November.2015.here.we.come

taxi73

You make me laugh..lol...How can anytime be a good time to do it?What are you like..it's worked out well...LOL...

mum2one

Where do I start, -

Open Uni Exam -+ Studying
The studyings going well, but how much is sinking in, not sure, theres 4 blocks of the study, the exam, q1, covers block 1 +2, q2 + q3, cover block 3 + 4. Which is my weak areas as globaliasation, frys my head.

New course
I've started that and am about 2 weeks ahead

Mince Pies
I (rephase, I relayed the instructions poor dad + mum did about 90% of the work)cooked 80 minces pies, got the mincemeat from Lidl £1.50 big jar, we soaked it in sherry, gorgeous.

Discovered fab website
www.95pence.com
Everything is 95p really good offers, took 2 days for delievery.

Septembers Bank Statement
Only spent 40p more than I had coming in, so very plzed

DD - swimming
Comes home with a letter she has now passed another level of swimming, so she has gone from a Starfish 3 to a Starfish 4.

:mad::mad:THE HALIFAX:mad::mad:
Had a letter yesterday, offering me an account review and they'd be ringing in a few days to see if I want an appointment, see if they can do me a better deal.
Rang yesterday, thank you very much, at the moment, cramming for an exam, and then going on holiday, and stuck on crutches, try to avoid unnecessary trips. No problem.

Phone call this afternoon, the Halifax, thought it was because of the saga last week, me having a new card. No were offering you an account review over the phone, thank you - but no thank you, this bloke just would not take no for an answer and started reeling off the incomings and outgoings of my account, and that it would only take 5 mins, gave in and said yes, he kept bombarding me with questions, how much do you spend on holidays, how much do you spend on clothes, etc etc, so I asked him was he filling in an income and expenditure form, as what I spend my money on is really my business, yes I have an overdraft, but I have been reducing it, I've reduced it by 20% since June, course as I've an overdraft, trying to play the game, as I don't want them saying you've got 28days to pay 1k.

He was asking what every debit was for, he commented on the fact that I was paying £47 a month for sky, - I have a HD box, meant you had to have a dearer package for 12 months, and if it was any of his business, I don't go out much, (once every 2 months), and the sky is for everyone. He obviously had full access to my bank statements as he reeled off every transaction

He then accussed me of lying to get the loan that I had, as the figures I gave him he reckons I overspend by £300 per month, as I pointed out to him, when someone is asking you for figures off the top off your head you estimate.

It went on like this, he was going on about tax credits, why was their no child maintance going into the account - WHAT THE HECK THAT HAD TO DO WITH HIM - basically I walked out of a violent and abusive relationship, scared for my life.:eek:

I was loseing my temper by this point, I was close to tears what my family life has to do with the bank I do not know.

I asked for his full name and the telephone number of the department as i was not happy with the content of the telephone call, that I felt very humiliated, vunerable, and held over a barrow. He wouldn't give me any of those questions.

This is the icing on the cake, his advice would be that I can't manage my money and that I need to go on a debt management plan, and what a surprise thay just happen to have a debt management company that they work for.

I could go via the CAB, or national debt council, but as they are free, it would be months before I could get an appointment, and by then I'd have creditors galore............this company does charge a fee but I wouldn't be charged it personally it would come out of the payment I make before my creditors get there share.

How dare he, I'm manageing my debts very well, I have not defaulted on any bills for over 12 months, I have had the loan, and yes there is some credit card debt, I lent dad 1.7k, (6.9% life of balance, with the halifax, its set up to take the minimum, by direct debit, but I pay the same amount again).

When I suggested instead of hassleing me, how about he gets me the 1k back in bank charges from the Halifax, and that would help - he didn't want to know anything.

It took me an hour before I could get off the phone, I managed to get the company name of the agency they use, I had to say I'd consider it in the new year, but everytime I tried to explain about my money, like child tax credit, dla, cb is paid 4 weekly, therefore I get 13 payments a yr, he couldn't have that.

Course it was sods law, swimming night, which means mum has to go with dad, becoz of getting dd changed. There was nobody in the house to help.

When I finally got rid of him, I went to do 1471 and the phone rang, answered it, and it was him again, just to say that he hadn't blocked the number from the first call, so he rang back immediately to stop me doing 1471.

Its so stupid I was in tears and shakeing, I'm a bit down, got the OU exam, arm in splint, and trying to cope with mum.

I intend to report them tomorrow to the Financial Obsbumnen as I was literally bullied, my first thoughts were to contact the papers, the tv news channels, watchdog etc, then I realised my full financial mess and debts etc would obviously be made public, and I couldn't bare that, they have you where they want you. So that avenue is a no go.

If I could get another bank account tomorrow that would match my overdraft I would tell the halifax to stick it where the sun don't shine. It's damm obvious there on commission from this debt agency, and contacting everyone under the pretence of offering an account review, when infact there nothing better than a loan shark for want of a better description, I just can't take it.

