Its tight, but we are getting there. 51 to go!

[gill.p]

Oh I am in desperate need for some sun, sea and sangria! anyone else? When i first got into this IVA thing, I struggled, how do you feed a family of 6 on next to nothing? provide clothes, holidays and have a life, not just exist!

Well 9 months down the line, I live on cash only! The kids understand the word no! and whoop whoop bring on those Sun holidays!

I watch people spend spend spend on credit cards, and feel comfortable that I am living within my limits! tough limits, and yes, i shed a tear now and then, and the family help me out once in a while, but one thing I can honestly say...... I can smile again, yep and my face aint splittin.

My two young daughters have had the best home birthday parties, We dont go out much as a family, but we manage. Takeaways are a treat. Clothes have to last longer, but we are all dressed and clean and dont look too bad!!!!!

I remember the doom and gloom and sleepless nights and tears and fears before our meeting and I now sleep well (with my eyes shut) and am proud of my teenage boys, who have adjusted well.

I may crave the sun and a holiday, but hell, I have learn't my lesson and consider myself very lucky indeed!

If a fairy came along and waved a wand to put it all right..... i would question what is right, cards again, and back to where I was, or waking up in the morning, pleased its another day, and not wishing you hadn't woken up at all.

It aint easy, and may get harder, but bring it on,cause I finally realised, I can do this and so can you!

[Viki.W]

Ah gill, what a lovely post. Good for you. X

[MelanieGiles]

What a dignified and inspirational post pgill.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and each month's payment brings you a little closer to that sunshine.

[Skippy]

That's a great post Gill, and I'm glad your IVA is working for you x

[chris.g]

What a posting!! You go for it girl!!! It is nice 'paying' for things and looking at others paying on credit and thinking 'I was like that once!' [:)]
Good job the forum is big enough for everyone, I have a feeling it's going to get a bit busier over the next couple of years.....[:(]

[kallis3]

What a lovely post![:)]

I love handing cash over now, not just a piece of plastic.

I agree Chris, I think we are going to be inundated.

[gill.p]

It seemed impossible, once all bills paid, i even posted on here, asking how we where going to manage! The kids are all that matter to me, I hate them going without, but they have all adapted so well, we have a beans on toast night once in a while, but we make light of it, and manage. My husband and I work so hard, but this has actually brought us closer together, and i have become a strong positive person, instead of the weak negative one I was, when i thought I had money (even though it was credit). Its not all sunshine and roses, but it can be done. Good luck to everyone else who are managing on a tight budget, especially in the first few months!

[moretolife]

i love posts that tell us how long they have been going ...somehow or other for me its is a boost to read...9 down and so many to go etc etc ...we are 23 down ...yippeeeeeeeee

[Lisa2009]

What a lovely post. Keep smiling xxxxx

[angela18]

what agreat post.. i've just checked bank and not much in.. enough for few bits and pieces and £10 in car!! hubby gets paid friday.. transferred some money from contingency as going to treat daughter to the buffet at pizza hut today, I keep thinking we shouldn't but I'm off work today to spend time with her, so why not, she deserves it..

I'll put it back on friday!!!

[quark2008]

A wicked post,very reassuring that it can be done and that a going back to basics is nothing to be afraid of.In a time when thousands of people may be accepting that their credit bubbles are about to burst, we on the forum, have got off the cycle, pulled in our belts and yanked up our drawers. Already we are accruing no more debts and paying off what we have with pride and dignity.And i'm sure we are becoming stronger day by day,and will be here to offer help and support to those who are about to crash out of the debt spiral themselves. Again a really lovely post and well done to you all, especially your boys. Keep together and it won't be long before you are IVA free again.