Hi there ladies. I have just read your posts and have got really upset. Not because you've upset me in any way, but because I can so empathise with how you're feeling as I felt the same before my IVA. Last November, hubby and I knew we were on a slippery slope to losing everything, so we decided to put our house up for sale. Luckily it sold very quickly and we were frantically looking for something smaller and cheaper to buy when we took some financial advice from an FA who was attached to a local estate agent. The advice she gave us at the time, was not to bother buying again and to look at the rental market. She had seen the extent of our debts and with the state of the housing market and the looming economic crisis, she just advised us not to buy again. So on completion day of our sale, we moved into a rented property, 6 years old and immaculate inside.
In July, our 6 monthly contract was up for renewal, and because this was the month of our IVA approval, we felt sure that the estate agents would run another credit check, but they didn't. So we've just renewed, but for 12 months this time. We were lucky to be able to bring our dog with us, some landlords really don't mind, but you do have to be honest from the outset that you have a pet. All maintenance is done for us, we just phone up if anything is wrong, and they sort it with 48 hours. We have never looked back.
Like you, the IVA is on my mind daily and only one month in, we are keeping very tight control of our finances and also have to say 'no' to our son, who is also learning a big lesson by being less demanding. I also love paying by cash for everything and get a kick out of seeing the essential direct debits coming out of my account which has a credit balance. At one time a couple of years ago, hubby and I were living on a £2600 overdraft. We didn't even earn that a month, so were always in deficet. So all in all, although things are very tight, and I dread emergencies (we have already had two, washing machine and a speeding ticket!) we are managing quite well and hope it continues.
So, I do know the place where you ladies are at at the moment, as I have been there oh so often myself, but in my heart I know things will get better for you. You are doing fantastically well, keeping things in control for your families and keep your heads above water, and as long as you keep treading that water, you won't sink, and before long your IVA's will be paid. We will (and already have) have learnt a huge lesson, and I think we are in a way, the lucky ones who've been give that wonderful chance to start again.
Best of luck hunnii's, I promise things will get better soon.
All the best, Kazzy x
