IVA compared to Debt Consolidation
Comparing the options of an IVA or Debt Consolidation
We receive a lot of calls and emails from the public asking us to tell them about; "IVA compared to debt consolidation "
Debt consolidation is a loan taken out to pay off debts. Debt consolidation should only be considered if you have enough money left to pay priority and essential expenses An IVA, however is a legal agreement with creditors (usually non-priority creditors) to repay your debts. This could either be in part or in full. The arrangement is negotiated, written up and checked regularly by an independent solicitor or accountant called an Insolvency Practitioner. Not all the creditors have to agree to an IVA as long as the creditors to whom you owe 75% of your debt agree.
In this section of the site the IVA unit will explain an IVA compared to debt consolidation. This will help the public understand the IVA and debt consolidation process better.
IVA compared to debt consolidation
- With debt consolidation you borrow more money to repay your existing debts, compared to an IVA where no further borrowing is incurred.
- Many debt consolidation firms ask for loans to be secured against your home. This means you could lose your home if you don't keep up the payments. Compared to an IVA which is designed to protect your home.
- You will end up with more debt under debt consolidation compared to an IVA where debt is written off.
- You will have to pay interest on your debts with debt consolidation, compared to an IVA where interest is frozen.
- You reduce the capital amount you owe under an IVA, compared to debt consolidation where your debt increases.
- You will be debt free (subject to terms and conditions) after 5 years (normally) in an IVA, compared to debt consolidation where the term may be longer.
- A debt consolidation loan is expensive for people with adverse credit such as CCJs or defaults, compared to an IVA where your credit isn’t judged.
If you wish to discuss the IVA compared to debt consolidation and understand how it can help you please complete the following form or telephone freephone 0800 074 6918.
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IVA Guide
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