don't know which company to choose.

[KLG2002]

Hi,
I think as the others have said check out the reviews on www.iva.com. I am with Grant Thornton but have only just had my IVA approved so it would be wrong of me to say that they are a good company. I can say they were quick and fair with the application process but will only be able to comment on their efficiency post acceptance further down the line. If I was in your position I would only look at the comments and reviews of people who are well into their IVA as they can give a more validated opinion.........if that makes sense[:I]

KLG

[billy1010]

Thanks all for the advice and support.

Just want to advise others who are also looking for an company to handle thier IVA.

I initially contacted Baines and Earst, they were very helpful but vague on some issues;

1) They advised me to transfer my banking to HSBC (I already had an account) I have since found out that even if they are not a creditor they would close down my account once they found out about IVA

2) They asked for balances but did not explain the difference between settlement figures and balances, this is really important.

3) They advised me (indirectly) to transfer a balance from my HSBC card to another provider, again I have discovered that transferring balances is not always viewed favourably.

4) B & E calculated my disposable income as £725 and another advisor for Melanie Giles recalculated this taking much more into consideration, this is an important point as this affects what you will have to manage on for the next 5 years. The difference was over £100.

5)B&E charge 2 x your agreed available income upfront and obviously the higher this is the greater their fee. I now feel had I gone for this I may have struggled on the agreed budget.

Hope this helps other looking for a provider.

X




xx

[kallis3]

We're with Payplan and have found them to be very good. We made no upfront payments at all, they were excellent at telling us our options and making sure we understood them and we have had no problems in the last six months.

[David Mond]

My suggestion would be to see reviews posted on the www.IVA.com site and then ring up one or two of the firms and ask them any relevant questions that you are unsure of. Ask them about their fees and how quick they can deal with your case. Other posters here have given you good advice. Good luck.