Some help needed please - of a sensitive nature

crystyl

Takoda wrote: »

So she isn't even buried yet and you're already trying to get money out of her estate... OMG :eek::eek::eek:

As i have already quoted my retired parents have paid for her funeral which they have taken a loan out for, something which they can ill afford to do - so yes trying to protect my parents from going into debt.

BTW do you know and understand how the system of probate works???

Takoda

Just Googled Direct Response they sound like a right shower! Supposedly claimed they would clean up their act in 2009 but it looks like they haven't done at all.

They offer an alarm system at a reduced rate like £199 and then sucker people in for high maintenance charges. Another great example of how if something looks too good to be true then it probably is.

Would be interesting to see in the T&C whether it is the property that is covered rather than the person. Mind you it sounds as though the property now belongs to the company who gave the deceased lady the equity release funds.

crystyl

and thanks for your sympathy and kindness

Takoda

crystyl wrote: »

and thanks for your sympathy and kindness

Well in your first posts (because you didn't tell us the full story) you just came across as a money grubbing relative trying to squeeze the last pennies out of her estate before she was even cold!

I'd be more bothered about comforting my parents and making sure all of the other stuff that goes along with funerals - informing friends and family etc etc was sorted before I posted anything on MSE trying to get some money back.

Just my 2p.

Takoda

Here's another thread about them

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1644679

crystyl

Takoda wrote: »

Well in your first posts (because you didn't tell us the full story) you just came across as a money grubbing relative trying to squeeze the last pennies out of her estate before she was even cold!

I'd be more bothered about comforting my parents and making sure all of the other stuff that goes along with funerals - informing friends and family etc etc was sorted before I posted anything on MSE trying to get some money back.

Just my 2p.

No you made a judgement before knowing all the facts. As for comforting my parents that is exactly what I am doing, but looking at the repercussions afterwards when they cannot afford to pay their own bills and expenses!

pelirocco

Takoda wrote: »

Well in your first posts (because you didn't tell us the full story) you just came across as a money grubbing relative trying to squeeze the last pennies out of her estate before she was even cold!

I'd be more bothered about comforting my parents and making sure all of the other stuff that goes along with funerals - informing friends and family etc etc was sorted before I posted anything on MSE trying to get some money back.

Just my 2p.

Thought it was just me

Tbh I cant see why you would want to get a refund , the relative spent her money , good for her , tough luck on anyone who wants to benefit

Takoda

crystyl wrote: »

No you made a judgement before knowing all the facts. As for comforting my parents that is exactly what I am doing, but looking at the repercussions afterwards when they cannot afford to pay their own bills and expenses!

We only know what you tell us...

If your parents are on a low income then the State will be able to help them. There are lots of places on MSE to ask for help with that or you could ring Age Concern or similar bodies.

But you probably knew that and are just trying to justify the money grubbing. :eek:

crystyl

The refund would be for the system not being in use as she paid in advance for a full five years cover and only received 18 months cover. Another example to make it clear - you pay for your car tax in advance, in the case of getting 12 months tax and the person dies within the 12 months the tax disk can be sent away for a refund of the remainder amount on the tax disk. Is this not the same thing?

I agree good for her for spending what little she had, but as for benefit no one is going to benefit, as I have stated I am trying to save my parents going into debt - so yes I suppose I am wrong this is a benefit sorry about that!!!

Takoda

pelirocco wrote: »

Thought it was just me

Tbh I cant see why you would want to get a refund , the relative spent her money , good for her , tough luck on anyone who wants to benefit

No, not just you peli.

I'm another one who thinks that when someone works hard all their life and builds up a bit of money that they should be able to spend it on whatever they like even if it is stupid! Like I said earlier if they money gave the relative peace of mind for 18 months then great.

But the best thing to come out of this from an MSE point of view is that Direct Response Home Security Systems have got a bit more negative publicity and if people decide to sign up with them at least they will be a bit more well informed. RESULT!