creative ideas for an elderly relative who "doesn't believe" in direct debits

libra10

I don't particularly like DDs and only use when I have to, ie O2 broadband isp.
She could save the extra charge on her BT bill by setting up a quarterly direct debit like I have done. Each quarter BT send the bill and 10 days later the money is transferred from my account.

For preference I pay 'the old-fashioned way' and it works for me. However, I trust BT's security system (I hope!) to look after my details and not take more money than necessary.

Good luck

KarenBB

I think the separate account is a great idea. Show her the Direct Debit Indemnity Guarantee so she knows she can claim money back if someone takes money they shouldn't.
Could you open one in joint names? That way if there are any problems you could make the call to the bank if there is a problem so she doesn't even have that hassle.
I do know lots of people who just won't have DD's, tey like to go and pay in person each month so you might have a battle on.

jasonwatkins

KarenBB wrote: »

Could you open one in joint names?

This was the idea, although I think it would have to be with my sister - my mum doesn't exactly trust my financial record

dzug1

She's entitled to her views - leave her be and don't impose your values on her.

missm29

Several times this year we've had direct debits taken twice or for the wrong amounts or on different days. They can say they have sent a letter telling you, but loads of our post goes missing. I've had to contact my bank to claim the money back, they insist you go into branch and they complete the form but you don't even have to sign anything so it could be done over the phone, the money has always appeared back in our account the next day. Some things i've stopped paying by direct debit because you'll telling them help yourself to whatever, whenever, any problems i will try and sort out after. I don't blame your relative, she might save a bit of money by paying by direct debit, but imagine the stress when they mess it up.

beverleyhills

BarclaysManager wrote: »

She's clearly insane. Have her declared as such and seize control of her finances.

No she is not. She is of a generation when wages were paid in cash.
Banks were for rich people and the middle classes.

Electric and gas was a penny or a shilling in the meter. You were given a cash rebate on the spot when the meter was emptied.

Savings were 2/6d saving stamps often sent with the school children once a week.

If you didn't have the money you couldn't have it or you had it on 'tick'.
Anything bought on 'hire purchase was usually worn out before it was paid for.

A MAN had to guarantee any credit agreement.

With a DD and SO you pledge to give money before your income comes into the bank account, if you are reliant on an income paid at regular intervals. If you overpay companies hang on to the excess, I know it is suppose to work both ways.

For no reason the wonderful system can switch off the dd and the customer doesn't know until the red letters arrive.

These money systems have got many members of the younger generation into financial difficulties.

Please don't be too quick to judge the elderly for their reservations.

Hazzanet

beverleyhills wrote: »

No she is not.

Even I managed to detect the sarcasm in BM's post

ElkyElky

I don't use DD for one reason only. If I'm running short one month, the DD would still come out of my account (even if theres no funds) and I will be charged excessive fees.

With standing orders, if I'm late or can't to pay the phone bill one month, their charge wont be as high as it would on a current account.


I also like to tailor my standing orders on a monthly basis to suit my budget.

LongTermLurker

beverleyhills wrote: »

Originally Posted by BarclaysManager
She's clearly insane. Have her declared as such and seize control of her finances.

No she is not. She is of a generation when wages were paid in cash.

Please don't be too quick to judge the elderly for their reservations.

BM: Or, let her pay the slightly higher charges if she so chooses too - some people (myself included) would rather pay that extra £1.25 or whatever it may be to keep complete control of their finances.

Hazzanet: Even I managed to detect the sarcasm in BM's post

You're not an American, are you? Beverleyhills? Hm, maybe...

Errata

Interesting OP. What exactly is the problem ?