Disposable Income query

[johnz]

Hi guys

I've one question I've felt a bit guilty about asking my IP, so thought I'd ask it here.

After my bills go out I have a certain amount of money left. Out of that I am being allowed a small unforseen contingency fund and to save for things like car tax, etc. The rest has to be available for my IVA.

So here's my question. Throughout all of the reading I've done there's one sentence that stands out. "Reasonable cost of living". Surely that would include being able to go out occassionally. In my expenditure, there is no mention of being allowed even a couple of pounds a month to put towards a minimal social life. Does reasonable living mean I have to stay in watching TV for the next 5 years?? I know there are free things to do, but one night out a year is ok surely??

Now you know why I felt guilty about asking. I know I owe the money, but have a hard time imagining working my butt off for the next 5 years and not being able to use any of it for myself. Selfish I know. Which is why I had to ask the question.

Johnz

[Oliver]

Hello

If you have money left each month after all costs then this is yours to do with as you choose. I would reccomend that you try and save some money for a rainy day but of course if you'd like to spend some of this money on something social then this is fine.

Best Regards
Oliver

Thomas Charles and Co Ltd.
Experts in personal debt solutions.
Read customer feedback at: www.thomascharles.com/about_us.asp

[Skippy]

Just because you're in debt it doesn't mean you can't have some sort of life. If you don't go out occasionally you will start to resent your IVA, and 5 years is a long time to struggle on with no sort of life.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the present - a gift to make the most of.

View my blog at http://skippy13.blogs.iva.co.uk/

[bagpuss]

I agree...100%...you need to go out and enjoy yourself now and then...and it doesnt have to cost the earth...

I think at some point we have to forgive ourselfs...we cant beat ourselves up forever...we made mistakes...but we sorted it.

I still feel guilty over spending money...i still ask myself over and over if i really need it...talk myself out of it and put it back. But we do work hard and we should have treats now and then.

Go out !!! xxx

Angie xx


My IVA Story......http://bagpuss.blogs.iva.co.uk/2007/09/ ... iva-story/

[MelanieGiles]

It is absolutely not selfish to expect to have a social life during an IVA - you are working hard all week to earn the money to make your payments, so why should you not benefit from some of that effort. Make sure you now make adequate allowance for a modest social life within your revised figures, so long as this does not seek to lower the IVA payments.

Regards, Melanie Giles, Insolvency Practitioner for over 20 years.

To have me propose an IVA for you, please visit:
http://www.melaniegiles.com/ivaEnquiry.asp

See customer feedback at:
http://www.iva.com/iva_companies/IVA_Advice_Bureau.asp