www.iva.co.uk

That so many people are in the same situation as me, finding this site has helped me , because I am speaking to people in similar situation to myself, untill now I have spoken to my family about this and found that because it does'nt affect them in anyway that they dont fully understand the situation I am in.

Fozzy Bear - you wouldn't believe how many more people are in your situation - and there are so many that haven't yet confided in anyone, sought advice or even faced up to the fact themselves.

If only they knew what a fantastic forum there is here for support and the best group of professionals to assist them. we're glad you have all found the forum and only wish we could spread the word to everyone else needing help!

There are a lot of pepople reading the forum every day that haven't yet asked for help so your posts really help them in building up confidence. So many people who call us say "I've been reading the forum for weeks/months now......".

Its really hard for the families too but they can join the forum too and get any help they need in understanding things further.

regards,

None of our families know of our situation and hubby really hates talking about the iva-so this forum lets me talk about things that are niggling me and the lively banter on here really perks me up.
I feel a real bond with the posters already in iva and can empathise with those thinking of starting the journey.
You do feel like the only people in the world going through this process until you find this site-I love it !!

Thats great Andrea - Best of both worlds. Hubby gets to keep private and you can get as much help and support as you need (and give it too, posts like yours are very encouraging for others, thank you).

When we first heard of IVAs we assumed it was a new thing and not many people knew about!

We were so shocked - especially when I found this site - at the amount of people who are also in this situation and how long IVAs had been around for. x

They've been round since 1986 I think - previous to that there was different legislation.

It was originally aimed at businesses but thank goodness they let us lesser mortals do one!

I think the forum helps me discuss my IVA which is not easy to do with others and there is always someone to give good advice and support. x

First I ever heard of an IVA was in 2006 with the TV adverts we were constantly bombarded with!

I know two people who were in IVA's who were self-employed and I worked with at one point, they openly spoke about them but at that time I just wasn't interested. x

Before I had bucked up the courage to admit I was in a pickle and sought help I had never heard of an IVA, I believed that BR was my only route out of the mess. Once I had spoken to someone at B & E and found how supportive and knowledgeable they were I had a feeling that all was going to be sorted. Once I found this forum I fully realised what an IVA involved (not as scary as I thought) and how many other 'normal' people swim the same sea as I. The forum, and those who frequent, it have given me a release as other than my wife no one in my family or circle of friends know my financial situation

I first new about IVA's 7/8 years ago and think I am right in saying that at that time you had to be employed for the 5 year duration. I discarded the idea because I wanted to retire at 60 (2 years away) I just carried on paying the min payment for the next 7 years!!!!!When I checked the internet and found this forum last year was amazed to see that it might be possible, as long as I had some sort of income, even pensions. Now I could kick myself I didn't do it sooner, but it gave me such a fright that I realised that I could live quite happily within a budget.

My family knew I was in a bit of a pickle , but I dont think they understood how I was feeling about the whole situation I was really depressed and felt that there was never going to be an end to this , so I have recently told them the full story and my parents have been sympathetic towards me. But my brother and sister who are both financially comfortable have offered me no support what so ever they have more or less stated that it is my fault I am in this situation.

My parents know absolutely nothing about our financial situation and I have no intentions of them ever finding out. I think it would kill them.

Mine too-they have always scrimped and saved for everything and Im supposed to be the sensible one (only girl).

I'm an only child and am supposed to have learned from their frugal ways. Didn't quite work out that way!