My Mother.
She broke down on me yesterday, shes finally admitted she can't cope with her pain, and lack of mobility, we knew that the stroke had taken its toll, but thought she was getting better, but shes had a few falls, and cuts, becoz shes on asprin she bleeds profusely, hense the hospital.
Since the stroke shes had 3 major falls, (knew about), but she told me yesterday, shes had at least another 6 falls, she can't get in or out of bed without help, shes having accidents, coz she can't move quick enough.
It takes her about 4 or 5 attempts to get out of the chair. Shes on crutches and can't get around far.

When she first had her falls last year she was referred to DARRT clinic, (for people who have falls), they did a full check over, apart from a heart murmour she got the all clear. They sent a occupational therapist out, to offer her some aids for the house, but they were no good, toilet frame (our loo not big enough), seperate from bathroom, they gave her crutches.

she needs a stairlift, a full overall, shes under the phyiso again for her balance, so when she went yesterday, and asked me to ring around to the hospital, (I have permission to talk for her on record), I spent 2 hrs on the phone, had 2 different departments, there going full out to help her, and they have pushed her in for an assesment 2mor at 9.30am, and shes asked me to go with her. Part of me whats to scream no, I need to study, I can't take anymore on, but the other part of me, I owe her so much, basically for the 1st 2 to 3yrs of dds life, she + dad brought her up, not that I didn't want to, I was diagnosed with postnatal depression and post tramtic stress disorder with flashbacks, due to the nature of what my ex had done to me. Even now I get by, but theres certain triggers that set the stress disorder off, this was the first year that we actually stayed at home for dds birthday, it took 7 years for me to feel safe in my own town. My ex lives 7 miles away, but he + his family caused so much hassles that when I was pregnant, my midwife told me its him or the baby, she'd got social services on standby to take her off me. Instead of giving the support I needed, she went the opposiate way, as from being 3mths gone I had a solicitor representing me + the unborn, waiting till he did enough that we could get an injunction against him, finallly at 7mths gome he'd done that, so I walked away, knowing if he wanted to see dd he'd have to go to court.

So you can see how I owe my parents so much

taxi73

So sorry to hear all that....you have such a lot to cope with at the moment.
I think the best idea is to break everything into bite size pieces that you can deal with.

Firstly,the Halifax ...that is absolutely disgusting behaviour from them...Don't be bullied by them.
The FSA don't deal with anything until you have exhausted the banks complaint procedure.
So the best course of action is to phone up customer services and ask them to put you through to the complaints department...then put your complaint in writing to them..they have 8 weeks to sort it before you can go to the FSA.

taxi73

Well done to DD and her swimming.
Sounds like something will be getting done for your mum now.I hope the assessment throws up what she needs and at least you can explain to them stuff that she probably hasn't told them...it must be so worrying for you.Can they help with a carer for a few hours a week?

No wonder you can't concentrate fully on your course work and exams..with being on crutches,arm in splint and all the emotional stuff.

Hopefully when you log on later ...you'll feel better that someone is sorting stuff for your mum and getting her what she needs.
If you get your complaint letter wrote that will release some of the stress as well and then your head may be able to concentrate.

Big hugs for all of you at the moment from us all here xxx

BEAT_THE_DEBT

just a hug.x

penguin83

Hi Mum, just having a catch up. Sounds like you have had an awful couple of days. I hope your Mum is ok and sorry to hear about your arm.

Have a cuddle with Bailey and look after yourself x xx

mum2one

As its me nothings simple - but boy what a day.

Mother + The Hospital.
At last, mum finally admitted she needs help, the department at the hospital couldn't of been nicer, we got there for 9.15, left at 1.30, in that time we had 5 cups of tea each, they brought us sandwiches at lunch time.

They really gave her blood tests and a really gd going over, they've changed some of her tablets as after her stroke some of them put her at higher risk, shes anemic so they wrote a prescription.

As for her mobility, you couldn't of asked for anymore, they were so understanding,
there arranging a social worker, (as if she needs a stair lift, which she will), they can help her,
they've given us some info as they want her to have the pendant that is for people who have falls,
there sending her to a falls clinic
were having an occupation therapist to come out and do a home assessment as that will give them a better idea, than going to their centre.

I literally could of cried with joy, the NHS get enough of a bashing, but thus department from a phonecall yesterday, with 24hrs everythings in motion.

---

Me being me- couldn't have a day without a crisis.

Went to Boots, got phones +( now money saving, cancelled my mobile broadboard which was £20 per month+ gone on pay + go, reckon most spend in the year £60, instant £60 saving).

With mine, mums, dads, dds, + internet was going to be £50. Dropped the prescription off wondered around, thought I'll use my points, got £45, (with 2days got bonus meant £60).

They did the top ups and handed the Boots card over, then the cashier did something, and said opps I've corrupeted your card, theres nothing I can do - your have to apply for another one. I can give you an iou for the points, but not the bonus points.

She disappeared she'd got Boots card, debit card, I was stranded, 10 minutes later she came back and started moaning that the card was faulty and customers want everything, can't we be grateful that they give 4 points in a £1 never mind the bonus points.

