there is an end!

2012….well how time is flying 48th payment gone now that can only mean one thing………we are in the last year! I’m going to complete a single figure countdown very soon. I’ve just sent off the requested documentation for the 4th year review, which also leaves me with getting re-mortgaged and those dreaded refusals (don’t like people saying no to me!). However I do feel there is 5K or less equity within my property so not sure of the process but will contact Melanie once 4th year review is complete for guidance. It’s been a rocky road and I just hope these last month’s go smoothly. I have to say having Melanie has my IP has been a godsend along with the forum without either of these I don’t think my IVA would have got off the starting block.

Well I’m officially 50 now! I had a lovely birthday just me and hubby in Gran Canaria, felt a bit selfish if I’m honest but they paid for it so I enjoyed it. They did treat me when I came back too which was too much but bless em they’re good kids at heart.

Hubby is going for steroid injections in his hands next week to try and alleviate the symptoms of his carpal tunnel as the op will be some weeks away yet. He has requested they operate on both together or just the worst one as he can’t afford time off work and will use his annual leave to recuperate or we’ll be living on SSP and it’s just not possible.

A-levels for daughter – not going well bless her! She is extremely stressed and putting far too much pressure on herself…..over tomorrow until June and boy I can’t wait! She is a good girl and a capable girl but she doesn’t cope with pressure well! She deserves a treat and will get one with first IVA amount after completion!

My first assignment for my degree went well and wasn’t referred ‘hooray’, second assignment due in on March 23rd along with a lot of other training I have to do for my Safeguarding Champion position and Level 4 IT qualifications….honest I’ve no idea why I take so much on but it keeps me busy and out of mischief could be a good enough reason!

New blogs and new posters always welcome as I do like reading the blogs (nosey that I am!) and I’ve gained a few new friends on Facebook always great to put a face to the name.

Right back to work I go and look forwarding to reading the blogs of others and continuing to post on the forum when my schedule allows.

Another year coming to a close, where does the time go? Soon be my 4th review, I’ll have made 48 payments at the end of this month and I’ll be counting down in single figures by March 2012! By this time next year I keep telling myself it will be done. I can remember saying that when I was in debt, there was always going to be something around the corner to remedy the situation, however, in reality all that was around the corner was more debt! This time debt freedom is definitely around the corner. Next year is the year I’ll get my mortgage rejections and hopefully find out if my IVA is concluding at month 60 or carrying on for another 12 payments in lieu of equity. Obviously I want it to conclude but if it doesn’t and I have to pay 12 more payments then so be it, I’ve come this far. Looking back it’s been a journey of ups and downs but one that will hopefully have taught me a valuable lesson.

Daughter passed her test on the second attempt, she was over the moon, she’s paying to be on our insurance until March but to be fair it’s not worth it as she hardly ever drives and she never takes the car out on her own. I’m guessing we will cancel it and she’ll then have more money to get ready for university! She applied to five universities and got five offers (conditional). Two from Manchester so I’m guessing it’s pretty much a certainty she’s going to Manchester. I feel happy she’ll go to Manchester as my family are there and there will always be someone there should she need them. I’m going to miss her like crazy as we really are good friends as well as Mother and Daughter. Skype, Facebook etc., will certainly come into play within our house when she’s gone .

My degree is going ok, it’s only one term in but assignments all done and handed in on time, not been referred yet so I’m guessing it’s good news as I was told we’d have them back before Christmas if it was a referral. I’m sure it gets a bit more tricky from here but hopefully I’ll be able to still devote some of my time to the forum as I do enjoy my time on there.

Hubby has a diagnosis for his constant pins and needles and it’s not connected in any way to his recent accident in the workplace, he has carpal tunnel syndrome and needs an operation on both wrists. In a way it’s a good diagnosis but as he doesn’t get paid if he doesn’t work so I’ll have to contact Melanie when we have a date, he’s going back in the New Year and I’m sure then he’ll get a date, I would like them to do both together as it’s only one time off without pay, not sure how practical that will be though as it will leave him incapacitated for a while and I’m not a good nursemaid!

