Such a good feeling...

[stellafreak]

Hi everyone.

I originally joined the forum in August 2009 (so my profile tells me) but I didn't want to post until my IVA was over, not because I don't like it on here or anything remotely like that, but because I knew when I did that I would be doing it debt free! Sounds a bit daft, but it got me through the last 25 months since my first and last post!

I made my last payment in August 2011 and got my completion certificate (I think!!) in November 2011. It felt like a long hard slog and some days I never thought I would see the end, I shed a few tears, had a few sleepless nights and wondered what the future would bring but I finally got there and am now free to live life without looking over my shoulder.

I just wanted to post tonight to give those who aren't sure what to do about IVAs a bit of support and insight into making a step in the right direction. Six years ago I felt like I had nowhere to turn, got pretty desperate and thought I'd tried everything I could to solve my debt problems on my own. I looked at bankruptcy but couldn't bear the thought of my friends and family seeing my name in black and white in the newspaper. I researched IVAs and sought advice from a couple of companies before settling on an IP. I was wary at first and felt foolish for getting myself in this big ole mess but the IP held my hand, settled me down and made sure I was supported all the way through the IVA process. Without them, I don't think I'd still be here today. I kept up all of my payments and hopefully now can move on without feeling like a failure to myself and my family and friends. I got myself into this mess and I've worked damn hard to get myself out of it.

I just hope all those of you thinking about entering an IVA and those who are already in their agreements don't lose hope, because there are many on here that prove it can be done. Yes, it's hard but it's worth it at the end.

Just need to sort out my credit file and then this chapter of my life can be closed.

I'd like to thank you all for posting your views, opinions and own successes which made me realise I wasn't in this alone.

[MRBLUESKY]

Hi Stella and welcome,your post brought a tear to my eye,it was like reading about my own past,i,m so pleased you,ve come through this,congratulations and good luck to your future,there is a lot of people struggling and your post is inspirational.Well Done.[:)]

[kallis3]

Well done Stella, so pleased you have managed to finish and good luck for the future.

Please keep posting as your experiences will be invaluable for new posters.

[Foggy]

Great post, Stella. Well Done

[back on track]

well now you free keep posting encouragement to the rest of us.you never know when you might need to ask something in the future.well done.who where you with ?

[Firefox]

Well done Stella, I know exactly how you feel, its very important to continue supporting others who are in the same boat. When My IVA finally finished, I raised a glass of fizz, not to myself, but to all of those who are in the same place I was, and wished them strength and determination. Thats the main reason I post on here, its my small of way of giving something back. I have also kept a file with a selection of the threatening creditor letters I used to receive, reading them now makes me cringe but it reminds me of how low I felt during those dark days,it's a place I have vowed never to return to.

It can be done!

Like you I am in the process of sorting out the credit file, the IVA will drop off in June so just need the creditors to fall away and like you say the chapter is closed and its time to move on.

Best of luck with the future.

[stellafreak]

Thanks everyone for your replies and good wishes! It feels like a weight has been lifted off my life, as well as my shoulders! I'd like to think this experience has made me a stronger person because, although I've had some support from family and friends, I managed to repay every last penny I was asked to and managed to stay postive throughout that time.

I am curious though, I have noticed some people have said they have to wait 6 years before their files are clear. Are the newer IVAs over 6 years or do you have to wait 12 months after your last payment date for your file to be cleared? I know I'm no longer listed on the insolvency register which gave me a big thumbs up to myself!

I used Beesleys as my IP through an intermediary and would highly recommend them. They never pestered me to death, were always helpful whenever I had queries and made me feel like I was in control of my life again. Obviously they are used to dealing with people in credit crises on a daily basis but they put in the effort to make me feel I wasn't alone and could get to the finish line with a lot of perseverance. I'm not ashamed to admit anymore (although it's not common knowledge within some of my immediate family) that I did contemplate suicide at one point, as I was so low and felt like I had nowhere to turn. Thankfully I found my IP and turned that dark corner.

I hope my honesty doesn't put people off, but if it stops one person from taking that step I contemplated taking and get in touch with an IP, or even just talking to people on here, then it's worth sharing.

I've found that nothing in life is unsolvable, even though there are times you may feel like you're a small island floating in a big, big sea!

[kazzafunk]

Stella - great posts that will encourage people to find the right solution. I was in that dark place too until I found the forum.

IVA's stay on your credit file for 6 years from the date your IVA was approved. So although you have the completion letter and are no longer on the Insolvency register, it'll still show on your credit file.

Not that I'll worry about that now my f&f offer has been accepted. I'm just happy that in a few weeks my obligation will be over and I no longer have to worry about debt. It's a lovely feeling isn't it!

[MelanieGiles]

Lovely post and great to see Beesley's getting some positive PR. Mark Beesley is a fellow director of mine at the APDSI and I know that they do much good work with indebted clients.

You must be very relieved that you can now put the IVA behind you.