Panic stations

nicp60

40+ wrote: »

Hi poodlegal,

I am looking at what I can get rid of but the problem is that at the moment anything that goes into my HSBC account gets swallowed up in clearing my over-overdraft I don't know if it is possible to have two bank accounts, with a basic one.
Tom

Hi Tom and well done for posting. It is possible to have another bank account. If I were you, I'd start on the process of opening one up with an entirely new bank. Just ask for a Basic Account, and make sure you don't have any links with the new bank.

You can then start to get your salary paid in there, and transfer priority payments (rent, council tax ect) to come from the new bank.

I would then contact HSBC and tell them you're having difficulties and see if they can freeze the charges on your account to stop you from going further over your limit.

You should complete a SoA as soon as you can - it'll help others on the forum give you some constructive advice and support, as well as actual practical things you can do to reduce your outgoings and up your income.

I've never dealt with HMRC, but maybe try and do a forum search to see if someone else has had similar issues?

All the best on your journey. You will get it sorted out - believe me, there's nothing that cannot be sorted.

happy_bunny_2

HMRC and TV licensing are important to deal with. TV licensing can lead to large fines at least. Why not talk to a debt charity, as you will probably need to pay these ahead of anything else other than rent, electric, council tax.

Try CAB or national debt line.

And post a SOA.

Good luck!

HB

40+

Thanks for all the replies and advice. I was overwhelmed by the information overload I got yesterday from the forum which left me feeling a bit demoralised. However I managed to pick myself up this morning and get into work and feeling better that I have made a start. I did see the guides on CAB and charities and thought that would be a good thing to try as I do feel this is going to take some help in my current mental condition, some days I can barely function. But I do feel having found this site that there maybe a ray of light at the end of the tunnel and that hopefully is not an express train Another big step is I have found a docs surgery and am signing on there too.

I have nearly got my SoA sorted out and will post here later tonight so people can see. I am going to see if there is a CAB near me and try and get time off work to go there. So everyday little steps.. and I really appreciate everyones advice, input and gain strength knowing I am not alone
Regards
Tom

[Deleted User]

Could you elaborate on the TV Licensing situation?

Have you fallen behind with a payment scheme?

Are you unlicensed?

Have you been visited, received a summons, been to court, etc.?

[Deleted User]

happy_bunny wrote: »

TV licensing can lead to large fines at least.

Rarely are the fines "large".

And there are ways to legally stop paying it.

RAS

You not only can have two bank accounts, it is absolutely vital that you have more than two bank accounts.

1. Business in and out
2. Basic bank account to protect your income from the business
3. Budgetting account for the HMRC and NI contributions.

You need to set up the latter two and get your next payments into them PDQ.

FireWyrm

40+ wrote: »

... I am just starting to work through my SoA, but have to admit I am terrified of having to deal with HMRC as I know this is going to be a mountain.

Actually, HMRC are suprisingly helpful when you explain the problem, unlike Council Tax. My experience is that if you are totally honest, lay out the figures, they are usually pretty good at getting you out of whatever mess you got yourself into. They only get heavy with people unwilling to pay or occassionally, when they are on some 'drive' to recover losses etc.

Make an appointment with an advisor at your local drop in centre and go through it with them. They'll be able to guide you through the process and help you.

TV licencing is a low priority. They threaten much, but do little. They will send you nasty letters and all but if you simply ignore them and their doorstep salesmen, it usually doesnt go anywhere. Just to be clear, you are under no obligation what so ever to allow one of those licencing salesmen into your home, they have no right of entry. You need not answer their questions, confirm their suspicions or help them in any way.

40+

Hello BedsitBob,

After carrying this letter around for some time, I finally took the plunge and opened the TV letter, I am not sure what this means as I don't have any of the others. It says:-

Dear Sir/Madam

As you have not responded to our letters yet you have left us no alternative but to proceed with final stages of our investigation and officer has been scheduled to visit you to find out if TVs are being watched or recorded illegally the officer may visit your property at any time day or night in the morning or evening. Information below explains procedure you may refer to during the visit from him officer

and it goes on..

Regards
Tom

40+

FireWyrm wrote: »

{snip}
Make an appointment with an advisor at your local drop in centre and go through it with them. They'll be able to guide you through the process and help you.

FireWyrm,

That is really helpful advice and is helping the feeling of being swallowed up a bit. I will get my details together and prepare myself for a visit, but I think I may have left it way too long! But will report back.

Regards
Tom

RAS

I get those all the time; but I do not have a TV.

What you need to do is remove the TV, or organise a licence PDQ