Stepchange guidelines for tobacco are around £60. I personally don't see the harm in this being in a budget. You could argue, that it's entertainment or a hobby............ Creditors are accepting I&E's with a reasonable tobacco allowance.
We are at month 41 and have not had a night out since this IVA started in March 2010 - it is so hard not to even have one little treat but 19months to go hopefully and we might have a night out! We have no allowance for hobbies and with three kids it is extremely hard!
mab and when that time comes you go out and let your hair down, I can imagine life is extremely hard with children when in an IVA. Luckily mine was 13 when we entered it (other 3 had flown the nest). So she got herself a Saturday job.
IVA final payment left the bank on the 26th January 2013...looking forward to a debt free future.
...It is worth claiming these 'luxury' allowances, regardless of whether or not they apply to you, to balance out the arguably unrealistically low essentials (fuel & groceries are widely mentioned for example).
Also handy to know about these little extras to help neutralise any uplift in IVA payments as a result of a pay rise.
Just makes life a little more comfortable throughout the IVA process.
As mentioned earlier, a decent IVA provider may suggest this, but I’m guessing most will stay quiet – there is a financial incentive after all. (Cynical me, I know). But, we read all too often about people struggling because they have the same allowances in Year 4, that they did in Year 1 etc.
It is down to all of us to ensure that we take advantage of the annual review to do just that: ‘Review’ everything. Knowing about these guideline figures is very useful.
My opinions are just that: Based on my experience and being a self-employed IVA customer.
and that is exactly what they are guidelines, some people spend more some less. However, probably best to be honest about your expenditure but make yourselves aware of the guidelines and if you fit in a category do make a claim for that category.
IVA final payment left the bank on the 26th January 2013...looking forward to a debt free future.
Does anyone know if you are allowed to add allowances in which we haven't had before as we are coming up to year 4 review (well sort of nearly April next year LOL)and before then Hubby will start getting his state pension so our income will increase can we then add say hobbies and leisure in even though it hasn't been there up until now, as you know I am with GT has anyone any idea how flexible they are.
If life is what you make it, I must have been in a strange mood when I made mine
Hi PJ .. I added in a few things when I had my first GT review --- amongst them school trips, and school lunches, as well as amending a few (upwards). This resulted in my payment being reduced considerably. GT were very helpful and flexible.
When we split we then had to add in second home expenses which GT were happy to accommodate --- as it turns out this reduced our DI to nil !
Again GT were very helpful and supportive.
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
Your husband could consider deferring his pension if he is continuin to work. This would mean no extra money during the IVA and increased funds in a later retirement.
Hi Michael,
He hasn't worked since his heart attack in 2009 and has been living on £92 per month private pension, because of the level of my wages he was not entitled to any benefits as they are means tested, so getting his state pension is actually and increase in money for us not a decrease which it is for others LOL.
Last edited by Pandy on Thu Sep 05, 2013 10:53 am, edited 1 time in total.
If life is what you make it, I must have been in a strange mood when I made mine
