is the first month the hardest?

[shazzles]

ok, made my first payment on my iva and i was jsut wondering if any of you out there have felt like the first month after paying the iva is the hardest as i dont seem to have any money spare till i get paid again, i guess it must be the crossover from to debt to non-debt...

[Soulgrowth]

Hi Shazzles ... well done ... I think that with all chnages in life there comes with it a period of adaption and getting used to the new status quo. As time goes on one becomes more frugal and better at handling what little money we do have. In many ways, an IVA is designed to make us reorganise our thinking about how we spend money. No doubt there will lots of ensuing tips on how you can live really quite cheaply, which has a certain sense of satisfaction that comes with doing so ... it's amazing how many varieties of meals one can make out of a tin corned beef! [:)]

Debbie

[tigger]

Hi,

My first month was a December. However, it was one of the best Christmas' for a long whule as all we spent is what we had, with no reliance on credit.

regards

David

[Lisa2009]

Once you have adjusted to the tighter budget it will get a lot easier. Just keep remembering why you are doing it......makes it feel more worthwhile.

[aguise]

Hi shazzles you will adjust. Just think before you spend do you really need it or is there a cheaper alternative. You will find you will settle quite quickly. I stick firmly within my budget for everything and try to save anywhere possible, that puts a bit in the contingency fund for those times when a bit extra is needed.
It does take a while to settle but you will no worry.

Ang

[Shining]

Hi Shazzles, hope you're ok. I had a little time to live within budget pre-IVA as I had to wait for a remortgage to complete before entering an IVA so guess I'm technically 5 months living on budget having made 2 payments. Dare I say I'm actually enjoying living on budget and also reluctant to admit that I never knew I could save so much, before I'd go to one supermarket and buy everything, trolly overloaded, pay and come home. Convenient..yes, sensible..no, I now shop in 5 or 6 shops and find myself always looking at prices wherever I go. It will get easier I promise. I'm having problems with my boiler at the minute, yet another plumber coming today (do any of them want the job?) I need this fixing as the heating has now packed up and we're freezing so anything we have put by and more will pay to fix the boiler but once it's done, I'll try and build my contingency up again. It is hard I do know that but we'll all get there, I'm sure of that.

[Reviva UK]

Hi All

I wonder if you are all missing a big bonus of an IVA.
After managing the purse strings so carefully for 5 years, when the IVA has concluded it should be like Christmas every month. One would have a serious disposable income each month that you can start to really plan for a future and look at pensions, investments, holidays etc etc .

The real bonus is being free from debt in X years and having a GREAT life afterwards.

Good luck to you all.

[aguise]

OOh I have never forgotten that one Paul. Life will begin for us then. We have all the plans insitu. My trouble by then will be I still wont want to spend anything.

Ang

[Lisa2009]

I agree Ang. I still live on my tight budget even though the IVA is complete. Everyone is now well adjusted to smart price.
Everything spare gets saved in a seperate account. Surprising how quick the balance rises

[marsha1]

I paid my first payment into IVA in November 56to go!!! I have saved my contingency which is only 35.00 per month and my 25.00 per month clothing allowance. My car MOT and tax have just been due and cost me 90.75 6 months tax(couldn't afford 12 months)MOT cost 188.00 as I needed a new silencer on exhaust.
I have paid these two bils in cash and have competely wiped out my savings account and my curent account. In the past I would have used my Credit Card and although I don't get paid until 18th, nearly 2 weeks away, I feel ok. I am done for 12 months with the car which will enable me to build up a better fund for next years MOT.
I am realising the true value of money - credit cards take this away, guess that's why we get into so much debt with them!! This road is not easy But at least it is real and not the hugely false world of CC'S

[jpj]

an IVA is like having a new partner Shazzles..... its all new,unchartered territory,and exiting and anxious to start with,then before you know it its at the back of your mind,you take it for granted and youve been together two years before you know it!!! )

[Soulgrowth]

Beautifully put jpj ... I like that [:)]

Debbie

[andrewgoodman121]

the first month was easy and the idea of an IVA is to see it as a challenge.
I shop at Tesco's and buy most of their own brands and it feels great knowing that if i can manage on my disposable income then what will it be like at the end of the arrangement.
I know it's tough a little bit but at least you are making headway towards Summit Everest.
The biggest luxury of all is that you have a job and a roof over your head.
You have gone into Financial Rehab which is the right thing to do and as with anything you will soon get used to it.

[Shining]

Love that defintion jpj.........fantastic

[emma_t]

[:)]How right you are jpj