Bloody Banks and Shops

[ringsider]

May I be permitted to let off some steam after a number of frustrating attempts to save some money, then spend some.



First off I attempted to open a joint (with my brother) fixed term account. I rang 3 different banks and all three insisted on two separate cheques from us. Unfortunately, my brother has no bank account of his own so that seemed the end of the idea.

Later that day I spoke to Abbey's saving people and was advised that they have a fixed term account that allows the money to be transferred in from Abbey Instant Saver Accounts. Great, I paid two £10,000 Barclays cheques into my Instant account and into my brother's Instant account to facilitate the transfer. I did this and rang Abbey's savings department again, only to be told that Abbey, unlike the other banks, insist on a single transfer or cheque. This is madness.

Not to worry I say, I will consolidate my previous two £10,000 cheques by transferring the money into just one of our Instant Savers.

I went along to my local branch this morning and it was NO, NO, NO. On Tuesday they were perfectly happy to accept my cheques without any form of identification, but today they wanted two different forms of identication to transfer MY MONEY from my account to my brothers. I walked out in disgust and will abandon the idea of Abbeys fixed term bond. Instead, I will hibernate with my money spread around me.



To rub salt into the wound I went on to visit my local branch of Boots. I made a single purchase worth £4.88, gave the girl £20 and was upset to be given ten £1 coins in my change. I asked her for notes and was flabbergasted to be told it was too early to have a £10 note available. What the hell does that mean? She was unable to explain in any words that I could understand. I sought out a supervisor and although she did exchange my coins, she didn't understand the phrase either. Perhaps we all need longer and stronger pockets.



Finally, I tried to get a haircut this morning and the place was closed for the day. Please shoot me.



Sorry for this very long non-film rant. I do feel better for getting it off my chest.





Regards - Bernard

[faginsgirl]

I`d rather go to the dentist than deal with banks and I avoid them.



Northern rock were very helpful when I enquired about getting a morgage with them and I must admit they rang mr FG to ask if we had taken out some money through the cash point one morning (about a hundred quid) which we hadn`t, so they took immediate action to put a stop on our account. It was good that they were monitoring our habits. I would recommend NR after the trouble they have had I guess now its just about the safest place to keep your money other than under the mattress.



You would think that shops would get a few £10 and £5`s for early birds through the experience of what happened to you but most mangers get there with little experience IMHO, right place, right time! Its the way of the world and they don`t usually live in the world of the workers!



Hair cut- How odd for them to be closed on Thursdays! I hate going to the hairdressers too, even more than banks I go deeper than talking about the weather and holidays (I think lol).



xx

[ollie]

name='faginsgirl']I`d rather go to the dentist than deal with banks

Are you sure ?



cheers Ollie sporting a large hangover

[Nick Dando]

What about putting your money into National Savings and Investments (aka Premium Bonds)? You're guaranteed to get your money back, and there is a (remote) chance of winning a big payout.



Nick

[faginsgirl]

name='ollie']Are you sure ?



cheers Ollie sporting a large hangover

Well ok then, I`m exagerating a wee bit....only if its just for a check up



xx