www.iva.co.uk

After coming out of my iva 2 years ago. I know it worked for me. There are some things I need and have the money to pay in cash and sill have to think long and hard before I can spend any thing. was never like this when it was going on a c/card.

Never was the same when it was all on the magic plastic -- didn't feel like real money.

With an IVA you also get to reconnect with the value of things, I feel. And, life is far, far better (and to a degree simpler) without all the bills and juggling going on.

Hi

Good post Kev, an IVA really does rehabilitate you and yes you tend to still use cash and think very carefully about any purchase.
Credit cards are really useful if you use them to your advantage, i'e: 30 day interest period, 0% deals, security of purchasing via a credit card if company doesn't deliver etc etc

Regards

Agree with Andy ... use them wisely and they are useful ...hindsight is a wonderful thing !

I remember life in an IVA and although I've temptation way too often I do know I don't want to go back there. I wonder if my spending addiction will ever be cured to be honest but it's now under control.

A good post I agree.

Coming to the end of ours soon and we definitely view spending differently. We still 'want' as much stuff as before, perhaps more so after going without for so long but we know we can get it, we just have to wait and save.

I'm back using mainstream lending,nationwide credit card(so I could close vanquis account),main dealer car loan at good APR etc etc.

Some people frown at the idea of taking credit but to me the insolvency lesson is only fully learned when you can handle credit again,not avoid it for the rest of your life.

Each to their own as they say.

Paul

I totally understand your post Plasticdaft, although I've left my Vanquis open I've got a high street bank loan for my car.

The lesson for me now is not to want too much too quick. I consider I'm still learning but am very strong-willed and will say no now whereas before I'd have gone along with the rest despite knowing I couldn't afford it.

This time next year I will have made my last payment. I can honestly say I have learnt something during this time and I hope that looking back on how hard it has been will always make me think twice when going to buy something. I now really think about purchases and whether it is something I really need or want, I always try to hold off until I really 'know'. Its so amazing to see all the people who have made it through the journey and I can't wait to join that 'club'!

Time will fly, Pod_Moo

Oh for sure, I can't believe how time flies. 4 years ago, 5 years seemed like a lifetime but overall it has flown by. In some aspects I feel I put parts of my life on hold and in others I will look back with fond memories of the things I have experienced and I like to think I have grown as a person. I am definitely stronger than I used to be (although I have my moments ha ha)

Oh we all have moments

Great post, Kev59. Very encouraging. I have a year left to go on my IVA, and the points made by Andy and Foggy about reconnecting with the value of things and rehabilitation are excellent - things that I've learned along the way too. I take great pleasure in maintaining handwritten records to keep things in order, and in doing things the old-fashioned way and 'earning' things rather than relying on credit to acquire them. For example, I had an unforgettable trip to California last November that was paid for entirely by saving up over a long period. That took a lot of discipline and hard work, and was all the more satisfying and enjoyable for it. Previously I'd have put it on a credit card and really suffered for it later on. I like to think the skills I've taught myself over the last few years are the direct result of being in an IVA. It would have been great to have figured them out much sooner and not ended up in an IVA at all, but hindsight is a wonderful thing...

A tip here for everyone.

Yesterday I was looking online at a purchase of £60 for myself. I went through to checkout and as I often do thought, do I need it? do I want it? etc., etc., decided I'd wait 24 hours and see how I felt (this is the IVA in me). Chatted with hubby last night decided to proceed with the purchased today and lo and behold overnight I received an email offering me £5 discount to complete my purchase and free next day delivery! So glad I was hesitatnt now. Wonder if this works often?