Heads all over the place

[harrimav]

I have taken the big step of going forward with anIVA. My husband though is very up and down about it and thoroughly blames me for our mess. His view is that as we earn a good income we should be able to afford nice things not fret over affording to eat!
I have stopped DDs to creditors , which in itself is painful having never missed a payment, ever. They ring and hassle you but never offer any support which makes me realise that taking control myself via an IVA is a good thing. I'm just scared really, can we live ok on an IVA,will it just cause more upset? I want to stay focused but having a really down day today so thought I'd share with like minded folk...

[Niobe]

It is a big step and we've all felt the same way as you do.

The IVA will put you back on track and although you won't be able to do the things you used to, you can still have a decent life and afford to eat!!

You will have to cut back though, there's no getting away from that but at the end you'll be debt free.

The creditors are a pain but at least you know that once you're approved you won't hear from them again.

[Foggy]

HI. I agree an IVA is not to be taken lightly and there is a feeling of interference with your finances while it is running. However, and this is my personal experience only, we have been able to live more comfortably in the IVA than before it. All of our essential outgoings are ring fenced and are being paid. OK, the rest of our disposable income is going to the IVA, but previously that, and more went to creditors, so we actually have more cash at the end of the month than we did before !!

[harrimav]

Thanks, I know it will all be ok, it is just so stressful ! To be honest I have to really watch what I spend now , no luxuries ! I intend to save a bit in advance of starting the IVA too for emergencies and Christmas etc. I might even try and do Christmas shopping three months early and that will be a weight off!

[Niobe]

Try doing some online surveys - you can earn vouchers which come in very useful for Christmas and Birthdays.

Time consuming but worth it.

[harrimav]

Budgeting will be key I think for us and remembering that this is like a loan that has a repayment schedule and an end!

[Niobe]

That's the way I look at it as well.

[harrimav]

And u can't get any credit along the way so once it's done , it's done! (hopefully!) x