Frugal friends meet in Northampton was a success, I enjoyed it and made a good friend in Luluj, it was good to see everyone again and meet new people. Looking forward to the next meeting already. The food wasn’t 100% for some people but I found it ok, don’t complain if I don’t pay, I’ll leave that for the person who did pay if they want to. I was just grateful of the opportunity for a weekend away and to be in the company of people where I don’t have to pretend. My sister-in-law is coming around over Christmas and my bathroom is still in the same state it was when she came two years ago, that sort of thing bothers me but I don’t have cash to decorate it at all, that’s my priority when IVA is finished not now. She doesn’t know about the IVA and I won’t be telling her but will make some story up about why the bathroom is still not decorated again! Hence why I like the Frugal friends meetings as I can be myself and not worry about being invited or committing myself to something that I know I can’t afford.

Well Christmas is almost upon us and I’m ready. , All Christmas preparations and shopping completed on a frugal budget and everyone has a gift. Once Christmas is over we’ll be looking forward to our holiday in Gran Canaria, my children all clubbed together (4 of them) and surprised me with 11 nights in a hotel, they know how much I love Gran Canaria. I am looking forward to it and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to chill out and come back 50! My youngest (18) arranged this with her siblings, she is the only one who knows all about the IVA and knows I didn’t want any fuss with posters or banners and a party was a definite NO NO, so to get me out of the country was ideal!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

She passed!

Missed October’s update – time flying by again……

Where am I now? 47 payments gone (end of the month) and NO yes I repeat NO arrears, I’ve finally done it, I’ve finally caught up! Oh please don’t let me have jinxed that by writing it as I would love the last 13 payments to come out of my bank smoothly!

Review time in February and I’m hoping that goes smoothly obviously and then I guess we’ll be talking about getting re-mortgaged etc., I doubt there’s much if any equity to be fair in the property but time will tell on that one, January 2013 should be our last payment if we don’t have equity.

Frugal Friends in Northampton in three weeks, really looking forward to this and to date the weather is very mild for the time of year so please stay kind to us. Got my dress and wearing some boots I’ve had a while just need my new tights, not often I get the chance to dress up a bit these days!

Degree course within my workplace associated with Huddersfield University is going well I am enjoying the challenge of working and studying and that is probably the best way to put it! No idea why I put myself forward for these things but I guess I like a challenge you could say. I only have to complete two years of the course as the first year is covered by a previous qualification I hold. IVA will be finished before the degree so if I achieve as I would like to then I will celebrate both successes in one.

Hubby had a nasty accident in the workplace but his employers were fair in paying him for time off so it hasn’t affected our IVA payment, initially they weren’t sure they were going to but in the end they came good. He’s had his stitches, staples etc., out now and is on the mend, I love having a house husband I have to say. He was very lucky as it could have been worse.

Daughter failed her driving test, I’ve not put it on the forum as she was devastated this is the girl who fails nothing……welcome to the real world……I don’t say that to be horrible I say it to make her realise you can’t be excellent at everything only good at some things. She has another booked and hasn’t told anyone she failed one but will tell them when she passes as she won’t lie. Her Grandma gave her money for her 18th and she is using this now to fund her driving. Fingers crossed she passes this second time. She’s had her week in Manchester too and had an excellent time. Her university application has gone and now she sits and waits to see if she gets offers…….busy time for all in our household.

Not a lot to say about my IVA it continues to run and I remain in contact with Melanie in respect of husband’s job etc.; anybody entering an IVA do read all of my blog as it’s certainly not been a smooth journey but the support and advice from a good IP is vital and that way you can work and move forward to satisfactory conclusion for all.

Looking forward to reading the update of others as I enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing mine.

Until next month take care xx

Well another payment has gone since my last update we’re now 45 gone and 15 to go, won’t be long before I’m in single figures………….next year is the year to get the remortgage refusals and if I’m honest I’m not looking forward to that part of the process but I know it’s necessary!

Christmas is fast approaching and I’m trying to make a list of who wants what and how I’m going to pay for it…..vouchers help and I think I’ll survive again. Still looking forward to the Frugal Friends do – hope I’m going to meet some new friends and some I’ve also met before, do come along you’ll be made very welcome and we don’t talk debt all night….well unless you want to but I doubt you would!

Hubby is luckily still working with his bosses, he’s taking it week by week and to me every week is a bonus, he’s travelling a lot to get to the work that they’ve found for him but at least it’s work and he’s getting paid.

After Christmas I’ll be looking forward to my holiday that the children have gifted me for my 50th birthday, I know Kallis is on holiday now and I am a little envious but have mine to look forward to, hope she’s having a great time!

