After 5 years, we have now finished our IVA and I can’t tell you how good it feels. It’s like a weight has been lifted from our shoulders, and I’m so glad that we took this option rather than bankcruptcy. We kept to the agreement, not missing any payments even when my husband lost his job - and it was well worth it. All I’m waiting for now is the certificate to say it’s done and dusted. I will never ever get myself into that situation again. I doubt I will even think about having a credit card let alone having the nerve to apply for one. From now on if I want something, I will be SAVING for it. To anyone who just going into this, good luck, you won’t regret it.