www.iva.co.uk

Hi'ya
Not sure if this is the correct forum so sorry in advance

Anyway, I'm currently on an IVA with Freeman Jones and I think I have about 18 months left (WHOOOO)... anyway....

I've had some unexpected bills such as a whopping phone bill and some nice fines the co-op bank and the like. What would be the best option for this? attempt to work out some payment plan with them or try and setup a mini DMP?

Sometimes it's like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel then things like this happen... bumper...

Cheers!
Jason.

Hi there, i would definitley contact them directly, as they are your untilities and not creditors as such you will probably find them easy to deal with. I had to do it with my mortgage and N power, both were really great about it.

Could also speak to your IP and see if you can get a payment break.

Hi,

What fines have you had? Have you gone overdrawn with the Co-op?

You do need to speak to your IP to see if there is a way round this.

Hi Jason

If you contact the utility companies direct I feel sure they will be able to reach an agreement with you, make sure you tell them you are struggling with the payment but want to pay and will pay, it will just take a bit longer. Do this now as you need essential gas electric etc. By doing this straight away hopefully you will avoid any unecessary charges from the utility but please don't put this off, tackle it head on. Really important, get the name of the person to whom you are speaking. If you don't feel they are taking action to help almost instantly request to speak with a supervisor and tell them it is urgent. If a supervisor is not available request a call back and be assertive, don't be fobbed off and tell them this is causing you a lot of worry and stress. Make a note of names dates times of everyone you speak to and tell them that you are doing this as you like to keep a record of everything. If you didn't hear thre name on the other end of the phone judt say, sorry I did'n get your name (they probably didn't tell you or mumbled it) but you'll know now!

Re the Co-op bank, give them a ring an request to speak with a senior supervisor. Try and calmly explain your situation, including that you want to pay but all these extra fines are making you more unable to do so in the immediate future. Tell them they are the listening bank and request their help to listen and help you to sort out this which is causing you major stress. Emphasize how long you have been a customer with them if you have been with them for some time. Again tell them you are doing it and make a written note of the name and that you are recording dowm the details incase you have to seek further advice.

A payment break is one option, you could request this but it will always extend your IVA and it will go on for longer, so we always resisted this but it was tough and there were so many times we almost requested a payment break but are so glad we did not as our IVA would not be completed now if we had.

Saying that, a payment break is not the end of the world as long as you know what effect this will have on you and when your IVA will actually end, nothing worse than thinking its over and being told that it had another year or whatever....

you might also want to check out whether your phone provider is the best option for you but remember if you change provider there may be financial penalties and you'll have to cough up what is owed in full, so find out about this with your company etc. before taking any action on this.

Best wishes and hang in, you can get to the end of your IVA, we did
so you definitely can.

Oscar
x
Oscar

All I will say with the Co-op is that if you go overdrawn three times on a basic cashminder account, they will close the account.

As regards a payment break - we had to had to have one but just had the payments adjusted for twelve months. We could not have managed without it.

Do talk to your IP and find a way forward. Hopefully they'll be able to assist. x

Thanks for all the reply's folks... really helpful.
I've just written to co-op so I'll see what they say.

On another note, is there any other high street banks I can open an account with (other than Barclays)?

Cheers!!!!!
Jason

I'm in an IVA and with Natwest (basic account). x

Hi Jason

You have already received some good advice from the forum.

Put in a call to your Relationship Manager, let’s see if we can help first of all and go through the options.

At the very least we will be able to give you some practical advice on the problems you are experiencing.

I will advise the team to expect your call.

I hope this helps.

Hi Jason

You have already received some good advice from the forum.

Put in a call to your Relationship Manager, let’s see if we can help first of all and go through the options.

At the very least we will be able to give you some practical advice on the problems you are experiencing.

I will advise the team to expect your call.

I hope this helps.