Advice needed

itsgoodtotalk

I was awarded sequestration (I’m in Scotland) 2.5 years ago, discharged 1.5 years ago. Looking back I think I naively went ahead with the sequestration as I was so in debt with no way out and thought it would be the answer to all my problems.
It wasn’t.
2.5 years on, I want to get on with my life but everything from getting a promotion at work and therefore better pay to my basic bank account is affected.
I worked hard and got a promotion therefore some extra money however my monthly payments to my trustee have been adjusted accordingly and i am now no more comfortable than I was money wise. People around me say ‘oh you’ll be able to treat yourself now’. No, no I won’t. It’s embarrassing. I realise the money is to pay off my debts/administration of my bankruptcy but it’s still a bitter pill to swallow.
My other issue is my bank account. I would love an account with contactless, just to make life easier. Pay at the pump, swipe and go. I feel embarrassed putting my card in the machine for £2.50 and feel really judged. I know it sounds ridiculous and petty and there’s more to life...
Does anyone know 1) how long you have to submit 6 monthly bank statements/wage slips etc for and 2) how long until life gets back to normal and I can get a contactless bank card?
Thanks

paul_and_shark

Nationwide basic bank account comes with a contactless Visa card

normanna

I wouldn't worry about a contactless card in the scheme of things. I use an AMEX and Asda accept the card but not contactless so I have to insert the card and use my pin. No big deal really but a bit annoying. I haven't given it a thought how it looks to others - I couldn't care less.

You need to think of the promotion as benefitting you in the longer term and it's a good thing you are able to pay more of your debts back with probably a fair chunk written off so there's unfairness to creditors if you think about it. Focus on the future.

023456789

Rather than a contact less card do you have an iPhone or Android phone with NFC functionality? In which case link your existing debit card to either Apple or Google Pay and you can then use your phone as a contactless card. I tend to use my phone more than the card TBH, also as an added bonus your phone doesn't have same £30 limit that the card has.