If you are thinking about an IVA, one of the most important things you need to do is to be open and honest with your IVA provider. You absolutely need to lay all your financial cards on the table – be open about how much money you owe, how much money you earn and how much money you can realistically pay back every month, according to the terms of your IVA.

Being open and honest about money is actually a huge stumbling block for lots of people. According to research published by the FSA, which is the financial watchdog for the UK, up to 74% of married people said that ‘money worries’ was the single hardest thing to discuss with their spouse.

Perhaps you feel guilty about overspending? Perhaps you have been telling little white lies about how much that new dress cost? Or how much you lost on that horse at the Grand National?

The best advice for couples in debt is that it’s time to face up to what you owe, tell the truth and be open with your partner. Tell yourself – the honesty starts today!