www.iva.co.uk

Very exciting and also very scary all at the same time. I'm very aware that although this is in reality the only answer it also scares me and I take it very seriously.

We were just talking today about how to allocate all our money, definately thinking pots or envelopes!! At my mums at the moment and she is so worried about how we'll manage but I explained that in fact it would be better than what we've currently been going through.

Yes it's scary, but it is a way out and as you say it is a lot better than what you have going on now with creditors chasing left right and centre if it were anything like mine at the start.

At least once it is all agreed, you'll have one monthly payment and no creditor contact.

It is scary. You'll be amazed how you love budgeting though and seeing a plus balance in the bank at the end of the month is priceless!

we're treating the budgeting as a bit of a game, not sure how long the fun will last ha ha! my mum is amazed how much we've changed, just went to Tesco with her and was saying that's not the best value, this is, she was open mouthed, let's just say it's never been in my nature to budget well!

You will get there littlefi & I agree with Jan, once ou get the hang of budgeting it gets kind of addictive at how much you can save & what you manage to save on!

Hi littlefi - I am also addicted to saving wherever I go. I only keep the money at home as we have a gunsafe. I wouldn't recommend taking everything out if you have no-where secure. Maybe buy a small notebook to keep the details in there of how much is in the bank and how much is earmarked. You could then take out x amount each week. So pleased you have sent the paperwork. I am expencting mine to be waiting when I get back from my parents next Tuesday.

Absolutely, have to agree with the others here, I do remember a time when I would think nothing of ordering hundreds of pounds worth of clothes from my next directory, wouldn't dream of that now and if I do go shopping I always stop and think about if we really need something or if we can manage without, it's amazing how you take more care of your money when it is yours rather than the banks!

We are looking at another year now but in the middle of the transfer from BE to GT don't knoe when the variation meeting is but only last night my husband was saying how mortified he was when I came home and suggested the IVA and even worse when we sent all the paperwork off, he feels like he has been in prison and so ashamed, but he has now got the hang of this buying the cheapies he has always laughed at me but now I am amused with him and how proud he is when we have had a hearty meal between us for a couple of quid and my lunch next day as well, he keeps nipping down to the local Tesco express when the stuff gets reduced and meals are planned accordingly, as he is only working on a casual basis now and I luckily am still full time he tends to get the bulk of the bargains, we will never go back to the luxury waste of money food we used to have. Roll on next year and a holiday at the end if I can keep gainful employment so long.

Nearly there then Vinnie!

be careful. Budgeting becomes an addiction.
Well done on getting an IVA. It is very scary but very worth while. Remember, never panic if your circumstances change, just keep them well informed and there will be no problems at all. Good luck!

Hopefully nearly there, waiting for the variation meeting to decide on another year as can't get the mortgage but also to reduce the payments by £320 per month due to OH's working or lack of, not sure how it will pan out, not had a variation payment hol or anything in the past 58 months so fingers crossed it will be accepted, told to phone today and speak to GT as that was the switch over day but got through to Manchester and told to phone tomorrow, its as bad as the beginning this and back to the can't sleep business.

Budgeting is a good addiction to have.

It's not an addiction I seem to be developing. Wish I could but I think it's just not in me. [:(]

I know this is my last chance to get things sorted so I need to make sure I can budget both during and after the IVA. I know I'll spend money again - one of my first purchases will be a good holiday!

However, I shall make sure I don't rush out every weekend and spend just for the sake of it.

Hope to get some savings behind me as well!

it's an obsession with me, I just can't leave the spreadsheet or bank alone, forever checking. Nobody else uses it so who is going to tamper with it while I'm out...nobody but I still need to 'just check'.

I can easily get obsessed with things as I have that personality so if I think I'm spending too much time doing something I tend to curb it straightaway, I try to only check my bank once a day.