help with keeping on the straight and narrow!

[tindaler]

My sleepless nights are behind me, thanks to your help in securing my IVA. [:)] However, the road ahead looks a trifle bleak and lonely.. [:(] is there any help similar to alcoholics anonymous or weightwatchers for us -the Christmas period looming ahead looks very perilous!

[IVA News]

the cccs (http://www.cccs.co.uk/) is a good charity that can help you. You are not alone tho: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4514207.stm

[Oliver]

Given that you are already in an IVA, I am not sure that the CCCS is the best organisation to speak to. They generally focus on putting in place infoprmal repayment plans with creditors.

I am not aware of any formal organisation which can offer help through the IVA. Hopefully more people who are in IVAs can get together and start a forum to start a kind of self help network.

I will let you know if I see anything

If you would like further information about IVAs or other debt solutions, please feel free to contact us.

James Falla
www.thomascharles.com

[ClearDebt]

The Motley Fool Dealing with Debt board is full of supportive people (though IVAs may not always be their favourite things... But you will know you are not alone).

Go to: http://boards.fool.co.uk/Index.aspx?Nav ... rom=boards

And click on "Dealing with Debt" in the "Managing Your Money" section.

All the best,

Andrew

ClearDebt
www.cleardebt.co.uk

[natty]

Hi! Myself and my husband entered an IVA nearly a year ago now. I understand what you mean it would be great to have somewhere to "chat" to others in the same boat. (maybe I should start an IVA chat forum for others in the same situation!)

[tindaler]

Hi natty..
Great to hear from you...[:)] I thought nobody would ever answer [:(]

When I posted, we were gloomily contemplating a very disgruntled family moaning about the miserable Christmas that seemed inevitable.

However... we hit upon a novel solution.. we took them camping! After the shock, they really had a great time staying on a friendly farmers land in Wales. - he had a bit of a shock as well! We lit a lovely bonfire each night, and the farmer was so intregued that he came to visit with his family - bearing goodies [:)]

In the end, we spent less than on a normal week - the odd mishap we managed to turn into an adventure, and the kids had some exciting stories to tell, so their 'street cred' wasn't damanged thank goodness..

Now we're wondering about getting a last minute really cheap airfare to try camping abroad next year Christmas, with the bonus that the kids are learning a lot about geography as they pore over maps..

The IVA has inspired us to be lateral thinkers !

Hope you're coping OK..
best wishes, Ron and Sue and family.

[neverending]

Hi
Well we are all in the same boat.My IVA is in its third year and it does not get any easier !!! However it has made me and my family appreciate things alot more.Meals out and expensive clothes have made way for the odd take away as a treat and hunting for those genuine sale bargains.
Keep focusing on the end and to be debt free and with the monthly IVA payment all to yourself !!

[natty]

It's so nice to hear others in the same situation! Me and my husband be-grudge buying clothes for ourselves now! I used to be a Next queen!! Not anymore! I like the comment about the takeways, we have managed to find a half decent "cheapie" indian takeaway so we can treat ourselves and not feel guilty! Don't you find that you really dislike spending money though?? Putting petrol in the car is the worst, our credit cards used to be for doing that with!!

Anyway stay in touch, it makes me feel "normal" to gear from you all!!!

Natalie & Family

[Oliver]

Since 1997, I have worked with many many people who have been and are going through the IVA process. Neverending is right, it is not an easy thing and often it does not seem to get any easier.

However, after the IVA is finished, it is going to be like a whole new world for you. People I speak to who have completed their IVAs have not only taught themselves how to budget and live sensibly within their means, but also as Neverending says, they also have the whole IVA payment to themselves each month. Thank about the kind of savings plan you could start with that!

You can access Video Clips giving additional information about IVAs at:
http://www.thomascharles.com/interview_ ... an_iva.asp

If you would like more information about IVAs, other debt solutions, or just want to arrange an informal chat, please visit us at www.thomascharles.com.

Best Regards
James Falla
www.thomascharles.com