Hi i'm new on this forum, do you have any tips to get through the dark times ?

[lukeofyorkshire]

Welcome and the 2nd half is always easier. Like most you'll have your good days and your bad days.

On my bad days I turn to my homebrew lol [:D]

Generally when I have free time I spend it reading (Mostly library books) or seeing family and friends.

[Kev.02]

Not a massive amount of presents around the tree this year but they are all paid for, won't be sat worrying when the post man approaches the street' won't be trying to rob Peter to pay Paul like we did pre IVA every January.. IVA is the only way to go. We have lived on a tight budget for 6 years and each year got easier not because we had more money, we just got better at managing it.

HANG ON IN THERE. You will be surprised at how well you adapt and how quick the time flies by. You are past the worst downhill now.

[Niobe]

Bless your hubby Mel!! Hope you both had a good Christmas.

I've actually found the second half has dragged at times but have persevered. It's being able to answer the phone without being worried and also not worrying about the postman.

We've exchanged token gifts again this Christmas and the kids haven't had a lot - I've mostly used vouchers earned by doing online surveys to fund our spending for the past few years.

I enjoy the fact that the bank balance is always in the black now!!

[12 months to go]

good advice and suggestions from everyone whos's posted above.

Take solace from the fact that the creditor harrasment phonecalls have ceased, this was my biggest comfort ( MBNA were relentless in their ruthlesness )

Ive said before I used to by reduced food in the chiller at the supermarket, particulary when I didnt need it and could afford to buy it and freeze for future use. This was a great help some months when there was too much month for the pay to last !! This has taught me well though post IVA, as yesterday at the big M&S in Pudsey, it would appear they had a bad xmas judging by the amount of reduced food particularly party food left. Yes im post IVA , but my freezer is now full of not just any reduced food but M&S reduced food !!

Well done for getting so far, you may have the odd slip or bad month, but try and lift yourself by knowing you are well on your way to being debt free and also, by the time you get to the end , PPI & VAT will be a thing of the past and so your closure will hopefully move at a much quicker pace than in 2012

Happy new year all

[flow13]

Well done for getting so far. The next couple of years will fly by (honestly). I know at the time it feels like there is no end to it, but there is. xx

[Debrodge46]

Hi everyone thanks for your words of support it's nice to know that there are others like us to lean on and talk to when the going gets tough i know i'll be a regular on here! Happy new year to you all

[Kelly O]

Happy new year to you

The forum is an invaulable source of help, information and support to many so do continue to post and let us know how you get on

All the best