Had no probs with the debit card for the cashminder account. Can be used for purchases and at any link cashpoint.
HSBC seem to be a bit slow at realising my direct debits have been stopped and I have withdrawn my wages over the last 5 days. I expect alarm bells will ring when OH wages don't go in on the 15th!!
Trust me kazza - they won't be backward in coming forward when they realise what's going on! They were a nightmare for us!
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Jan - that's what I thought! I remember you saying this. I just skipped to the cashpoint every day and withdrew my daily limit. Every time I expected someone to tap me on my shoulder to ask what I was doing (lol) but all out now so they can sing for money! Egg have stopped ringing at work and so have MINT so I am expecting a collector shortly.
Very disappointing that OH didn't have to pretend to be a gardener last week. Was looking forward to the story as I'm sure you were!!
The other thing that I've derived a perverse pleasure in has been negotiating down all my outgoings.
I've managed to get my mobile contract down to £10.50 a month (Flext 30 on T-Mobile, normally £30/mo), my broadband down from £15/mo to £7.50. I've also reduced my water bill by £5/mo (I was paying for 'run-off' which I don't have) and my contents insurance down from £30/mo to £22. This morning alone I got my electricity DD down from £60/mo to £50/mo with the supplier and my landline line rental down 50% for 6 months.
I've become almost ruthless in carving out unnecessary outgoings.
Last edited by gbenno on Tue May 03, 2011 7:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
gbenno! Great minds think alike. I got my phone upgraded and an excellent package for the next 2 years, my internet reduced by £6 per month and a credit to my account of £100 and a great contents deal. This is all going in my submission to the firm I am using for my IVA just to show I have tried to save money to release more into the IVA pot! It's quite contagious though! Been scanning price in Tescos to make sure I can't get it any cheaper in another store!!lol. Well - won't be able to afford to go out so may as well get another hobby - comparing prices will do for now
I just checked the ratings on a few from the companies that answer queries on here. You can read current reviews from their clients and I picked out a couple that seemed to have worked out good IVA results for people. Have a good scout round on there. Then contact a couple to discuss your circs and you'll get an idea who you want to help you. I emailed initially for a couple of times as I was embarrassed by my situation and when i did speak to them on the phone, they were so helpful and sympathetic I wondered why it took me so long to do something!!
You only have to look at some of the posts on here about some excellent IP's - always available and post on here a lot as well.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
All banks and building societies will do a check on your credit file before they open your account gbenno. They have to "know their customer" before they can open the account. It's to stop money laundering, fraud etc.
It's not the same as a full credit check though it does show up as a search. If you ask for credit facilities on the account then they may well carry out a full check.
We're willing to wipe the slate clean, give you a fresh start. All that we're asking in return is your cooperation.
Nationwide turned us down for a full account point blank and I hadn't asked for any credit at all, yet 90 minutes later I had a full account with Barclays complete with credit card.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
gbenno wrote:
I'll also confess to buying 'essentials' when they're on multi-buy or discount offers. Things like toilet tissue, shower gel and deodorant.
It's not like I'm going to wake up one morning and decide not to wipe my backside or shower...!
I'm just looking at IPs over on iva.com but I'm still not really sure what I'm 'looking for' in an IP? What makes one better than another?
Yep -- my annual shower is Christmas Day ... whether I need it or not [:D] <<kidding>>
As well as the website, gbenno, have a look at the regular expert posters on the forum here ---- you can get a feel for how they do business. To be honest, it would be difficult to choose between them, so speak to a couple and see who you get a "gut feeling" for.
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
To be frank, I'm just very mindful of not making the same mistake I did when I took the 'Together' mortgage. If I could go back in time and stop myself from doing it (though lack of real understanding than anything else), I would.
I don't want to rush into something without having done due diligence on my part.
