Hello,
I've been lurking here for a while, but thought I'd finally join in. To cut a long story short, my husband and I have managed to get ourselves into a right mess, and it finally came to the point last month where we couldn't afford to pay everyone, (no thanks to
the evil MBNA!)
So having carried out my research and using the advice on here, we've finally faced up to things, had advice from the fantastic Tina at Melanie Giles, and we're going down the IVA route.
We've just about got all the paperwork together and sent off, just waiting for a couple of statements. I'm the organiser in our house, so its fallen to me to sort out, along with working and keeping a 2 year old busy, hence the stress!
It's been really good to come and read the posts on here, and has made me realise we're not alone. I'm actually looking forward to getting started now [:)]
Hi SueEllen and good luck. Tina was our first contact a couple of years ago at Melanies Company. Never looked back since that first conversation with her and although it may seem a bit of a task to get all the documentation together, I invested in a scanner which has become a boon for getting paperwork to the Company in double quick time. I also forward electronic copies of all pay slips to the company on a monthly basis.
You've chosen a great company.
I came into this world with nothing and still have most of it left!
It is a stressful time but you have chosen well and made the right decision. I would say it's less stressful being in an IVA than extreme struggling with debt, there are certainly challenges but living within your means is such a relief!
"It is never too late to be what you might have been"
Fiona
You've picked a fantastic team - Mel comes highly recommended on here.
Good luck with your application and remember that we're all here for advice and support at anytime.
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
Welcome from me too, we are with Mel's team and I can't fault them at all, Tina was the first contact for us too and she was an absolute godsend but you are now in great hands, it's a scary road your treading right now but believe me, once you get your IVA in place, things do get a lot easier and you will just be able to get on with your lives.
One piece of advice I would give you is stop paying your creditors now, and try to live the next couple of months sticking to your IVA budget if you can, it will put you in good stead for when you have to and will allow you to build up a little contingency for the time being
best of luck and if you have any questions at all or just need some support, you know where we are
wecome sueellen,
know what and meen about mbna
talk with Tina at Melanie Giles myself,
was great to talk and come of phone knowing they was a way forward.
IVA now over with and it was worth it.
now starting my life again,
Lots of luck with your IVA journey, Im postive you will be fine with Mel & her team - they are brilliant with there clients & posters on here, try not to worry & well done for taking the steps to sorting your debts
Final IVA payment made in April 2013, never ever thought we could do it or get through it but we did! X
An IVA.co.uk Mentor is someone sharing from their experiences of dealing with debt
Sueellen once your IVA is approved you will begin to feel a bit better and not have to worry about paying the bills- in an IVA you will be able to pay them and not worry about people chasing after you for money, that's the main thing. Check out my blog it may help you there is a link below - if you go to the bottom look at the one called tears and laughter sides to an IVA its the last article on the list
Oscar
need to smile today? go on check out my blogs - I'll add to them regularly
Our IVA's over YIPPEE unbelievable!Seems like yesterday it was approved despite everything
I am also with Melanie Giles and had Tina as my first point of contact; you'll find everyone there great to deal with and über efficient!
I had my IVA approved yesterday and I feel like a different person today!
Don't worry, get your documentation in as soon as possible and be realistic regarding what you can afford... Mel and her team will do the rest!
I agree with other posters that you should stop paying your creditors and save the cash! Don't worry about the calls and letters as they'll stop close to your Creditors' meeting!
Also, make sure you include all non secured debts from the start. It's easy to miss some, looking at some posts on here... Don't panic and take your time to get everything accurate.
hi just had mine approved today also with melanie giles you have picked a great team to go with good luck with your i.v.a its such a relief when its approved keep posting your progess, dave
need to smile today? go on check out my blogs - I'll add to them regularly
Our IVA's over YIPPEE unbelievable!Seems like yesterday it was approved despite everything
Hi from what I have read and heard you're in good hands with Melanie and her team. I was where you are now and it's not easy but you have made the right decision. Good luck with your IVA Journey and keep us posted
