I am 3.5 years into a 5 year IVA and I cannot speak more highly of how well Freeman Jones have handled my "case". I was drowning in debt not so long ago, browsing the internet for debt management advice and companies, and then a friend recommended Gregory Pennington, who I called, and then they called me back (as it was an 0845 number). The gentleman I spoke to was very understanding and courteous, and we went through all my creditor details (as i was getting letters through the post still for final demands, and CCJ threats!). They soon assured me that any more letters I got should be sent to them and they would deal with them. We discussed my income and expenditure, and calculated a debt repayment plan over 10 years for me that wasnt going to leave me skint during the month. They also referred me to Think Banking to set up an account with a (now) Mastercard Debit Card, which has worked out fantastically well, as the account does not allow overdrafts, and yu can keep control of your salary amounts being paid in, and all your direct debits and standing orders going out.
After about 6 months, I got a call from Freeman Jones (sister company of Greg Penn) saying that they'd reviewed my case and suggested an IVA might be a more valid solution to my debt problems, as it was a shorter duration of payback (5 years) and legally recognised agreement. After some discussion and aprehension, I agreed to this, and had an external face to face meeting with one of their representatives to go through the agreement, and sign off.
As part of the agreement, you send your wage slips to FJ on a 6 monthly basis, and your debt manager will give you a call back to discuss if everything is progressing ok, and also discuss any changes in income and expenditure.
I have found the whole process (so far) to be excellently managed and would recommend FJ and Think Banking to anyone who is struggling to pay back large debts.
