Bank Statement Phobia please help

Annie_Fanny

Hi Karrie

Do keep us up to date with how you are getting on - we are all routing for you!

I have just recently helped a friend whose finances, bedroom and filing were in a big big mess. As other people have suggested get yourself some folders etc etc, take a deep breath and sort through them all so that they are in some sort of order, i.e. current account statements together, credit card correspondence together etc etc. As this stage you do not even have to deal with what is on the paper just get it in order so that when you do decide to tackle the bigger stuff it is ready and in order. It will make the task so much easier and less scary!

Plan a treat at the end of this to congratulate yourself - have a nice bath or watch your favourite film or something like that. You will deserve it!

You can do it - good luck!

Annie

annie-c

Just to say, like others, I can sympathise with the fear too, but I have got through it and enjoy the feeling of control from managing my accounts online. If you check every few days then there is no build up of stress and (if you're good and stick to plan) hopefully not too many surprises either!

RACHIE77

Havn't read through the whole of the post but just wanted to say I am completely with you Karrie, I have a whole stack of unopened statements, i really have a fear of opening them, can't check my account online without feeling really anxious and never check my balance at the cash machine... Its a proper fear that I have.

Needless to say i'm in a right mess, have no idea how to sort it out but have got to do something soon as I don't have a fear of answering the phone and the bank has taken to phoning me instead now!!! I hope you sort things out... Rachie

oriana

unfortunately, debts are a bit like the washing up (for those of us without dishwashers anyway!) ...you can put it off tonight, but you will still have a sink full of dirty dishes in the morning! and the longer you leave them the harder it will be to sort them out!!!

sorry if that sounds a bit random!!

Little_Miss_Winner

HI Karrie,

How you getting on?

Love
pot x

Karrie

Hi

To be completely honest I have got all my bills etc together and filed them alphabetically in a file. I have collected all my unopened bank statements and have put them on top of the file! Ridiculous I know. Friday night is the night. My son is with his Dad all weekend and that's my time to sit down and concentrate on my statements. I have typed up my money budget and am doing that tonight. Although I haven't done what I really wanted to (ie open the statements) I feel I am in control. I am facing up to this ridiculous phobia which could land me in a big pile of trouble if I don't.

Coming onto this website has been a great help and now I browse it every day. I changed my home insurance last week and am now saving £200. Wish I'd done it a long time ago. Just goes to show that not facing up to your finances can cost you hundreds.

Thanks to you all again.

roversbabe

Hi Karrie,

The hardest part is facing up to what you need to do - you've done that bit, well done you!

It does get easier once you face those statements and you will feel in control of your finances and more independant.

Good luck and like others, I highly recommend online banking, its a lot less scary than a bank statement. When I get a statement now, I know exactly what is on it. Keeping a spreadsheet of DDs, SO & withdrawals helps too, as this can prevent going overdrawn.

rb

cjbaps

It's strange (but somewhat comforting) to hear how everyone of us have gone through the same thoughts and experiences - avoiding opeing statements almost felt like avoiding the problem and having to deal with it!! Has anyone else gone the opposite way like me? I probably check my bank account almost every day via the internet, and often spend about half an hour analysing what I spend.

Well done for facing up to this big challenge Karrie - it will be well worth it in the end - you will soon be supplying the support to others in your current situation!

Little_Miss_Winner

Hi cj

Yes me! If I am not on here, I am on Nationwide or Hsbc or somewhere looking at morgages, insurance etc....Or listing on ebay.

Sad or what?

You wouldn't believe I have Hubby, 3 kids and house to run, as well as working! Oh well.....nevermind!

Love
pot

Karrie

A HUGE THANKS TO YOU ALL.

I did it!!! And I feel soooo much more in control. It was nowhere near as bad as I had thought it would be, although I really need to get a hold of my finances. So - I took my buildings and contents insurance and got some quotes and I have SAVED £200 by changing insurance company! If I hadn't stuffed statements and bills in cubby holes, boxes, drawers etc, I wouldn't have wasted so much money over the years. That has made me even more determined not to let my phobia continue.

Thanks again and I'll be back.