Debt pronWatching TV the other day we caught one of these "Bank of Mummy or the Wife" type shows and we thought, "This is Debt Pron." I.e. peoples financial problems exploited for the voyeuristic pleasure of others. Then we thought, "We bet lots of people on B3ta have massive financial problems. Let's exploit them." So, confess them all. Dodgy credit cards, lending money to some bloke in the pub, visits from the bailiffs, using one card to pay off another. We want to wallow in your fiscal pain. So, what is your biggest money fuck up?
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rob, Thu 23 Nov 2006, 19:50)
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Credit cards are the devils own workand credit card companies are gready bastards.
Guess you can say I've got a grudge against the Halifax.
Was offered a new job, exactly what I wanted, money not amazing, but I was willing to scrape by because it's a good job. Started the job about 2 weeks before I want to the US on a holiday which had been planned months in advance. Credit card 2 was obtained to keep all the holiday costs in one place.
Finding a place to live took a month longer than expected and ended up staying in a hotel for that month. Credit card 1 & 2 quickly maxing out. rang Halifax and said that I am experiencing problems paying the whole amount and was told not to ring them till I went over my limit. WHAT? So promptly went over limit on both cards. WRote them a nice letter to explain situatino and presented them with a statement of affairs. Both companies refused the amount offered.
By this time, I wasn't sleeping, was having panic attacks, mad visions of being on the streets etc. At this point, Halifax decided to put the boot in and took £200 out of my bank account with them to pay the amount I hadn't paid them.. no warning. Quickly discovered that if a bank issues you a card, and you have a account with them, they can take the money without warning. Even if you've advised them of the situation. Cue sleepless night as the rent was due, and saturday morning dash to the nearest branch to prove my rent was due. Money returned... for about 2 weeks, then taken again.
Spoke to Credit Card Counselling service who put me on a £20 a month payback plan :) Closed my accounts with halifax, went to First Direct got a decent account there (VERY helpful)
Had a bank statement from Halifax saying that I owe them 12p as they applied charges AFTER i had closed the account, and so held the account open. I have advised them that they can whistle for the money as I have no intention of paying it. and shan't so there.
Moral of the story Credit Card companies are only happy when they're taking you for a ride. My advice? NEVER take a card with your bank, don't pay money to a debt management company, use CCCS it's free! and above all, try to steer clear of credit cards unless you absolutely need one.
(, Fri 24 Nov 2006, 13:50, Reply)
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