I believe the phone call to the debt management company is THE single most important step to make.
On putting the phone down, I remember feeling like I had finally accomplished something. A wave of hope came over me and for the first time in a very long time I slept like a baby.
The nice person on the other end told me the letters from my creditors would stop, and that they'd be in trouble if they continued, that in itself was almost enough.
I wanted to pay back my creditors, hence not going for BR, which I could have done. I don't shirk my responsibilities. But I also did place some of the blame at the creditors feet for feeding me debt I simply couldn't afford. The IVA seemed a good idea for all involved, it teaches us all a lesson.
I don't intend to go back into debt. I may not have that choice if I need to buy a house eventually, but at least if that happens I will be in control, that's what I've learned through operating an IVA for 5 years.
And yes, I will have a credit card in the future. Shocking? Not at all. I intend to end up with a card that I can use to my advantage, normal spending that adds up to vouchers at the end of the year in time for Xmas, I'm thinking Tesco, Sainsburys or M&S for example, to be paid off at the end of the month, every month thus leaving my wages intact and earning interest in my savings and current accounts.....
*hmmmmm....savings....*
Its still a bit of a dream even now, I still can't get over how much money I will have spare each month. but I don't think I will ever be frivolous with cash again, and in my head for the last 5 years I have realised if I don't have the money, I simply won't have whatever it is I cannot afford until I've saved enough fo it, and that includes a new car....well, new to me!
Make the call. It's as close to a miracle as you can get on this earth.
I feel like I can move mountains. I just wish I could sort out the weather.
