technophobe granny savings account

wmb194

ToastLady said:

wmb194 said:

TimeLord1 said:

@eskbanker I think I'll avoid political debate on the forum... And avoid derailing the help the OP is asking advice with. But mostly the banks and the government could also do much more to prevent situations like this from happening. Cash usage is growing because it's easier to budget and control, and it's not as easy to spend it with mass retail declining. Age UK should be a local option for all senior-aged people.

Computers, credit and debit cards were a big thing 25+ years ago so if you're, "approaching your 90s" and haven't got to grips with them then it is because you wilfully decided not to. 

Anyway, if you don't want online accounts there are still good phone banks like First Direct and plenty of places still have branches.

That's not strictly true. My Dad was really into computing in a big way, but has trouble dealing with computers, particularly banking nowadays (he is in his 90's). My Mum now deals with all his banking as well as hers on a laptop, she can't get to grips with banking apps and don't think she trusts them so steers clear, and I can totally understand why. You never know what position you will be in as you age.

There's no accounting for some people but in general...

DRS1

Going back to the OP's question I think  you should review your savings accounts and see how many of them are app only or online only and how many can also be operated by post in branch or by telephone.  Where possible move away from the app only and online only versions.

eskbanker

DRS1 said:

Going back to the OP's question I think  you should review your savings accounts and see how many of them are app only or online only and how many can also be operated by post in branch or by telephone.  Where possible move away from the app only and online only versions.

OP is likely to find the Moneyfacts listings useful when considering a new account, as these allow a range of filters to be applied within the 'full search' facility, including all five options you list:

https://moneyfactscompare.co.uk/savings-accounts/

TimeLord1

@eskbanker

 Practical solutions for technophobes.

When I mentioned "mass retail declining," I was referring to the observable trend of physical stores facing increased competition from online retailers, leading to closures and a reduced physical presence in many areas. This isn't to say physical retail will disappear entirely, but its landscape is undoubtedly shifting.

Now, regarding specific policies and laws to help technophobes while being realistic:

• Mandating Accessible Offline Options for Essential Services: This could involve requiring key service providers (utilities, banking, government agencies) to maintain accessible physical locations or dedicated phone lines with human operators for tasks that are increasingly being digitized. This wouldn't necessarily mean a massive expansion, but rather ensuring a baseline level of in-person or human-assisted access remains available. For example, a utility company could be required to have a certain number of physical payment locations or a dedicated freephone line for billing inquiries handled by a person.

• 
  

• Funding Digital Literacy and Support Programs: Instead of solely focusing on physical infrastructure, investing in widespread, accessible digital literacy programs could empower some technophobes to engage with technology on their own terms. These programs could be run through hubs, libraries, community centers, and yes, potentially in partnership with organizations like Age UK, perhaps with increased government funding to expand their reach and resources. The focus here would be on patient, tailored training and ongoing support if needed.
  

eskbanker

^ Perhaps a little ironic to be posting AI copypasta in the context of discussing technophobes!

In terms of access to essential services, I'm still not sure I'm seeing the problem - which providers of essential services (other than those that won't be used by technophobes, such as app-only banks) don't comply with existing regulatory requirements to be contactable by offline methods such as phone?

On the subject of digital literacy, the issue often seems to boil down not to 'how do I improve my digital skills?' but 'why should I?', but for those motivated to broaden their horizons there are a range of measures in place already:

2. Digital skills and inclusion - giving everyone access to the digital skills they need - GOV.UK

Newly_retired

There are always new tricks to learn.

TimeLord1

eskbanker said:

^ Perhaps a little ironic to be posting AI copypasta in the context of discussing technophobes!

In terms of access to essential services, I'm still not sure I'm seeing the problem - which providers of essential services (other than those that won't be used by technophobes, such as app-only banks) don't comply with existing regulatory requirements to be contactable by offline methods such as phone?

