I am finally getting round to writing to cunts
By that I do not mean to despised relatives or that I've set up an premium toll ink-based relief service.

I'm simply complaining in writing to those who are or have, until recently either overcharged/mischarged me. Whilst I'm quite a lazy shit, and pretty disorganised, I do keep all bank statements, utility (incl. phone/mobile) bills etc - and on the whole it's more lucrative to look there than down the back of the sofa.

Treat them as suppliers and don't just accept rubbish service. Haggle with them, I got a £15pm BT Vision package with Free Setanta Sports for signing up for an 18 month contract, even though I was only 3 months into an 18 month contract.

If you do get in trouble, then know your rights (my experience of CAB is that whilst nice, they're not always great at getting you the best deal in terms of debt management) and do not get bullied into paying more than you can afford. It's likely that there are people in considerably worse situations than you are - my biggest lesson in this was post university when I owed a lot of money and kept getting threats from Collection Agencies. They'll make it sound like they will ruin you, your friends and family if you don’t meet their demands... they won't but you have to ensure that are making a regular contribution. After berating you it's likely that you'll get a "friendly" phone call from another "agent". Cut deals with them if you can pay off lump sums. Remember that if you're paying something it's better for them than adding court costs and you being told you can pay it off in small amounts... they're paying for the administration of the account. Just don't let them bully you.

Oh and subscribe to this (if you're in the UK): www.moneysavingexpert.com
( @><|= w0nu!) or cunt to my friends, Thu 22 Jan 2009, 13:46, Reply)