Hi All,
We are trying to decide whether to go for an IVA or not although I don't know why as we don't really have an option, I'm in a state of denial I think "how has this happened", one of my biggest fears is after having been used to spending when I needed to, not having the ability to do so even though it was on borrowed money really scares me! Reading your stories gives me strength although I just worry the children will suffer most when I have to say there will be no holidays for 5 yrs etc etc. Infact just want to cry when I think about them and how I have messed there life up without them even knowing it.
I am hoping to use Melanie Giles as an IP although keep missing her contact at moment,her name is Tina Shortland. Does anyone have any good comments on both Melanie and Tina?
Melanie and her team are very professional and not at all judgemental. You will be in very safe hands there.
A lot of forum member go on the sun £9.50 holidays whilst in an IVA.
The feelings of guilt are normal but you will adjust and your kids will probably be more understanding than you think.
Mel is an excellent IP, and she comes highly recommended on here, as does Tina.
You won't be expected to live on bread and gruel for five years, but you will have to budget,and most of us are doing that on here.
Mel's time will advise you of all your options.
Of course we are always here as well to help with any little queries.
We've all been there and are slowly getting through it, as you will.
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
Hi there Joe, Melanie is my IP and I cannot praise her highly enough, Tina is also such a lovely lady.
I would say that to contact 2 or 3 companies with a view to gaining free impartial advice is advisable, www.iva.com is where you can read some reviews and see a list of companies.
It doesn't mean you can't have a holiday within an IVA, if a family member funded this it would be possible, some posters also get the Sun vouchers and save for a frugal holiday. Life within the IVA is by no means lavish but you will be able to live albeit frugally and it's not forever it is for 60 months in most cases.
All the best in whatever you decide but just for the record you won't go far wrong with Melanie and her team.
Last edited by Shining on Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
IVA final payment left the bank on the 26th January 2013...looking forward to a debt free future.
Hi Joe, my name is also Joe and I have just completed my IVA. It's not easy but it is possible - I have just proved that to myself! I remember only too well how you are feeling right now, I felt the exact same way, but I got inspiration on this forum from people who were doing it or had done it themselves. I have been using this forum on and off for over 5 years now, and I have never seen Melanie or her Team shown in any kind of bad light at all, which speaks for itself I hope. My kids were 4 and 6 when I started, they are now 9 and 11 and are growing up to be great children and they certainly know the value of money. You may have damaged them, I doubt in anything but a very small way but even if you have, you can't change that now, but what you can change is doing something about it. Good luck - Joe
Hi,
Thanks for all the responses so far,My children are 6 and 9 and are angels, I know we will cope it's just all our friends seem to have coped with finances so much better than us and I cannot cope with the embarrasment of any of them finding out, that's what really bothers me I think, but hey that's life and we'll have to manage.
I have read the reivews about Natalies team and they seem very very good, if they will accept me I think they seem the one for us.
Thanks for all your kind advice and i'll keep you all posted on our progression.
JB
ladyh wrote:
You only need to read this forum to see how highly Mel and her team are thought of.
it is scary to think about the next 5 years and what you'll be missing out on. My kids were teenagers when we started our journey and thankfully they all rallied and have been pretty good in not asking for things. How old are your children?
It isn't an easy time, I wont kid you. But its not unmanagable either. You can save your contingency allowance for anything you want and who says you wil luse your clothing allowance every month?
You'll be a dab hand at sourcing bargains and trust me when I say it will give you a massive buzz to bag a bargain.
You haven't messed up their lives, you'll probably be able to instill a sense of money sense to them and thats a good thing.
I also imagine how good you'll feel to know that those few quids in the ban kat the end of the month are all yours, the phone won't be ringing, the postman wont be breaking his back to get the bills through the door and all your bills will be paid without a second thought really.
By the time your IVA is over... you will have changed alot and you'll probably never borrow money again (except for cars or such)
I personally think you're doing the right thing.. love and hugs
hi.. ive just contacted an ip company and hopefully at the beginning as long as i get accepted the start of a brighter future..
tbh i wish id of done something a year ago now rather than trying to do it myself and hoping for the best which has made it a hell of a lot worse.. i feel so much better already just having a person to call and finding this forum was a right god send as it answers so many fears and questions..
Good luck Joe, I am sure you will be ok and get everything sorted out.
Good luck to you as well Simon.
Don't forget that we are here for any advice or support along the way.
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
I am sorry that you keep missing Tina. I will investigate why this is happening tomorrow, and if needs be you can send me a contact number directly to my website and I can call you directly.
Hi Melanie,
Sorry to slightly miss quote, I only missed her call yesterday but called her back today and left a message, it's not a problem yet just one of those things. I've now left her an e-mail so hopefully she'll contact me tomorrow.
Regards
JB
MelanieGiles wrote:
Hi Joe
I am sorry that you keep missing Tina. I will investigate why this is happening tomorrow, and if needs be you can send me a contact number directly to my website and I can call you directly.
Joe, Melanie is my IP and Tina was the first person I spoke to at the company. You will find her a real "gem", I assure you. From Day 1 speaking to Tina until my IVA was succesfully approved, I had 2 or 3 others to speak to at the Company, however, from my initial call to Tina until I got my IVA, I can honestly say there were no surprises between times.....Tina will put you at ease and ensure that by the time you finish the call, you will have all your options fully explained.
PS: Even when I got other advisers I always had Tina to turn to if needed. Cant praise her highly enough.
I came into this world with nothing and still have most of it left!
Good luck Joe - you will be in safe hands with Melanie and her team.
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
Hi Jo i dealt with mel and tina and echo your thoughts.
I will say that if you think of any questions for tina then write them on a pad by the phone, theres so much to remember.
good luck dude youll be fine.