On the subject of digital literacy, the issue often seems to boil down not to 'how do I improve my digital skills?' but 'why should I?', but for those motivated to broaden their horizons there are a range of measures in place already:

2. Digital skills and inclusion - giving everyone access to the digital skills they need - GOV.UK

That Gov article is two years old, plus if you look at the last big funding push, it was a decade ago, so still not pushing help for seniors—it needs to be done locally. My local library currently has a banking hub inside since the closure of local high street banks; places like this are where the help should be. And additional funding from the banks.

eskbanker

TimeLord1 said:

eskbanker said:

^ Perhaps a little ironic to be posting AI copypasta in the context of discussing technophobes!

In terms of access to essential services, I'm still not sure I'm seeing the problem - which providers of essential services (other than those that won't be used by technophobes, such as app-only banks) don't comply with existing regulatory requirements to be contactable by offline methods such as phone?

On the subject of digital literacy, the issue often seems to boil down not to 'how do I improve my digital skills?' but 'why should I?', but for those motivated to broaden their horizons there are a range of measures in place already:

2. Digital skills and inclusion - giving everyone access to the digital skills they need - GOV.UK

That Gov article is two years old, plus if you look at the last big funding push, it was a decade ago, so still not pushing help for seniors—it needs to be done locally. My local library currently has a banking hub inside since the closure of local high street banks; places like this are where the help should be. And additional funding from the banks.

Seems to me that government agrees with you about the value of local initiatives, and there are more recent articles about the current approach of engaging with local councils:

Digital Inclusion Programme | Local Government Association

Home - Digital Inclusion Toolkit

I don't know if the more localised programmes are considered to be a response to poor takeup of earlier national ones though....

Personally I wouldn't see banks as having any responsibility to fund digital literacy programmes (any more than, say, Amazon), but some do seem to offer support:

Barclays Digital Wings | Digital learning - your way

Free digital skills | Getting online | Lloyds Bank

TimeLord1

eskbanker said:

TimeLord1 said:

eskbanker said:

^ Perhaps a little ironic to be posting AI copypasta in the context of discussing technophobes!

In terms of access to essential services, I'm still not sure I'm seeing the problem - which providers of essential services (other than those that won't be used by technophobes, such as app-only banks) don't comply with existing regulatory requirements to be contactable by offline methods such as phone?

On the subject of digital literacy, the issue often seems to boil down not to 'how do I improve my digital skills?' but 'why should I?', but for those motivated to broaden their horizons there are a range of measures in place already:

2. Digital skills and inclusion - giving everyone access to the digital skills they need - GOV.UK

That Gov article is two years old, plus if you look at the last big funding push, it was a decade ago, so still not pushing help for seniors—it needs to be done locally. My local library currently has a banking hub inside since the closure of local high street banks; places like this are where the help should be. And additional funding from the banks.

It seems to me that government agrees with you about the value of local initiatives, and there are more recent articles about the current approach of engaging with local councils:

Digital Inclusion Programme | Local Government Association

Home - Digital Inclusion Toolkit

I don't know if the more localised programmes are considered to be a response to poor takeup of earlier national ones though....

Personally I wouldn't see banks as having any responsibility to fund digital literacy programmes (any more than, say, Amazon), but some do seem to offer support:

Barclays Digital Wings | Digital learning - your way

Free digital skills | Getting online | Lloyds Bank

The staff in the library hubs seem to have disabilities but have been highly praised and are capable of doing a good job and understanding. I'm not sure if that's a policy by the banks and councils to use more people who have disabilities, but it seems like that to me. I think the library hubs will keep those buildings more active. They also are trying to get a deposit cash machine inside, but it has legal issues currently.

Yorkie1

Back to the suggestions about bank accounts. My mother (now 83) doesn't use online banking. I know that the Coop bank has some awful reviews, but mum has always been able to do all her banking needs through them, whether by depositing at the post office, or phone banking.