I'm worried and scared !

elona

Don't forget charity shops - especially local ones - you can get kids books and jigsaws etc for 30p and you are supporting a good cause.

oops_a_daisy

Hi easypeasy - welcome to the DFW threads :grouphug: you will get some good advice and support here. Also look at the Old Style Threads for money saving on grocery and household stuff. All the best and good luck

In_Search_Of_Me

Hi and welcome! Good news that you are tackling things but make sure that you're not dealing with sharks..there are free services available (CAB; CCS & I think the other is payplan - can someone verify?). Looking at what you've said so far there are some practical things you can do...post a statement of affairs (known as SOA) which lists income outgoings; start using a diary of what you spend each day (works for me & I'm much more concious now); be honest about your sitution - open that pild of post - its less scary (i promise!) when you know whats what rather than worrying about whats what; put stuff on ebay (I've made over 100 in the last week) & save money wherever you can...big hug from me! You will find most people very supportive (with the exception of a judgemental few) & will get lots of advice ...one thing I have found really helpful is to take it a day at a time..I set myself tasks for each day in the early days (mind you still only 2 months down the line!!) which helped to make the situation emotionally & practically more manageable...

easypeasy_2

Thanks Fishface. We are going through Debt Free Direct for our IVA. Although we are not paying them anything up front, they will obviously take their fees out of the IVA payment, but to be honest I think that only affects the amount the creditors get and not us.

domestic_goddess

i know what you are going through. I went thru a stage where i dreaded coming home from work and opening the post cos I knew there would be missed payments or charges for something or other.

I know it wont sort out your immediate problems but did you know you could reclaim back any bank charges for the past six years, as these have now been deemed unfair penalties. Not only would this help you financially but like me it will also give you something to focus on.

check out https://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk they can help you with a step by step guide on how to do this.

I also have two young kids and am sorting things out for their sake, its not easy but I am getting there. Check out the money saving old style for more tips on how to save further on you shopping.

Good luck

southernscouser

Hey EP and welcome to MSE! :hello:

IF the IVA isn't accepted by the creditors have you heard of or considered a debt management plan?

If I was you I would phone Payplan or The CCCS. They are both registered charities and don't charge you anything for their services. You will also fond that the creditors are more likely to come to an agreement with them aswell!

If you post a full SOA maybe we can help you fond some savings. Have a look at this thread for a guide.

james32_uk

Good news is that assuming you havent paid anything upfront to Debt Free Direct then they think you have a very good chance of getting it accepted as it will be costing them money to set it up for you. If your IVA fails then they will try to put it on hold for a week and do everything they can to muster up enough support from your creditors to get it through.