Thanks Melanie - Good News (at last)!!!

[pippa]

Hi Douglass

Just wanted to add my good luck wishes to the list,

Try to take each step as it comes and not think too far ahead. I was having a nervous breakdown, (Melanie can back me up there!) but I decided I had to stop!!! Once I petitioned things became a lot clearer and sometimes now I forget why I worried so much.
BR has been nothing like I thought it would be, some I know have had some hiccups, but for me personaly it has saved my sanity. Well BR and vast amounts of Fruit & Nut[;)].

I would try and get an earlier appointment if you can, I didnt wait for my employees pension statment, The OR said he will have to get the info but mine is likely to be safe anyway.

I really do wish you all the best,take care

Pippa

[Skippy]

Good luck Douglass. While going BR isn't right for everyone, it was the best thing I could have done. I still have my ups and downs, but I am so much more relaxed than I was before I went BR. As Pippa said I would try and get the earliest appointment that you can - there is no point in stringing it out longer than necessary! If you are missing some information, the OR will be able to get this. I didn't have all my bank and credit card statements, but I presume the OR got them from my creditors as nothing was said.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the present - a gift to make the most of.

View my blog at http://skippy13.blogs.iva.co.uk/

[BrassicLintus]

Hi Douglass, as Pippa says if you can get an earlier appointment then take it. Your BR is unlikely to affect your pension (unless your getting it now?). Keep your chin up for now - there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Sam

[douglass]

Lily, Pippa, Skippy, Brassic - thank you all very much. Your support is invaluable, as talking with people like yourselves, who have gone through this, is such a help, and relief. Also knowing that I am not alone. Also the expert advice too, this site is just a God Send. I am going to phone the court to try and get an earlier date. By the way, what happens to the first salary I receive after bankruptcy? I know my accounts will be frozen, but does the OR usually allow you some money out for living expenses etc? Or will I have to try and live without any money for a month?! D.

[Skippy]

I opened another account straight after BR so that my salary could be paid in. Don't worry, the OR doesn't want you to have no money for a month!

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the present - a gift to make the most of.

View my blog at http://skippy13.blogs.iva.co.uk/

[douglass]

Thanks guys - much appreciated! Guess what! My pension statement arrived this morning - I will be able to complete the forms tomorrow, then I will try to get an earlier court date. Also, I am 7 days overdue on one of my credit card bills - and yeah, you guessed it - they have started calling me already! I didn't know what to say, so I said "ooh, the cheque is in the post"! Original, eh!
Once I am BR, which banks are good to go to for a basic bank account? Also, are you allowed a pre paid credit card (for internet shopping)? Thanks for all of your support guys, I do appreciate it, and your posts are a lifeline! D.

[Skippy]

I have a basic bank account with the Co-op and I'm really pleased with it as I've got a debit card as well. It's only a Visa Electron but I've had no problems with it so far. You can also try Barclays as they will offer a basic account to undischarged bankrupts. Lloyds might be worth a try as well, although you can only use their cash card in a Lloyds cash point.

Yes, you can have a pre-paid card. I have the Virgin one which costs £9.95 to apply and then 2.95% per transaction. I won't be using it very often so it will work out cheaper for me. There is also the Cashplus Mastercard, and with that one you can either pay £4.95 per month for unlimited useage or else £1 per transaction.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the present - a gift to make the most of.

View my blog at http://skippy13.blogs.iva.co.uk/

[R1chard]

i now bank with alliance and leicester, they gave me a visa electron card no problem.

[douglass]

Thanks guys - I don't think I will try Lloyds, as they are one of my creditors! I have read a lot of positive feedback on Co-Op, is this the Smile internet banking set up? D.

[ray_a]

Hi Richard

Was the A & L account a basic account? Just curious?

[Skippy]

I'm not sure if you can open an account with Smile - mine is a Cashminder account actually with the Co-op. I completed the forms in a branch, but if you have utility bills in your name (which I don't) you can open it over the phone. All the customer service staff I have spoken to have been really helpful.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the present - a gift to make the most of.

View my blog at http://skippy13.blogs.iva.co.uk/

[douglass]

As I lodge with my Dad, I don't have any utility bills. Should I just go into a Co-op branch with my passport and proof of address? Thanks for the advice skippy - gratefully received! D.

[Skippy]

That's what I did. I think I took my passport and driving licence but I can't remember what else they will take - it might be worth giving them a call to save a wasted journey!

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is the present - a gift to make the most of.

View my blog at http://skippy13.blogs.iva.co.uk/