Course I'm still stressing over yesterday, asked her to get the manager, I explained that the staff member had corrupeted the card to which she admitted and I wanted the items taking off my boots card, that I'd struggled with the items, the mgr said - thats ur tough luck not mine.

If I wanted those products that I'd have to pay and they would eventually get round to refunding me for them if the new card turns up within 7days - hi theres a postal strike +I'm on holiday next week -hense I needed the goods.

You needed guess I was getting really stressed, the cashier still hadn't come back with my debit card, i ended up having a panic attack, in the middle of the store, couldn't breath, he never said come through or anything, this woman was stood about 3ft from me, and her kid was going look mum, instead of her saying - its rude to stare, she said xxx shut up I'm trying to listen.

I've got mum sat outside in the car, she rang and asked what happened, course, she came bargeing in, told the store mgr what she thought (in polite terms but firmly).

He was saying why you buy the goods, she said if I brought them + go overdrawn do you want to pay £35 bank charges, - he then said bank charges weren't down to him.

The manager went to find the cashier this was 45mins later, so I rang our local paper and said how I'd been treated and that the stress had caused a panic attack, they said we want to take the story up, can you stay put we're get a photographer to you. NO I HAVE TO GET MY DAUGHTER FROM SCHOOL, after that the store mgr finally came back with my cards, course the staff member told him I'd called the press, he went white......

Told him to ring me at home, that I'd be phoning the press back at 4.30.

Got home, and collasped, ended up having an asthma attack, dd was brilliant, she was running round the house, she'd been collecting all the inhaleurs and got 10, poor dad rang 999, and ended up asking for the police (think it was force of habit....), they sent an ambulance, luckly they checked me over and gave me mediciation did the trick, while this was going on, the mgr from Boots rang, he was panicking, then the bloke from the press rang, course he was then interested.

20 minutes later I rang the store mgr, he just kept coming out with the same excuse, I appriacate that if the card is knackered, but there could of been some leaway, and the cashier not run off with my cards.

He said ring head office, (I put the phone on loudspeaker, was absolutely shaking, and couldn't hold the phone, mum was with me, she was really supportive) did that inbetween times, the press had been onto them, they couldn't apologise enough, yes... as a goodwill gesture they would transfer £50 to a gift card and deduct it off my points, WHY the heck they couldn't of done that in store, I told her I appriciated the gesture but that could of been done a lot earlier and the hassle + upset saved, she then said if we still gave u the £50 giftcard, but not deduct your points would that be acceptable. I said I've got to come up and collect it, so she upped it to £75 and said oh by the way would you let the press know that we have aggreed £75, so I said yes, you could hear the relief in her voice, but it will be after monday when I collect the card, but I'm accepting the card, as a goodwill gesture, but it the press run the story before then thats on of my hands.

Feel a lot calmer now, maybe I needed to let off steam, and plzed that mum will finally be getting the help she needed, and a thank you to you all for the hugs + support, as for the exam, I can only do my best, it can go one of three ways, 40+ I've passed, 15-39 failed,but can resit, under 15 redo the course.

Maybe its taken the last 2 days to realise that I am a strong person, maybe to headstrong at times, but I am managing, and as a very good friend said, you've paid nearly 5k off your debts, my snowball was 3k, I am stronger than a person who is trying to get me to sign upto a dmp so they get commission, I'm stronger than I think, the last 2 yrs proved that, and I WILL BE STRONG.

XX

taxi73

And the post started off so well!!!!!!!!

Absolutely fantastic that things are moving forward with your mum...give it a month and everything will be a thousand times better...so that's great.

Now then Boots...absolutely appalling from them but they have come good in the end..all be it because of press intervention...I don't know whether this crossed your mind but you may be in a catch 22 situation....you are not picking the card up until monday and they want you to tell the press you got £75 and the press may run it before then....
If the press run it as £50 will Boots maybe back track plus at the point of print you won't have already had it....
It would be best to get it before going to print and then asking them to print it....just a thought.

taxi73

Sorry to hear about the panic attack/asthma attack.

As for your course I'm sure that you'll pass it as you've put a lot of work into it...try not to worry too much.

You are strong and always remember that...it will do no harm to put your complaint in writing to Halifax and get it off your chest...there's nothing worse for draining energy than stress.
Take care and keep your chin up x

mum2one

taxi73 wrote: »

And the post started off so well!!!!!!!!

Absolutely fantastic that things are moving forward with your mum...give it a month and everything will be a thousand times better...so that's great.

Now then Boots...absolutely appalling from them but they have come good in the end..all be it because of press intervention...I don't know whether this crossed your mind but you may be in a catch 22 situation....you are not picking the card up until monday and they want you to tell the press you got £75 and the press may run it before then....
If the press run it as £50 will Boots maybe back track plus at the point of print you won't have already had it....
It would be best to get it before going to print and then asking them to print it....just a thought.

Thats what I was worried about whether they tell the press £50,promise me £75 and then I only get £50.
Although I spoke to the reporter this was all before Head Office, I'm email the reporterd dept and say they've promised me £75, update him and explain I'm getting in Mon am, then once the money in my hand they can run it free.
xx