IVA help can be found online with a specialist debt website

If you feel debt mounting up to the point when you can no longer cope then it is time to do something about it. One way of dealing with debt and getting back on top of your life by freeing yourself from financial stress is to take out an IVA (or an individual voluntary arrangement as they are called). However, you have to know the ins and outs and IVA help can be found online with a specialist debt website.

An IVA is a legal and binding document which is controlled by an insolvency practitioner over the length of the agreement. Using this you can make an arrangement to pay off smaller, regular amounts to those who you owe money. Only 75% of your creditors have to agree to your proposal for repayments before going ahead. If some of your creditors do not agree (ie less than a quarter of them) then it can go ahead regardless. An IVA allows you to repay some or all of your non-essential debts such as loans, credit cards or store cards but cannot be used for those debts which are considered essential such as a mortgage.

The downside to taking out an individual voluntary arrangement is that they can be expensive, so do shop around for debt management companies to see who offers what and at what cost. The majority of the time you will be asked to pay a fee upfront and if money is tight as is usually the case when in debt this can put even more strain on you. You also have to be sure that you can continue repaying the agreement because if not, then you could be made bankrupt.

It is essential that you do get IVA help when considering taking this option as a means to get out of debt as it is a legal document that you will be signing. So take advice and get information from a specialist debt website beforehand.

Best time to call you

"Initially I applied for a loan to consolidate my debts. However, after speaking to one of your advisors, it became clear that a far better solution would be to go on one of your financial management plans...

Everything was made so simple and the continual support and advice you have provided from my initial enquiry and whilst on my financial management plan has resulted in my debts nearly being clear now! I can't thank you enough for your help."

Janet N, Birmingham