In the early days of our IVA we used to take out the budgeted money, in cash, for the supermarket shopping. If we went through the till and it was exceeded, then we had to put some items back. The danger with cards is that it is easy to be less rigorous with what you buy. We found it quite rewarding...

Thanks for your help and advice. I sent them a copy of the completion certificate for my IVA. They have now allowed me to be a signatory.

I entered a full and final IVA towards the end of 2007 and was discharged early 2008. I have become chairperson of my local parish council recently and, as in times past, should become a signatory on the parish council bank account. I duly filled in the forms and had them signed by the other signato...

Have you thought about asking the private school for help - often, as they are charities (and keen to retain their charitable status) they may be willing to offer some help through a bursary or scholarship?

Nationwide are good (as long as you use on-line and the post office for transactions - their customer service in branch is dire!!). The big benefit we have found with Nationwide is the ability to open a number of savings accounts linked to the main account. These are really handy for budgeting. I ha...

My wife and I completed our (full and final) IVA in January, but since then we have been targeted with mail shots from both the IVA Council and Debt Doctor (Debt Dr.). I wonder if these two organisations are linked - especially as our names are no longer on the Insolvency Register.

My wife and I keep getting letters from debtDr (of South Petherton) despite having finished our IVAs in January. These always come in a handwritten envelope and suggest that they "...are concerned that an IVA may not be the best solution for you." They must be using a very old register, as our names...

One thing that has amazed me is how long the banks are prepared to write letters in an attempt to retrieve their money. I had a substantial debt over 25 creditors and stopped paying them in January. By the end of August (when my IVA was approved) I was still receiving threatening letters, but no one...

I have found Nationwide ideal for savings accounts - by opening a flexaccount with online access, it is possible to setup numerous "e-savings" accounts (which pay over 5% from £1 upwards). All my income is paid into the flexaccount. I have accounts for utility bills, car repairs and an emergency fun...

We have been married for 19 years - I can't remember why I put the house in my name only - think that there was some cost savings at the time. My wife would be liable for £25k of debt if I default on the joint loans. I have also just submitted an enquiry form requesting a quote for you to do the wor...

Thanks for the replies Melanie and RedDevil. I have been reviewing the advice we have been given and would really rather that my wife didn't have to go bankrupt - is there any reason that a joint IVA wouldn't work (the dilution of the offer would be from 33p/£ to 32p/£ before fees, as she has only a...

Thanks Melanie. The house was solely in my name. At present she doesn't have a job, but needs the car to ferry the kids about (we live in a semi-rural location, with very limited public transport). What would the likelihood of an IVA suceeding at what will probably be about 29p/£ after IP's fees? (I...

I have now sold my house and have a lump sum of about £77k for debt of now £240k (this has risen due to interest and charges only since February). Hence I have a gross amount of about 32p/£. I wanted to get a second opinion on advice I have been given, as I have been told that things have changed re...

I have unsecured debts of about £230,000 in a variety of credit cards and personal loans. I have recently taken a job with provides a house and small salary, which means that I can sell my house to release equity of about £80,000. The income that our household receives (including tax credits) gives ...