Hi! To both Pedler & Tina S, thanks for your brilliant replies. I'm REALLY sorry I haven't been back on for nearly a month to respond and excuse my apparent rudeness. Your comments are much appreciated and taken to heart. My problem has been slot machines, I'm not tempted by any of the online stuff ...

Hi Melanie! Don't think you could have put it better, I really appreciate your comments. I never wanted to let this get a hold of me again, I'm just so glad that my Mum asked me how I was doing with my gambling and pressed me (in a genuinely caring way) on whether I really had been spending unwisely...

I would never see it as a criticism, only helpful and constructive advice. Sometimes it needs someone 'outside the circle' to help you appreciate a situation. As I have said in the past, this forum is a brilliant source of help and guidence and an amazingly supportive community. Don't stop doing wha...

Hi Lesley, thanks for taking the time to read and reply. All of the contracts were taken before the IVA came into effect. My IP told me that provided the mobiles wouldn't affect my ability to make my monthly payment there shouldn't be a problem. I am in a situation where I may need to add a phone to...

Hi! It's been a while since I posted on here, I feel bad as I wanted to be a little more pro-active in helping others since my IVA was accepted. This is a bit of a long one, a few things playing on my mind, so sorry if I ramble a bit:- I've had a really tough time at work recently, stressful and ext...

Liking all the train ideas! I appreciate what you say, swansgirl about it being a long way ahead, but it'll be a good money learning curve for me! I def need it

Thank you for all the welcoming comments! I like the Lloyds TSB idea, we'd be packed full of commuters before we knew it! It's head down and knuckle in for me now, working to that 60 month mark - I know it'll be there quicker than I imagine. I'm not expecting it to be easy, but at least it'll help m...

I'm sorry it's been a little while since I posted anything here, previously it had all been about creditors phone calls and the things that really weigh on your mind in the early stages. Not this time! I'm really happy as, at my creditors meeting yesterday (24th Sept), my IVA has been accepted. I ca...

See, that's what I mean about how fantastic this forum is. Quick replies with only support to give.

You're great people.

I'll definitely stick around and post updates as I enjoy reading all of yours too.

Baz

Sorry, again, it's been a bit since I last posted here. Thanks, as ever, for the encouraging words. Within the next few days I should get my finalised proposal - along with my creditors. The process is moving along well, it should give me my meeting date too ... I'm presuming? I've more or less swit...

I should add that the script idea is a brilliant one and the fact of being consistent important too. In my case that's why I have chosen to make a point of sending a letter where it's required. The phone calls have been heavy over the weekend but much quieter in the week now - perhaps the message is...

Hi Simon, Lesley & angelrainbow! Sorry for the delay in replying. I have adopted a policy of not engaging anyone by telephone. All my creditors will now be aware of my situation as I have written to each one with the briefest of details - stating that I am setting up an IVA and the address and conta...

It's great advice Simon, many many thanks. I'll put some aside. I've got necessities like my car insurance due, but I pay that on a month to month basis - it has been budgeted for - so I presume things like that I can still continue to pay on a monthly basis. I need to have my car for work anyway. C...

Apologies for the late response here. Thanks Jan for your nice words. There would be a lot of VERY lost people here (me very much included) without a forum of such great people. My IP is very good but sometimes it the small emotional issues that can, when faced with pressure, become the big heavy is...

Hi Jan/Melanie (and to all the other posters too), I suspected it was generally the case that any amount of conversation with these people would, to some degree, fall on deaf ears - they want to have the conversation with the person owing the money, so that they can convince you it's THEIR situation...