We are really struggling with debt.

[Niobe]

You would need to try and remortgage - most of us have this clause and you are highly unlikely to be able to. You would probably have to continue on for an extra 12 months in lieu of that equity.

As long as you keep up your mortgage repayments then you will be ok.

[MelanieGiles]

I'll probably get hammered for this by the forum police, but I am based in South Wales and would be happy to come and see you at home if this would help. Sorry Admin - but Jane seems as if she does need some help soon.

[Niobe]

If you want this Jane then Mel's details can be found under the link I posted above.

[Struzzo39]

Hi and welcome to the forum. You've actually done the hardest bit and admitted that there is a problem. I remember those feelings your going through all too well and even somedays now the guilt will creep back in. But i know we have done the right thing for our family. Good luck and keep us posted x

[orchid5]

Hi Jane and welcome to the forum, firstly i know exactly how you are feeling it took me ages to drum up the courage to phone people regarding my IVA, i didn't look around and went with the first firm i phoned, my advice to you if i can offer it is, do look around and there is already an offer within this thread which i would definately take up.

Secondly, the forum is here for support and advice, you have taken the first important step as Struzzo has said and recognised your debt.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do, do keep us posted. xx

[gwdihw]

Hi Jane, just like you I get flustered, don't know the right questions to ask (and live in South Wales!) The best thing I ever did was to find this forum. I remember when I spoke to Melanie the feeling of panic because I wasn't sure I understood everything that was being said. I'm 2 1/2 years into my IVA and the support I've had from this forum is amazing. If I'm not sure about something there is usually someone who is in a similar position and has posted a questions. I'm on here regularly reading through posts even if I don't post myself. Don't be nervous, speak to Melanie!

[Paul.75]

Hi Jane, like everyone else has said, the best advice I can give you is 'make that call'. That first phone call is one of the hardest you will make....but trust me it is the best one you will make! 6 years ago I was in exactly the same position as you, like the majority of people on here, I remember looking at that phone and sweating scared to pick it up and make the call. Twice I put it down when the person on the other end answered. Finally I plucked up the courage to speak to the person on the other end. It was the best thing I did. These people are used to speaking to people with our problems, they understand we are nervous and not sure what to say. They put you at ease though, they are understanding and are there to help you. I will never forget that feeling of relief after that first phone call, the feeling that I am not alone and that there is people who can help you! 6 years later I am now debt free. You can do it to Jane. There are a lot of good companies out there to help you,but you can do no wrong giving Mel a ring. Having used this site over the last few years she is always on here and is one of the best! Good luck Jane.....and make that call! You have already taken the first and hardest step.....admitting there is a problem!

[MikeyM]

Jane.02. I contacted Melanie Giles's team last week after months even years of struggling along robbing peter to pay paul and juggling my finances here there and everywhere. I have been dealing with Kelly. She has been fantastic. Believe me the relief of just telling someone who understands is quite overwhelming. After just a few days and some phone calls I am well on the road to a solution to my problem. You need to act now. How I wish I had done so ages ago. But even though my solution has not yet been finalised I am now looking forward to being debt free be that 5 or 6 years.

[Jane.02]

your all amazing, thank you so much. Just knowing that we are not the only ones is such a relief. will be showing hubby when he back from work,fingers crossed he agrees that time has come.will be contacting Melanie asap. again thank you and will keep u all informed. nervous but relieved x

[orchid5]

Fantastic news Jane, good luck you will definately be in good hands. xxx

[herbekj]

My first call with Cleardebt was with trepidation after picking them from the internet when I finally realised enough was enough and I had to do something. But instead of what I thought would be some call centre type script reader the guy knew exactly what he was doing and made the whole start of the process very professional and really put my mind at ease.

Good choice going with Mels team. Highly reommended.

[harrimav]

What good advice. Speak to a couple of companies and see who you feel most
comfortable with. I did , and the journey is much more confident. 5 years is a long time so make sure you're happy from the offset.
Good luck!

[Shining]

Melanie is very nice and I'm with her, you'll have no problems there. All the best i can relate to how you feel when I entered my IVA a few years ago, now I'm coming to the end of my journey to debt freedom and can honestly say between a good IP and the forum you can access all the support you need from hereonin xx

[Coffee Break]

I could have written your first post myself! My hubby was very insistent that an IVA was not the answer, and it was after considerable explaining, and relaying figures and what not, that we proceeded with our proposal, and weeks later we had our proposal approved and have made our first IVA payment last month!

I contacted Melanie Giles after reading posts on the IVA Forum, tentatively made that contact about our situation through their website, and even after initial conversations with Tina we still waited to make sure that the IVA was the way in which to go. Tina was extremely helpful with any queries, never made us feel uncomfortable, etc, etc. And when we decided to go for it, it was a good feeling to know that we were making those steps to tackling our debts. I also can't fault the IVA Forum throughout my process as any questions I had, I also flagged up on here, and was always greeted with helpful, friendly advice from the more experienced IVAers who have gone through it all, or been through it all and come out the other end!

In all I thought the whole process was very streamlined, informative and although the wait for our creditors meeting to come around seem like an age, it all did go by quite quickly and getting accepted was a relief!

In regards to the secured loan, this will not be included within the IVA, as any HP agreements, which we had both of, your IP will factor in those payments through your income and expenditure so these payments can be continued throughout. Obviously your chosen IP will explain more fully about your circumstances, so good luck with who you choose, but of course I am going to be biased and recommend Melanie Giles and her team! But as others have said, ring around a couple of IP firms and see who you feel most comfortable with at the end of the day, it won't cost you nothing!

[MelanieGiles]

I think that CB means it won't cost you anything!!!!