My journey to Mortgage-freedom

unhappy_shopper

I opened a new H'fax a/c in January this year when the same promotion was going on. I went to the branch and asked them to switch my salary alone. All the other DDs, I left them in my other a/c. They asked me to make a deposit of £100. I withdrew £100 from their ATM and handed it over and they immediately added another £100 to my a/c. It was that simple.:D

unhappy_shopper

nattypants wrote: »

Daft, daft, daft question. Can I keep my existing account and open up Halifax? As in, could I place a standing order so my salary lands into Halifax account then take back whatever I need for direct-debits on my existing account?

Did that make sense?

That is what I did. See my previous post.:)

ammonite

Thanks Bookworm and US. May have to look into this. Shouldn't look £100 gift horse in the mouth

unhappy_shopper

ammonite wrote: »

Have you ever switched before US? I am reluctant to switch as I'm happy with my bank (i.e. can get hold of them easily if I need to) and I can't be bothered switching the direct debits over myself. However, I realise I'm not getting a great deal on my current account!

Yes, I have switched before. I took up the reward CC too at the same time. That pays an additional £5 per month if you spend a minimum of £300pm.

nattypants

Thanks US - it seems daft not not to make use of regular £5.

I think the reason I am remaining faithful to my current bank is one of the questions I was asked recently when taking out insurance was if I had been with my current back for more than X years.

I am confident I could jiggle two current accounts easily:D

unhappy_shopper

Pay for this month has hit my bank a/c. So, will do a tidy up and make an OP too.

For those looking for freebies,

• you can print up to 3 vouchers for Speci@lK freebies from here.
• Also, those with Amex cards, you can have a host of £5 freebies here.
• And another £5 from fleabay here.
• Not to forget O2 Priority Moments freebies: Haribo bag from Accessorize, Ice Age 3 DVD from HMV and Cream cheese bagel from B@gel factory.

makeyourdaddyproud

What is the big deal with being mortgage free? By the time you've paid for it the house will be worth less and future council tax bills will almost be as big.

There will always be a big 'bill' to offset any gain.

I

HelenDaveKids

makeyourdaddyproud wrote: »

What is the big deal with being mortgage free? By the time you've paid for it the house will be worth less and future council tax bills will almost be as big.

There will always be a big 'bill' to offset any gain.

I

Yeah, can see your point.......

Although on a serious point, later in life we do seem to be penalised for saving for a rainy day. Another discussion another forum, for now will keep Op'ing,

gallygirl

makeyourdaddyproud wrote: »

What is the big deal with being mortgage free? By the time you've paid for it the house will be worth less and future council tax bills will almost be as big.

There will always be a big 'bill' to offset any gain.

I

And the alternative is........ rent for ever? Pay a mortgage for 35 years? or pay it off early then give yourself a big pot of disposable income every month to give you endless opportunities.

ammonite

makeyourdaddyproud wrote: »

What is the big deal with being mortgage free? By the time you've paid for it the house will be worth less and future council tax bills will almost be as big.

There will always be a big 'bill' to offset any gain.

I

Not having to pay a massive amount of interest on a loan is my motivation, I'd much rather be holidaying with the spare cash!