Well daughter has her practical driving test booked and I’ll update once she’s taken it…she doesn’t want anyone to know when it is so I’m not going to say when it is but if she doesn’t pass she’s going to stop driving and recommence in the new year as she needs her money for Christmas, this is when as a parent I feel bad as I can’t help her continue to learn to drive. One day I will treat her to what she deserves as she is the one who has been the most patient and understanding in respect of this IVA. My car itself had a blip last week, driving off, big puddle of oil…..panic…got no money. Called son in law who is very handy and he said the oil filter is loose, phoned garage who serviced it and they have remedied it straightaway and best of all free of charge! What great customer service and they will be getting my business again next year.

Back to daughter and she’s got the predicted A level grades she needs to apply to Manchester…this would be her first choice and requires and AAB to gain entry. She’s busy at the minute writing her personal statement, something I’ve never done myself but it all sounds good when I read it! I’ve just been accepted on a degree course but I won’t have to pay a penny as my work (a college) is running the course alongside Huddersfield University. I’ll be 51 when I achieve the degree (note when and not if!) but I’ll have done it and I’ve been wanting to do this for a while! I start next Wednesday and only found out today. I will have to do this alongside my job and my posting on the forum etc., I’m also currently working towards a Level 4 IT qualification, an NVQ in Customer Care (for my reception role) and a safeguarding course as I’m the safeguarding officer for the college I work in, so busy busy busy…that’s me!

Now to end the September update on a very happy and perfectly positive note! The twins aren’t going to live in Cyprus! They’re going to live in Pirbright next March, his posting has changed so all those months of worry…..well less said!

Until next time xx

August 2011

Another month in – 44 payments down 16 to go, I really am getting there! Still have £45 arrears and am working hard to sort these and will ensure they’re sorted before January as 4th year review in February!

Bit of a potential obstacle put in our way this week, there is only hubby and his two bosses left where he works, last Friday the remaining workforce was made redundant! Not good for them, lucky for hubby to be kept on but it’s inevitable he’s next…………………but when?? His bosses have assured him they need him as much as he needs them but they’re hardly going to say anything else are they…until they make him redundant!

Anyway onward and upward as it’s not happened yet so stay focussed and positive!

My wonderful children and I have four of them have clubbed together and booked me into a spa hotel in Gran Canaria for 11 nights in January and whilst I’m there I will celebrate my 50th birthday! Wow! I was amazed, I went to Gran Canaria courtesy of Mother in Law the other year (budget hotel) and kept going on about this hotel (which they’ve booked) being the best in Puerto Rico etc., Bit tricky with work as I don’t return from Christmas break until January 3rd and we fly January 5th but it’s sorted apparently as sneakily they’ve been in touch with my Manager! I am so grateful to them oh and I get to take hubby along so I won’t be alone celebrating!

Frugal Friends Christmas function is in Northampton and we weren’t originally going thinking it would be too far away but now the location is disclosed we’ve decided to go as it’s only an hour up the road, Travelodge booked! See you there! Do come along as these functions are so good and very generously sponsored by Melanie Giles.

No further news on my darling grandtwins going to live in Cyprus, every time I pick them up I dread her saying we’re going on this date but so far it’s not happened.

Daughter passed her theory test with flying colours and is now working towards her practical test! May be a few weeks away as from what she tells me she’s not a natural driver! My car passed the MOT – went straight through, serviced now for another year, tax end of January so hopefully smooth driving for this year.

AS level results out last week and she did ok, she was hoping for a higher grade in Psychology as she’s definitely decided to complete a Psychology degree and not pursue the Veterinary Medicine course any further. A A B B were her grades and she now needs to drop one and work those up to AAB to be able to go to Manchester to study Psychology/German. Time on that will tell!

Luckily the above entry was retrieved from my deleted items! Do all save your posts into the blogs to avoid any updates being deleted. I did originally think I had lost this then remembered I’d written it at work and emailed it to myself at home to upload.

I will add a little bit now as it’s the grandtwins birthday on Tuesday but we’ll see them tomorrow. I’ve a voucher put away with their name on it to buy a tricycle for them to use at my house. Can’t believe they’re going to be two, how time flies!

Another update, now where did June go???

A quick update and then we’ll see what’s happening in the world of ‘Lesley’.

IVA arrears are £45, I am so happy and they’ve been confirmed via email directly by my IP so I have no reason to dispute them.  I can’t afford to pay them this month but do hope to have them out of the way August/September for a fresh start. 

