www.iva.co.uk

Hi everyone,
I was on the phone a few days ago to my advisor ( one of Melanies colleagues) just going through things that will happen as things move along, while we were talking I mentioned how hard it was for me to take the first steps to getting help, as I am the sort of person who is very private and likes to try and solve his own problems, and I also I find it very hard to open up to people even close friends and family, not just the financial side of things, It became apparent that many people read this forum as a non signed up member and leave it a long while before asking for help, If you are one of those people like me,trust me it is not as bad as you may think, I plucked up the courage as it were, and I felt a whole lot better just by doing that, I had all sorts of things running through my head, and after speaking to someone I realised there are some very nice helpful and supportive people out there.

Make that call or send that first email. you will feel better just for that.

Best Wishes
Mark

Thats a lovely encouraging post Mark.

Ang

I totally agree Mark.
We were exactly the same and read the forum for a while whilst trying to sort out what we were going to do. We took the plunge in January and had our IVA approved on Friday.
We are also with Melanie and you couldn't be in better hands.
It does take courage to make that first call but when you do you feel a lot better [:)]

Hi

well done Mark for making the call and congratulations on starting the debt free journey.

Mark well done for making the initial call, I was in tears on with my first chat with my IP, through shame, I now hold my head high and have gained confidence from being a member of the forum. This is a wonderful support forum and the members on here know more about me than my closest friend or any relative!

Hi
Putting your hands up and admitting that you can no longer deal with your debts is the hardest part of the debt journey,once you've done it you really are over half way to a solution
Regards

Thanks for your encouraging words Mark and well done on making that first step ... I remember when I did the same that my stomach was in my mouth [:(]

You sound a really sensitive person so please stay around on the Forum and continue to use the benefit of your own wisdom and experience to help others.

Debbie

I had never posted on a forum before this, I was so desperate one night after hearing an advert on the TV about IVA's I found this by chance, I registered and posted, took a long time because I was feeling so useless, I couldnt believe the response the following day when I got home from work and managed to find it again. I felt so much better even on that first day, I really wasnt alone with this, there were people who cared and wanted to help. I have always tried to solve my own problems and am not much good at confiding, as a single parent there often hasnt been much choice.

same here lily. think might have stopped a good few sleepless nights, if had bit the bullet sooner!!

I'm one of those people who hasn't taken the next step yet but thats because I have been off work and have a few things to sort out with my salary and expenditure. Nearly there though hopefully - cut up my cards about two weeks ago and that was a big step. I have always tried to sort things out myself but when I found this forum I found there a lot of people in the same situation and it made me really think about things. I am so glad for the forum and its support - I know I have got to get more things sorted but feel better knowing I am not alone. I will sort things very soon.

Well done Elizabeth - and how sensible to get things straight in your own mind before leaping into such an important decision about your future.