Debts and DV

RhiBi

Something that’s kept me awake through the night.

the banking set up I currently have, is that I have 2 current accounts.  One with Nationwide that my pay goes into (recently moved it from the joint nationwide account to a sole account) and one with Halifax that my direct debits go out of.  I’ve always liked this set up as I know how much to transfer to Halifax so that all priority bills are paid.  Obviously, I have a loan with Nationwide, which I haven’t missed a payment on and I have a credit card with Halifax, one payment missed and breathing space in place.

i know I need to move to a different bank, but is it possible to have 2 new accounts, so that I can continue the same set up.  If so, which banks should I be looking at?

Thanks

13thlegion

Personally i use Chase for something similar. It's easy to set up and you can have multiple current accounts set up, and up to 10 savings.

So similar to you I get paid into a current account then move my direct debits into a second one. Everything else gets moved into the savings accounts that I use as pots/virtual envelopes (if you've ever seen that budgeting idea - budget meaning how you plan to spend money, not budget meaning cheapest).

For example I have a Groceries savings that each month gets the amount that is in my SoA and when I go shopping I transfer how much I will spend that time into the act my card is attached to. Other savings are longer term such as Xmas, car maintenance etc.

Only downside (for some, not for me) is there are no branches. It is an online only bank 

I think you may be able to do the same with Monzo and Starling but I don't have experience of those.

RhiBi

Thanks, @13thlegion I already have a Chase account that I only use for holidays, I hadn’t thought of using that account.

sourcrates

Use two banks that you have no debt with, and make certain the ones you choose are not in the same banking group as anyone you owe money too either, its easy to check online.

Brie

RhiBi said:

@Highlanddream I have been referred to occ health, is that the same thing?

It may not be the same thing but definitely talk to occ health about everything you've gone through and they should be able to point you in the direction of things that can help. 

Check also if your employer has any kind of counselling support programme.  Many large employers do.  My last 2 employers (last one tiddly, previous was massive) had different programmes but both meant to support employees to help them cope with stress, burn out etc. 

Also check if there's something available through work related groups - if you are in (or ex) finance you might be able to use the Bank Worker's Charity, or if ex military there's SSAFA and others, etc.  

RhiBi

I work for local government, children’s services.  Ironically, I work with a lot of families where DV is involved!

Highlanddream

RhiBi said:

@Highlanddream I have been referred to occ health, is that the same thing?

No, occ health involve your employer, EAP is separate, although you have to give your employment details, just so they can check you are employed. It is totally impartial. Which may feel somehow better in these situations.

Highlanddream

RhiBi said:

I work for local government, children’s services.  Ironically, I work with a lot of families where DV is involved!

It means you will be understanding of the problems people face, trying to be positive! I am in adults, lol. 

RhiBi

Thanks everyone for all your kind and helpful messages.

I’ve opened 2 basic current accounts, one with Santander and one with NatWest.  I will miss the Nationwide bonuses though!

My next thoughts are that CAB have taken over dealing with everything, which was the right decision as my head was all over the place.  They spoken of handing everything over to Payplan once they’ve tried write offs etc.  From reading here, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.  I know it’s somewhat down the line so it’s not a decision I have to take right now, but will be looking for advice.

RhiBi

Sorry for posting again.  My GP surgery called me today to say that I needed to pay for them to fill in the debt and mental health form.  I was under the impression that they couldn’t charge for it?  I did say that to the person who phoned and they were going to double check.  Is there anything I can quote if they again say I need to pay?