Next Saturday I have my brother’s wedding, never have I been so frugal in the wedding planning stakes…..I’ve got my dress it’s a bit plain but I’m chucking fuchsia pink accessories with it and that’ll liven it up!  Hubby already had his suite/shirt tie etc. and daughters bought her own.  I’ve got to do a reading and my brother loves my choice of reading which is aimed at him.  I’m almost 50 he’s 32 and very successful, what would he think of me if he knew about my IVA???? Who knows!   He is getting married in a strange venue the Science and Industry Museum – I’ll let you know how it goes!   My corsage has been made from a fascinator courtesy of my daughter and a good job she’s made of that even if I do say so myself.

Our ages are quite different, but
We’re siblings nonetheless,
And on your wedding day I feel
A strong, bright tenderness.

There is a hollow in my heart
That you will always fill.
No matter who or where you are,
Your place remains there still.

And now, though you begin anew,
A husband with a wife,
Know my pride and hope and love
Are yours throughout your life.

The twins aren’t going to live in Cyrpus now until October/November according to their Mother so we’ve an extra month or two with them, we’re having them a lot lately and if I think too much I can get upset but I try not to wallow in self-pity, they’ll be happy over there and it will be a great opportunity for them, I just need to convince myself!

Daughter’s driving – I think we’re making some progress the theory test is booked, we now have good lessons and bad lessons not all bad, so that is surely improvement??   We’ve also been looking at universities and courses.  We doubled looking at Manchester with a trip to see the family, I like this Uni, it felt like home and she looked at Psychology with German as a degree here and I liked the sound of that  as she is talented with language and although she doesn’t want to do a degree in German it would continue her vocabulary very  nicely.  We also looked at Loughborough, pure Psychology, this was ok but I didn’t feel as au fait with it as I did Manchester.  If only I could have captured the moment she saw the halls, I’m not too sure what she was expecting but it certainly wasn’t what she was seeing bless her! She really will have to give up the ‘nice’ bedroom!  AS results 18th August, looking forward to them, if they’re the right ones, she’ll be applying for a Veterinary Medicine Course at Nottingham University, this is what she really wants to do but it’s all grade dependant and work experience dependant.  She’s got herself placements at kennels, stables and a cattery but vets won’t entertain her which is a shame as she’d be a good asset in any practice and it’d be good for her personal statement.  Fingers crossed she gets the right results and predicted grades for A2′s.  Either way she’ll go to uni be it for Psychology or for Veterinary Medicine, Vet Nurse she is also interested in and is investigating the entry requirements for this too.   The medicine is so competitive I’m not holding out much on that one but will encourage her to apply as long as it’s what she wants to do but she does live in the real world and although she’s academic enough knows it’s unlikely she’ll be chosen for one of the 25 places!  

Car in for MOT and service next Monday….fingers crossed again for a positive day. It’s nice to have the money to do this now, I put all the money for car servicing, tax, mot away and when they’re due it’s nice not to have to think where is that money coming from? 

I’m still enjoying the forum, the IVA is running as smooth as it can do.  The art of budgeting is getting better.  I’ve now paid 44 payments into my IVA, 16 left if it runs to 60!! Time really has flown and for anyone just starting out, take it one month at a time. It’s how I deal with it and I don’t personally find it too bad, my worst year was my first year (see previous blog entries).

I missed the summer meeting at Jan’s house which was a shame but could not warrant spending the money to get there, I’ll also be missing the Christmas one as it’s my 50^th in January and my children are whisking me away but I’ve no idea where, I’ve got the dates to book my holiday at work now so I’m guessing it’s abroad for 11 nights –I’m sure they wouldn’t send me to England for 11 nights in January – or would they?? Watch this space!

Here is my update, let’s think what’s been happening in the world of Lesley? IVA wise not a lot, we’re still paying and just sorting out an exact figure with my IP in respect of the arrears and then I hope to find a way forward to pay these off.  Due to some confusion in the amounts listed on my 3rd review I’m a little concerned but my IP says it’s nothing to be concerned about and they’re working on it as I type…hopefully by my next update I should have it sorted (fingers crossed).

In the personal world of Lesley, things aren’t too good, all healthy but this week we’ve been told my beautiful grandtwins are going to live in Cyrpus with their Mummy and her new partner, my son is devastated as I am, but there is nothing we can do apart from accept it and work around it to make sure we have contact with these beautiful little boys who are a huge part of our life.  My son has already said he will pay to rent a villa next year and fingers crossed we can afford flights and we hope to spend a fortnight with them.  They will return to England as they have other family here so let’s hope this works for all of us.  It’s not going to happen until September time so we have time to adjust but come September/October boy is this going to be a hard time.

