Budgeting & bank accounts

Archives for September 2017

Bank Transfer
A few weeks ago I opened a Bank of Scotland current account. The balance has been nil, I have never used this account for transactions. Today I transfered money from my HSBC current account to my BOS account via online banking. I wont disclose the exact amount but it was in the thousands. HSBC said it it could take up to 2…
First Direct switching process?
Applied for a FD account 2 days ago, It said I had been accepted then on next page asked me to choose a date to switch if I was switching from somewhere else, so I chose late October (which was the earliest date available) . Said they would send some things out to sign which i've done today and sent back so they can send…
Barclays Blue Rewards
https://www.barclays.co.uk/current-accounts/blue-rewards1/ Slightly confused about this... I set up £800 going into the account. Do I get £7.00 free / month? Then get charged £3 fee / month after? And then if I set up 2 Direct Debits, I get £3.50? So in total £7.50 / month? Just the wording of "up to" £7 a month. There is…
Tesco current account - direct debits
Sorry if this is a repeat but I cannot find the answer by searching the forum. I asked this in another thread but it didn't get an answer - so I thought I'd make a new thread. One of the criteria for getting 3% interest on the Tesco current account(s) is to "pay at least three Direct Debits each statement month". Does that…
Natwest Safe Custody
If anyone still has this, do Natwest charge in advance for the year (so you've paid up) or after the year is over (so time used)? Natwest are closing a lot of branches where I am and my parents had a safe custody box. After withdrawing the item because of the forced closures, there is a random charge on my parents account.…
Good spreadsheet template for tracking monthly spending?
I created a basic Google Sheet for tracking my spending but its just a column of numbers and descriptions so not much use. I saw this one which looks amazing but it's a bit complicated: Description: https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/53ktyv/budget_spreadsheet_with_google_form_for_tracking/ Sheet:…
Anrdoid App to Compare Expense Categories over Time?
Hi all, I've tried a load of apps but can't see any that do what I want. I'd like to enter each amount that I spend each day and assign a category to each spend. Such as £10 in the category Food Shopping or whatever. Then be able to see how much I spend on Food Shopping for the month as well as graph comparing it to what I…
Virgin Money Essential (basic) Account - facilities and applying
I am considering opening one of these for matched betting. I read in another thread on this board that the Virgin Money basic account doesn't allow you to move money online to other accounts. Is that correct? Can you use it for standing orders? Can you get withdrawals done by phone, if not online? (Seems unlikely). Are the…
Amazing that I have got a HSBC Advanced account
Saw the MSE weekly email this week. So I thought that I would apply for an advanced account again to get £150 bonus for switching to them. When I applied a few months ago, my application was rejected. Got a bank card this morning in the post so I am assuming that my app has been successful this time. Just wonderful.…
Nationwide refer a friend confusion
Sorry I have searched and can't find the answer. My son wants to open a Nationwide Flexdirect and switch a 'dummy' account with 2 DD. I will refer him. Does he open the Flexdirect through my referral link/code or does he open the FlexDirect first and initiate the swithch through my referral code/link tia sparkie
Budget planning tool
Is there any news on when the Budget Brain planning tool will be working? It sounded really promising. Otherwise can anyone recommend an alternative? How safe is it to link bank accounts to such a tool?
TSB - when will my money come in?
My company paid everyone around 2pm yesterday (Friday). Several colleagues have confirmed they already got the money, but I keep checking my account, and nothing? Does anyone know how long TSB take to credit your account? Do they do it over the weekend at all, or will I have to wait until Monday?
Sole Trader - Ditching My Business Account?
Hi all I'm a sole trader and have separate business (Co-op) and personal (Santander) accounts. I'm wondering if I really need to have a business account. I know there is no legal obligation for a sole trader to have a separate business account but it does make for easier bookkeeping. Currently I have on average just 10…
Paypal problems help please
I sold an item on ebay. It's my first sale and I was paid by the buyer to my paypal account. It's not showing in my bank account just my paypal account. How can I get the money in my bank account so I can spend it?. Paypal never bothered to tell me this.
How ethical is the Co Op Bank?
Evening, I have been with Smile since they were 'invented' by the Co-operative Bank in 1999. Now they have literally sold out and are owned by hedge funds how does this effect their ethics?
Money paid in to bank accidentally
Hello, Over the last few months, an old tenant of mine (form last year) has accidentally starting paying in rent on a weekly basis to my bank account. In a normal situation I would have of course inform the ex-tenant and let them know their mistake and refund them. HOWEVER, this ex-tenant was evicted (although not legally…
Bank Mail going to Incorrect Address
Hi All, I changed address around six months ago and duly updated by bank records. I noted that no bank documents were coming my way, then on a separate subject I had a complaint with the bank and their written responses were not coming to me. It appears all my mail was sent to my original address and has either went…
Think money bank accounts
Again this morning Thinkmoney have advised that there is a problem and although its payday for most today, we cannot access any money. They charge £17.50 a month to manage your account ensuring that bills are paid and that you dont go overdrawn. Does anyone know of any other bank that provides this service?
Best business account
I am starting my small limited company and looking to open a business bank account. Any recommendations please? any accounts with some perks..like airport lounge use..etc? or are these things are only with the personal accounts?
What now?
Ok, so I have taken all the advice from forum members and MSE articles with regards to saving through current accounts for the past 12 months. My First Direct regular saver nets £150 this month (5% interest) In 2 months the Nationwide FlexDirect account matures, with approx £125 interest. The Flexclusive has a few months…

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MSE News

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Workers aged 18+ could benefit from a hidden pay rise in future as new pension auto-enrolment rules get the go-ahead
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