First Christmas debt free

2naughtycats

Hi All,

I finished my IVA in January this year a few months early, this will be my first Christmas being debt free in I don't know how long. Looking back I've probably been continuously in debt in one way or another for the last 20yrs:(.

I think from some of the stories on here I've been very lucky, my IP was very good and I was able to complete my IVA without any missed payments. That's not to say that I didn't find it really hard, it's almost like an addiction, when all the cards and loans etc etc are taken away, you then have no choice but to actually live within your means like you’re supposed to!

This has made me learn the true value of money and I am now the complete opposite to how I was, NEVER AGAIN will I take loans or credit cards!! I have budgets and spreadsheets for everything financial, I know exactly what I have coming in and what's going out and when.



Even though I have been made redundant and only have a temp job until next March I have actually saved for Christmas this year, so no spending like a fool in December and then dreading the credit card statement in January!


Sometimes I still feel as though something has gone wrong and I’m going to get letters/calls from creditors say there’s been a mistake and I still owe them money!! I guess being in an IVA does leave its mark.


For those who are still in their IVA’s I just wanted to say ‘hang on’ and there is a BIG BIG shinning light at the end of that tunnel and while I won’t say that ‘it will all be worth it in the end’ (debt is NEVER worth what it really costs). Life being debt free is amazing!

Good luck all

FoggyBrain_2

Well done for hanging in there. Have a great (debt free) Christmas :beer:

live'n'learn

Well done, when we end up either going through an IVA or being Bankrupt at the very least people should learn from any mistakes they have made and plan not to go down that road again!!

J

Southpaw18

what a great story! glad to see there is an end in site for us all! well done and all the best in using the lessons learnt in the future!

cutemum

Well done. I am sure you must feel like a weight has been lifted. I can only imagine you must be feeling so much better this year. I love to hear these stories as I am just trying to finalise my IVA proposal & I hope that in 5 years I too will be helping others see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks and have a good one!!!

katsu

:xmastree:Congratulations, Happy Christmas:xmastree:

FavDaughter1

we're at the very start, great post, a v happy Christmas to you x