Latest Articles
Lump sum IVA’s in times of Covid
Clearly offering a lump sum as a Full & Final IVA is not an option for many of us. If we had a lump sum then we may have already used it towards our debts. But st... Read more
Lump sum IVA’s – the pros and cons
The advantages of a Full & Final IVA over against a more normal fixed length of monthly payments IVA are fairly obvious. The 5 or 6 year IVA involves tight bu... Read more
Lump sum IVA's - a personal story
A Full and Final IVA – Jane’s story Jane explained that she had been struggling with debt since her late teenage years over 10 years ago. Overspending whe... Read more
What is a fast track IVA?
The assumption often is that the IVA’s are fixed in length (usually 5 years) and based on affordable monthly payments. But there is a different sort of IVA that is based... Read more
IVA life stories - when an IVA may be a mistake
Graeme did all the right things with regard to his debt. He researched options. He spoke to 3 different companies and didn’t allow himself to be pr... Read more
IVA life stories - starting a family
The arrival of Hannah was meant to be one of the happiest events in Felicity and her partner’s lives. And indeed it was. However, Felicity on sharing her stor... Read more
IVA life stories - facing the facts
Looking back, Brian was unsure why he had been so reluctant to admit there was a problem with debt. All debts were paid on time, and because his outstanding credit r... Read more
IVA life stories - Full & Final
Jane explained that she had been struggling with debt since her late teenage years over 10 years ago. Overspending when she first was offered credit led to pat of her in... Read more
Post IVA questions - looking towards a mortgage
One of the motivations for some people starting an IVA, is to deal with their debt, improve their credit rating and finally make a start on the property... Read more
Post IVA questions - learning to save again
One of the main reasons people get into debt in the first place is that we have no emergency fund. When something essential goes wrong (boiler, car necessary... Read more
Post IVA questions - should I rebuild my credit rating?
For many, once the IVA is successfully completed they vow never to touch credit again. They speak of lessons learned and look back on the dark da... Read more
Post IVA questions - what if my IVA fails?
A surprisingly large number of IVA’s do fail before completion. Sometimes this is the fault of the debtor. They failed to disclose vital information abo... Read more
An IVA whilst on furlough
With millions now on furlough the question is being asked, can an IVA still be for me? And the short answer is yes it might be. We may be receiving help from creditors or help... Read more
An IVA when made redundant
Fundamental to applying for an IVA is evidence of income. This is usually via payslips for the employed or tax returns/accounts for the self-employed. For those who have lost... Read more
An IVA when separating
One of the sad consequences of lockdown is the deterioration of some relationships. Maybe spending so much time under the same roof exposes and widens cracks in our relationship... Read more
An IVA when self-employed
The self-employed are not immune from debt problems. In fact given the erratic nature of their income, often cash flow problems emerge – bills need paying on time, but i... Read more
Debt matters
The average household is £13,000 in debt (excluding mortgages). The average credit card debt is £2504 according to the Money Charity (March 2017). If we’re fortunate enou... Read more
Could an IVA be the answer?
One of the serious consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic is that more and more people are going to find themselves in serious debt. Not that personal debt and insolvency was... Read more
What can I do about my IVA during lockdown?
The key information recently provided by the Insolvency Service suggests that help is on hand for those struggling with IVA payments during the current Coron... Read more
Can I still apply for an IVA in lockdown?
The Insolvency Service has just issued guidelines on the impact of the Coronavrus and those looking at IVA's (or other insolvency debt solutions). Contrary to... Read more
Coronavirus and the future
It feels like we are existing in a bubble at present with isolations, lockdowns and everywhere closed. Some have speculated that coming out of this crisis, whenever that shou... Read more
Coronavirus and my IVA
The coronavirus is creating plenty of problems for everyone – not least those in IVA’s. If you find yourself in a position where you can’t make your regular IVA... Read more
Coronavirus and my debt
Clearly we are living in unsettling times. Unprecedented lockdown requirements followed by uncertain employment status has led many to seek further financial help. And help in f... Read more
The cost of an IVA
There are always fees involved in an IVA. The Insolvency Practitioner is a professional who needs to be paid. Time and expertise are required in ascertaining the facts of an individ... Read more
Too proud to seek help? A personal story.
My story began several years ago when my wife had to give up work with a serious back complaint, at that time I had one son in university and another son just... Read more
Things I wish I had been taught
Money management should be an essential part of our school curriculum. Thrust out into the world with its bewildering choices and endless opportunities, we need some pre... Read more
My debt - my fault?
There is a perception around that to be in significant debt, there must be some recklessness around. We’ve enjoyed the high life for a few years and its now payback time. And... Read more
The blame game - a personal story
Anxiety, embarrassment and fear – those were the three words that consumed me as I saw my finance situation spiral out of control through no making of my own. &... Read more
Case study - maternity costs
The arrival of Hannah was meant to be one of the happiest events in Felicity and her partner’s lives. And indeed it was. However, Felicity on sharing her story, admit... Read more