IVAs can seem like a great way to manage your finances, but you need to be aware of how they can negatively affect you and your personal and professional life as well as your credit score before signing up for one. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make sure an IVA doesn’t cause permanent damage to your financial record, so if you’re wondering are IVAs bad? here’s what you need to know.
What is an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)?
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a legal agreement between you and your creditors to pay off your debts over a set period of time – usually five years. Your payments will be based on what you can afford, and any surplus income will go towards paying off your debts. Once the IVA is agreed upon, it will be recorded on the IVA register.
When does it make sense to go for IVA?
An IVA makes sense when you’re struggling to make ends meet and you can’t seem to get ahead financially, no matter how hard you try. If you’re considering an IVA, it’s important to understand that it will have a negative impact on your credit score and will be recorded on the IVA register. However, if managed well, an IVA can help you get your finances back on track and give you some breathing room. Here are seven things you need to know about IVAs before making a decision
What happens during the process of Individual Voluntary Arrangement?
The first thing that happens is that your details are put on the IVA register, which is a public record. This means that anyone who checks your credit score will be able to see that you have an IVA.
Your creditors will also be notified of your IVA. They’ll be given a chance to object to the arrangement, but if they don’t, then they’ll be bound by the terms of the IVA.
During the IVA, you’ll make monthly payments to a ‘nominee’, who will then distribute the money among your creditors. The payments are usually made for a period of five years, although this can be extended if necessary.
How long does it take to complete an Individual Voluntary Arrangement?
An IVA typically lasts for five years, during which time you’ll make monthly payments to your creditors. In order to successfully complete an IVA, you must stick to the repayment plan and make all of your payments on time. If you miss a payment or default on your IVA, it could be extended by up to two years.
What will happen at the end of the Individual Voluntary Arrangement procedure?
At the end of an IVA, any remaining debt included in the arrangement is written off. This means that you will no longer be liable for repaying this debt, and it will not show up on your credit file. However, it is worth noting that the creditors may still take legal action against you if they believe that you have the means to repay the debt.
Disadvantages of an IVA
An IVA can negatively affect your personal and professional life in a number of ways. For one, it can make it difficult to obtain new lines of credit, as your credit score will take a hit. Additionally, an IVA can be stressful and time-consuming to manage, as you’ll have to stick to a strict budget and make regular payments to your creditors. Plus, if you miss a payment or default on your agreement, your assets could be seized.
Advantages of an IVA
An IVA can give you a fresh start by consolidating your debts into one manageable monthly payment. It can also help protect your assets, like your home or car, from being repossessed. And, if you stick to the terms of your agreement, an IVA can help improve your credit score over time. Moreover, it helps you debt write off to a significant extent.
You can learn more about IVA and other debt-related stuff on Monemyst.
