From debt to freedom...

janb5

Hi ...definitely go to the Ombudsman.
It's worth a shot!

magicgal

I second the ombudsman. They really do owe you more of an explanation if they wish to refuse the refund. 

I hope this month isn’t too unpleasant for you all. Wishing you the strength to get through this. In a sense, the rest may allow you to recharge before facing the next batch of work you’ve got in the months ahead. Make the most of the prepping and planning, I guess. That’s what I’m trying to do but easier said than done as I’m sure you know. X

janb5

I've recently used the Ombudsman re a dispute.  It does take a while but you've done all the spadework already.  Well done for keeping all the evidence!

Kitten868

Another vote for go to the ombudsman! I think you just submit all your evidence and wait. You do get time frames on it all and you've got your evidence ready x

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Janb5 and Magicgal. I will start composing a letter to the Ombudsman this week.

Its been quite a relaxing weekend so far. Not having to do miles of taxiing has made a difference🙂.  I spent yesterday morning doing paperwork for my main job, then drove to the nearest big town to get some cleaning supplies that Mr T had sold out of when I did the weekly shop on Friday evening. DD3 came with me so that she could get some driving practice. We stopped over in a lay-by and when she started off there was an ominous sound from the car. I thought, from the emitting sound, it was a flat tyre but all tyres were fine. I think it’s something to do with the brakes - calliper maybe? - 3 wheel trims were cool and one was too hot to touch...so back to the garage we go 😔.

I do confess to having 2 spendy moments yesterday. As I was buying cleaning materials in Beeand M, I did spot a sheet that is made from teddy bear type material so basically very fluffy and warm. Since I have the coldest room in the house, I thought it would be a good move for £8. The second spend was a foray into the world of EBay. I’ve sold a few things on there in the past but not really bought from there, but was in need of a coat that is both warm and waterproof for work. We are encouraged to teach outside as much as possible and this week it has been glorious and we have been able to get out, but as it gets colder I need a coat that can be warm and waterproof!

Cherryfudge

Those both sound like very wise buys. I have a fleecy blanket that follows me round in cold weather. (Well, indoors...). It's very snug when I'm watching TV as there's a Mysterious Draft (or draught - I can never remember which).

I also have a super-padded coat that I refer to as my 'duvet coat'. Not waterproof but otherwise absolutely wonderful in cold weather. It has the added essential of being long enough to keep my er, jeans warm.

I hope the car isn't going to be expensive.

Spendless

I'd also agree with going to the ombudsman. I may be wrong but what I suspect has happened, is it's so long ago they don't have computer records going back that far, so they've put your name into their database and computer has said No, and they've not looked any further. That's pretty much what I think happened with mine. In my younger day I always took out PPI, but these loans etc were paid back many years ago, I have no evidence and can't remember any details , so I went to one of these 'no claim, no fee' places just as the dealine loomed. Only one place found me. I was awarded the grand sum of £8.72 hahaha.

I know I thought this a week or two ago but think I forgot to post it. Briefly, I had a job where the works vehicle that was on site  had to have a 'logging' book. So, each time it was taken out you recorded the date, time in, time out, mileage used and the destination place and reason for journey. You are so good at keeping records, as and when things we are allowed out and about again, what about doing this for a few weeks, it might help identify any trips you're making that could be turned into 'round robin' ones and help with you reducing petrol costs. 

You definately need a warm and waterproof coat if you're going to be teaching outside in winter! 

Humdinger1

@Honeysucklelou2 well done on going to the Ombudsman.   I had 4 PPI claims denied and they found in favour of all of them! Very welcome rebates.  I can't believe that the banks are still wriggling about paying out at this late stage but I'm sure you'll win.  The further back it goes, the higher the payout as they have to add 8% per year simple interest to the amount owed.  Can I just check that you're not planning to donate any to your feckless ex, after his appalling behaviour?! Sorry, don't want to be a micro managing control freak but he does NOT deserve a penny.  Looking forward to your updates love Humdinger x 

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Kitten868 ( sorry, your post must have come in as I was taking an age to write my last one!),  , Cherryfudge, Spendless & Humdinger1.

Spendless - that’s a really good idea about journeys in and out. For the last week, I have been the only driver with a near functioning car, so ended up driven ridiculous amounts ferrying the older children but thankfully their MOTs have been sorted and they are back to transporting themselves! Will dedicate a notebook to the glovebox to keep track. 
Re PPI, I think you are right. This PPI is from 2001 to 2006 and the original company no longer exists as it was taken over by S* Ntander, but frustrating when I can provide evidence.

Humdinger - Thank you it’s good to know of others that have been successful with the Ombudsman. Any money that might come from this PPI claim will be going straight off the window loans. One loan is tantalisingly close and I feel like I’m on the home straight with it.

Forgot to add, after limping back with the car yesterday, I did have chance to get out for a walk. It was quite late in the afternoon, so almost dark by the time we got round the circular walk but lovely to see the bats flitting about above our heads. One field that we walk through on a public footpath, had recently been harvested so Dd2’s Dog enjoyed racing around. Last time we did this walk, we lost her in the tall maize, so she and we enjoyed the wider visibility. DS3 was delighted to find left over cobs of corn, which he guessed had been nibbled by the rabbits. He then proceeded t9 check every possible hole for evidence of the said rabbits! I love how children think!

Hoping to get the younger children out on bikes today, so that DS3 can get some practice.

janb5

I think you dont need to write a letter to the Ombudsman but have to complete a form....shoot me if I`m wrong and different Ombudsman have different criteria.