pennington. They offer a cashcard to bankrupts,BUT in about 3-4 months they will offer to ALL their customers a regular debit card and you do not have to have an overdraft. Great for us because we can't have an overdraft anyway with a BR.They also charge an £8 per month service fee.
So, this has been the last few months of my life in a nutshell. Oh, I also started working again. I love my new job. I work 28 hours a week. I am not working as a registered mental health nurse,but I am maintaining my pin with the NMC. I am a rehabilitation support worker. The company I am employed with has the newly acquired MOD contract. I do intensive (180 days)social reintergration. No one from Iraq yet, just Germany. I also know everything about a Challenger 2 tank. Just ask me. [:D]
The atmosphere in the house is calmer.There have been no arguments. I still hear from the debt collectors and mortgage companies. We have been sifting through the garage and the lofts seperating the 'keeps' from the 'not keeps'. My youngest bird to leave the nest was accepted to university for the fall. Where does time go (soft sigh)?
I shall continue to post and give support to others as I have received support from this forum. I sooo want to be a moderator here. Hmmm, who in admin do I have to bribe? Ha! I am going to post some bankruptcy information for people to contemplate and discuss with their significant others when an IVA or a DMP is not an option.
Gee! This forum will become the one-stop debtor's information site in the UK. Imagine it all. Information on DMPs,IVAs,SIVAs,BRs,emotional support,IP complaint procedures;and a chat room. What's next,our own 'On A Budget Cooking Tips' section? Hmmmm, there's a thought admin (smile).
All I have left is my humour.
