We have a postage stamp sized garden, and the only edible thing in there comes from the two dwarf apple trees we have.
However, we do have a nature reserve directly behind the house and pick damsons, plums (we would do the pears but we can't get at the tree!), blackberries, hazelnuts when we can.
Hence all the jams and chutneys we have now! The other apples have been par cooked and vacuum sealed and are now in the freezer.
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
The only change that has hit me is that we can no longer have lavish holidays, which we miss.
Its sad but you cant expect a champagne lifestyle on a lemonade income.
I enjoy the challenge of having a few quid left each month rather than bashing the plastic.
And dont underestimate the health benefits.
good luck
I miss my holidays as well, although we did manage to go abroad last month courtesy of daughter.
First holiday in years, and probably the last one for at least another 4 years!
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
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
...and the other thing I'd do is open a bank account with a bank that is NOT in the same group as any of your creditors. You need to start ring-fencing your income and pay only priority bills with any left over being spread across your other creditors.
In our case we opened a new account in January this year and "practised" living to our new budget even though our IVA took another 2-3 months to get approved. It helps you get into the swing of things!
There are basic accounts out there as you will see on other forums.
Debt problems, what debt problems? I'm not in De Thames, I'm in De Nile.
We are into the second year of our i.v.a and we have actually found we are better off in some ways than before.I always scrimped madly when food shopping but our IP gave us a lovely food budget so we eat better now.We don't have so many new clothes and although we can go on holiday as my mum lives in Scotland,spending money is practically non existent.What kills is when something breaks or needs replacing.That contingency is just never there!But all in all,it is fine.I definitely don't regret it even though it is a struggle occasionally.
I agree getting the I&E correct is paramount. If these figures are too low then you're fighting a losing battle. If they reflect the actual spend needed then there's no reason for the IVA not to succeed. Also having an IP who you can contact and feel comfortable with is vital.
There will be times when things breakdown....normally the blooming car, but a sensible IP will work with you to maintain the IVA and get a car (for example) on the road.
Hubby makes the most gorgeous bread but whilst its good for the purse strings its no good for my waistline [:I]
You do have to open a new account, especially on the run up to a IVA application as once your old bank finds out, if it is a creditor, then they can take any funds out of the account to offset against their debt.
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
