www.iva.co.uk

Hi all - now back from returning my niece and nephew to their parents!
I now feel very sorry for people in an IVA who have children. It is so expensive in the summer holidays. Even a trip to the beach isn't so cheap is it?
I suppose the answer is to put a little bit away every month during the year but boy am I glad they've gone back and I can be frugal again!![:)]

It certainly isn't. Gemma who writes our blogs is currently looking into what people are doing this summer and how they are funding the activities. A recent story said that a number of people would be funding the holidays by obtaining credit!

We are fortunate that our "main" holiday is spent with relatives in the South of France, and with careful timing the flights aren't too expensive. Other than that our littl 'un is quite happy with a couple of hours at the local park --- as long as he gets a chocolate lolly he is happy. (Oh .. to be 5 again!).

Kassa it sure is difficult. I haven't yet started my IVA, but am already finding it hard. My daughter is 13 so has some understanding of our situation. Even so, she still asks for things that I cannot afford. Trouble was, before, I just used to say yes a lot of the time and put it on the credit card or overdraft. It's going to be a learning curve for the both of us.

[:)]

It doesn't suprise me Nick. While I stood patiently in queues with my cash to get into various places it was evident everyone in front of me was using a card (whther debit or credit I don't know but I think I know the answer). We did take picnics to the beach but even ice creams soon add up.

Totally agree! With having the dilemma of the car, having to take a payment break & catch up, this is turning out to be a really rubbish holiday for my 2, and the weather is not helping!

I empathise with people with young children, my youngest is 17 and does a part-time job alongside her studies so can fund most of her activities herself and can understand why I can't thelp her but the young ones don't understand.

I can't even imagine! We don't have children, but actually had our first day off/out in ages the other day, a small treat after closing my business, it cost far too much, and of course the price of petrol doesn't help. How did I fund it? Well lets just say I was extra frugal last month on food so I could have a day out when I closed my business, I enjoyed it all the more for it!

Am I able to put a link to the blog as she is doing a survey and to find out what people are doing this summer?

we have two girls, and it breaks my heart to say 'no' to them, the eldest one is only 6 and turns round and says: 'can I have some more hairbands today mummy, or haven't you got enough money today'. Only 1 and a bit more years to go and I can buy her everything she wants! well obviously within reason!

Not sure about that Nick - email Andy and ask him.

Just had to say no to both of ours in a gift shop. Then they spied a ball you pass to each other (full of water, which 'explodes' if you are not careful) in a supermarket on the way home. I spotted it was half price

So all is well again.

Yep, it is tough. They are 7 and 9.

We feel soooo guilty our two 8 & 4 go without so much more than their friends [:(] They are into their 4th week off and haven't been any further than the park. All my sons friends have been to soccer school etc and im running out of excuses to why he cant go.

It hasn't helped that my work has missed paying me my unsocial hours payment of approx £250 this month and my hubby had been off sick due to a fractured pelvis and has had reduced pay......all in all we are around £800 down this month so ALL our bit of savings (xmas/birthday etc) money has been wiped out, we still have 2 weeks to payday with £46 left[:(!]

Roll on the 23rd......I have promised them a day out after pay day.

kaza, what a tough time you're having, hope you all enjoy the day out on the 23rd. x

Thanks Lesley......Im sure we will we are going to Drayton Manor.....tesco clubcard points are life savers so as soon as we are paid (and can afford the petrol and ice creams) we are off [:D]