I hope everyone else is well and the forum is continuing to grow and offer that much needed support/advice to posters, I enjoy the forum and visiting it daily and can’t imagine not being a part of it.   Wonderful friends made and some of us are friends now off-forum on Facebook.

Daughter has started driving lessons, according to her it’s going horrendously, not sure that’s true as she always says she’s rubbish at anything so I guess time will tell!  Luckily she has a lovely little job, she is a receptionist in an opticians on a Saturday and for the same company she cleans twice a week so is on a nice little wage so can afford to fund her lessons.  I do feel a little guilty not being able to help as I did help the other three, but she is the only one who knows I’m in an IVA so she does understand and one day I plan on making things up to her.

Until next month, let’s all stay healthy and live frugally.

Two posts in a month…..well just an update on the earlier one.

Daughter isn’t going to Uganda, we had to be sensible and I think it would have impacted too much on her studies raising all that cash and there was no way I could have helped her, although it upsets me and her we know it’s the right decision.

Secondly I got my job! I’m now teaching for 10 hours a week and being a receptionist for 21 hours per week!  Wasn’t a good interview and have asked for feedback but to date received none.  I’m not overly convinced the 10 hours tutoring will stay when the full-time curriculum takes over in September but time will tell on that one, hope I’m wrong!  You would think I’m looking forward to teaching and being a receptionist in a brand new college but I’m not, I’ve always loved my job and thought even if I won the lottery I’d carry on, now I can’t wait to leave basically, how times change.  I’m going to start looking for something else although I do realise this isn’t the best climate for job change and I’m afraid I’m too old for a career change.

I’ll keep it short and sweet as it’s just an update but hopefully my April update may have good news about my review fingers crossed for me!

Well here we are March 17th and not blogged since December 20th….tut tut I must do better!

Daughter continues to make me very proud so we’ll start on a positive note, she’s been placed on the gifted and talented list for Ethics and Philosophy, through this IVA she’s been my rock and in my times of woe she keeps me going and I’m extremely proud of her.  AS level modular results gave her an A and a B so again the girl done good!

This week we went to a meeting for her to join the World Challenge 2012 whereby they go to Uganda and help in the local community in a variety of ways,  £3,395 is the price for a 3 week trip, the video was amazing and I’m sure it’s life changing for the students to go, 80% of the trip cost should be raised via fund raising and 20% can be donated from family and friends, it breaks my heart to say I can’t help but she does truly understand.  To be honest I don’t see how she can raise the money either, she works every Saturday – studies every Sunday and every week night as she’s very dedicated to her studies.  There will be other opportunities I’ve told her and she is happy but it doesn’t make me happy that she can’t even have the chance. However, if we pay the £100 deposit then it’s basically like a holiday and you lose a lot of money unless it’s a medical reason you’re unable to go, so might be best left this year.

My job is going through a restructure and today I’m up early very early as in 4.15am to prepare for an interview that I’m going to at 11am to keep my own job basically! First hour of the interview is the formal interview, followed by an unseen task….can’t wait! I just keep thinking by lunch time it will be over! Wish me luck as I need to keep my job!

Expensive year this year and I can’t afford to go to the Frugal Friends meeting at Jan’s house nor will I go to the Christmas event this year.  In July I have my brothers wedding to go to, he’s  a successful young man and is getting married in a museum so a different location and he’s asked me to do a reading, this week we’ve received the most beautiful invitation and they have their own website in respect of the wedding and it’s all so beautiful, so proud of where he’s come from and what he’s doing now. He has no idea of my problems and as a family here we’re going to club together for a present so it looks that bit more and hopefully my financial difficulties will go unnoticed to him as there is no way I can disappoint him that his older sister has messed up albeit doing her best to remedy the situation.

Going through the 3rd review at the minute and just collating some paperwork and awaiting my Council Tax Notice to arrive to send off and hopefully that will conclude successfully.

Continue to converse with forum members on and off the forum, I have a great group of friends who do understand my position financially and don’t have to have the pretence of my work/family life which is a great relief to log on at night and be myself.

New forum Mentors been enrolled recently and welcomed by all, it’s such a great community to be part of and I can’t imagine my life without it, it’s certainly helped me cope with the ups and downs of my IVA.

Right a little bit of research for my interview which is competency based so watch this space I’ll let you know how I get on in my next update to the world of Lesley!