Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I would have no job without my car!, starting work at 7.15am 28 miles away from home when the first bus leaves at 7am is just not an option for me, I don't think I could manage without a holiday either, it doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a couple of days getting away from everything, growing up my parents never had much money but we would always have a holiday once a year (always in the UK) and they hold such special memories for me, mum used to say we would go away on a weeks wage, but they always managed it somehow
As much as I love holidays we didn't go away when I was growing up as my Dad was disabled so it wasn't possible. I love going away now and we're lucky that Dave's mum has a holiday cottage to we go there.
I have to say that while holidays are nice, they aren't a necessity so they would be the first thing to go if we had to pay for them.
I’m 51 months into a 72 month IVA - 12 month extension in lieu of equity release. I, too, feel like our lives are on hold. I’m in the IVA, my wife is not. It’s been a struggle but fortunately we’ve not had any disasters. The house is tatty, our cars are chugging along but I know that at the end it will have been worth it. Fortunately, we’re not big socialisers but we have had to turn down several invitations to the point that we don’t get asked anymore. One thing that does irritate me is people’s attitude to people in debt. Nobody knows about the IVA but listening to them you’d think you’d committed murder. The funny thing is they’re probably in more debt than they care to admit.
We have a lovely cat who is 16 years old and we’d do anything to provide for her and keep her well. She’s had cystitis twice this year but somehow we’ve managed to cover the vet’s bills. Thank goodness for Asda Smart Price!
The one really good thing that has happened to us during the IVA is that our relationship is a lot stronger than before. No lies, cover ups and no secrets is good for the soul.
@Sensible77 - I sympathise with the social outings downturn...I suffer myself from that. I regularly have to turn down invitations for meals/pub crawls etc as most people on here. My best friend lives in Lancashire and once every 18 months or so I can get enough money together to cover the train fare / curry etc and go and see him. He's one of the few people I've told about my situation an I'm sure he's looking forwards to when I can just pop over on a whim when it's all over.
I remember having a blazing row with my brother when we turned down his invitation to go away for the weekend with him and family. 500 mile round trip plus accommodation etc – as if! He’s the least understanding person I know and I could never tell him about the IVA. I came up with so many cock & bull excuses I surprised myself!
We'be never been social people so that's never been a problem.
I miss not being able to have a takeaway once a week though.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
@Sensible77 - Sorry to hear that. I don't have any family except my wife, son and mother in law so most turn-downs are just to work colleagues and friends.
Both my wife and mother in law obviously know I'm in an IVA so there's only my son to give excuses to occasionally. However, he's nearly 16 but thankfully not very materialistic so he doesn't cause any friction regarding money matters.
Last edited by komakino on Wed Sep 14, 2011 1:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
we're not very sociable people either Jan! we're not interested in 'parties' and going to pubs in the slightest and don't even do takeaways (do our own versions) we actually have for some time now lived very cheaply, our hobbies are walking (free), I go running (free) and, well, that's about it really! we do have the odd family get together barbecues in the summer, bonfire night etc, but these are all doable for us in our IVA, I'm too much of a homebody I guess
Hubby does a mean curry but I do like one bought in sometimes.
We walk the dogs, watch tv, I have the computer and my books as well as I'm an avid reader.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
March 2005 I was staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (on Waikiki Beach) attending an international investment conference. My “little hobby” of FOREX trading was generating 4 times the income of my “normal” job. I calculated that I would be able to retire by 2010.
November 2006 I was in an IVA. [:I]
September 2011 and I’ve got 2 months to go. I don’t own a car anymore (cycle instead). The only money I allow myself to spend is through doing on-line surveys and the spend is normally on eBay. I cut my own hair. I’m virtually teetotal. My wardrobe mainly consists of “corporate” clothing as it’s free issue. I watch and monitor every penny to the nth degree. We wait to shop at ASDA until 4pm on Sunday and then raid the bargain fridges and bakery shelves. Did manage a cheap holiday to Majorca during the 5 years but the planning and economy drive to get there bordered on the ridiculous at times. We sold the house and now rent – actually a good move as our rental is spacious but affordable and the IVA equity release clause was satisfied.
This is the surprising thing, Tigger. Now in an IVA, for one, our financila lives are far simpler, stresses have been lifted. But, also, our expectations have rapidly become realistic (bit of a "cold turkey" moment or two though). Overall, I would say that we are happier too ------ and will be more so at the end, by which time I will be fully integrated into the (frugal by today's standards, normal by my childghood day's standards) new lifestyle.
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
Totally agree Foggy, now we are settling into things and have got over the initial couple of months and trying to pay expensive car bills early on in our IVA we are actually feeling much less stressed, much more content and it's a wonderful feeling not buying anything on credit, it actually makes me kick myself as to why we let ourselves get into such a state and ending up getting trapped in the cycle of debt, noone knows what the future holds but I just keep my fingers crossed, stick to our budget month by month and hope and pray we get there!
I wonder what the Lowest Point anyone has had to endure or sunk too while stuck in there IVA's.
I know there is SCRIMPING and STRUGGLING but having to be envious of other people for 5 years enjoying there an lives while you are Stuck and on HOLD can make you Depressed and Peeved Off.[:(!]
