How do you choose an IP for an IVA

debtinfo

milliemonster wrote: »

second that, although for some reason mods on here don't like us recommending that site

I think that would be because it is run by IP's who do remove posts critical of members of the site and therefore cannot be said to be unbiased, it is basically a club for IP's rather than an independent site for comparison.

Thats not to say that there are not good ip's on the site because there are. But its a bit like walking into barclays and asking them to recommend the best bank to open an account with.

milliemonster

You see I disagree there Debtinfo, it's not run by IP's but rather was set up by someone who has been through an IVA himself and is now in the debt business, there are IP's on there who are clearly defined as IP's and I would say the advice they give is unbiased and clear on how an IVA works, they don't promote their own companies (they are not alloowed to) and do not promote one debt solution over another, they simply state the facts for the people to make their own minds up.

I have found a lot more incorrect information on MSE regarding debt solutions and IVA's than I have on there (and being 2 years into an IVA I think qualifies me somewhat to know how an IVA works now!)

You could also say that MSE is biased towards always suggesting people speak to CCCS or Payplan, who are funded by creditors, it's interesting to note that the Debt Management Protocol that is coming in next year which all institutions are going to have to abide by when it comes to giving accurate debt management advice is being embraced by all apart from the 'debt charities' whose advice sometimes leaves a lot to be desired (they suggested a 20 year DMP to me)

UpToMyNeckInIt

milliemonster wrote: »

You see I disagree there Debtinfo, it's not run by IP's but rather was set up by someone who has been through an IVA himself and is now in the debt business, there are IP's on there who are clearly defined as IP's and I would say the advice they give is unbiased and clear on how an IVA works, they don't promote their own companies (they are not alloowed to) and do not promote one debt solution over another, they simply state the facts for the people to make their own minds up.

I have found a lot more incorrect information on MSE regarding debt solutions and IVA's than I have on there (and being 2 years into an IVA I think qualifies me somewhat to know how an IVA works now!)

You could also say that MSE is biased towards always suggesting people speak to CCCS or Payplan, who are funded by creditors, it's interesting to note that the Debt Management Protocol that is coming in next year which all institutions are going to have to abide by when it comes to giving accurate debt management advice is being embraced by all apart from the 'debt charities' whose advice sometimes leaves a lot to be desired (they suggested a 20 year DMP to me)

Excellent post milliemonster.

debtinfo

do you not think it odd that some relatively small firms have many reviews but some very large companies have none at all

Gimpsdad

Is it iva.com which is being suggested as being run by IP's, or iva.co.uk? It certainly isn't both, so perhaps a clarification is in order.

UpToMyNeckInIt

It matters not: You will get a much more objective view on IVAs, and other debt management solutions, from either of those sites than anywhere else I've found. (If debtinfo, or anyone else knows of any other totally impartial sources, I'm all ears).

debtfreenewbie

I spoke to severalcompanies before we decided. I was on iva.co.uk for some advise until I realised he was trying to get me to go with him.
I went with netchwood in the end, extremly fast, effecient and he came out miles to see me. Dont agree to the first, it may be time consuming but its worth it.The one I was really keen on didnt do anything and nearly got me in a right mess intil I found netchwood.

Depth_Charge

Hi

Just my take

iva.co.uk has a number of IPs that I would not hesitate in contacting for advice or an opinion.

It is interesting to see that a number of IVA companies / reps on there seem to appear for a while, only then seem to be conspicous by their absense when certain issues and questions are mentioned and asked (some of the larger ones too, that at times have criticised such the CAB for waiting times etc if my memory serves me correct). Then on the other hand you have IPs like Melanie Giles who make themselves available more or less all the time and are not afraid of addressing the issues and answering the questions.

IVAs can be the right solution for some people thats not in question, however this and what happens during an IVA is where the debate can start, but thats for other threads really.

To say that the above mentioned site does not advertise then well, thats a little ridiculous if you ask me.

IVA companies are business's and have to pay their costs and staff wages to survive just like any other, thats obvious.

There does also seem to be a number of threads and posters that are frozen or retired if the wrong questions and points are asked and raised, but having said that the site is very fair & tolerent on other occasions, I suppose that goes for most forums really.

What is interesting with regard to choice on that forum as far as I can see is hardly any poster ever says check out the CAB or other charities for an opinion, unless of course it is clear that they cant make any money out of people or its something 'they dont do'. So some of the posters on here are having their cake and eating it really are they not or maybe they dont want to talk about that aspect.

Also maybe some the IVA people on the other forum would consider popping over here, just for a while maybe at least and join in, oh and perhaps help out the ones that are already here.

Just for the record - my view is that anyone considering an IVA should always get full independent, impartial advice, make sure they absolutely understand the pros, cons & implications for deciding or signing anything.

If they then decide an IVA is appropriate, best to contact a number of companies - 2 or 3 perhaps and compare, preferably those that dont charge up front fees and remember that all IVA companies charge fees.

Like I say, may take on things, that might surprise some of the pro IVA posters on here.

Note - please do not take this post in any way as favouring any individual IVA Company or provider.

debtinfo

Couldn't agree more DC. There are lots of good IP's there, I was just saying that it's not impartial as it is basically a club which is why the mods may not like people redirecting posters there which was the original statement.

For the record I have heard good things about Melanie as well

furrybloke

My opinion is that you should always talk to Payplan & CCCS as the charity advice. See what they suggest, if an IVA then shop round the IP companies, that way you avoid all the sales speak to start with & if you are recommended an IVA you go with who feels the best & if it sounds to good it is, there are always the companies that will say it twill only cost you a pittance to get you to sign up.