Life through and after an IVA

[FormerlyST1100]

Not sure if this is the right section for this but just thought I would put this to show you can get through an IVA and come out OK.

I suppose the reason I had to start my IVA goes back to around 5 years before actually starting it and the breakdown of a LTR then trying to live the same life on one salary that I did on two.

Then met and married someone that had been married a few times before and struggled to find work so paid for the wedding abroad and supported us both, eventually had to concede could not keep that up.

The five years in the IVA has been a struggle at times, having to sell my motorbike when my car's engine went to buy another one then having to continually fork out repairs on that as it was 17 yr old.

Luckily my IP (Stepchange) was supportive and allowed quite a bit of expenditure on repairs and fuel on it (with receipts, etc).

Came to a head a few months ago when that car reached a point that is was totally gone and was allowed, via Moneybarn, to buy a newer car and found a car just under 5 yr old.

Over the 5 years we had to cancel at least 2 holidays (camping/ caravan) because the old car had broken down or needed the money for repairs.

I was determined not to have to rely on a payment break and Stepchange was good at review times.

Well, the end came, last payment was made beginning of August and my CC was with me mid Sept (only 6 weeks NOT 6 months or more that some are fobbed off with).

One downside was my wife decided she wanted out and wanted back near her family so left a couple of days before the IVA last payment was made.

Now out of the IVA I have been able to start and buy things again (cash not credit) and have actually been able to book a holiday abroad in a few weeks time (first time in over 7 years) so looking forward to it. Even found a bargain for that as the price doubled a few days after I booked and now the hotel is fully booked that week.

For anyone reading this that are still in your IVA keep at it, I know it can be a struggle at times but with the help of this forum and others that have gone through it you can do it.

[kallis3]

Well done on getting through it - too bad you can't do a blog as the site is down for new posters due to spam.

Enjoy your holiday!

[Lisa Thomas]

Lovely post and positivity for others going through similar issues. Have a wonderful holiday - you absolutely deserve it.

[Michael Peoples]

It is a great post and well done to Stepchange too. You have earned that holiday so go and enjoy it.

[welshwiz]

Well done, what an inspiriting post enjoy the holidays and good luck for the future