I feel like I have completed a marathon, and yet all I did was sit in front of my computer!
After the debacle with our bank earlier this year, we promptly switched banks.
Well, I *say* promptly but the reality is that it takes forever to actually get everything sorted – one of the complications of living in our modern society. I guess this is why people don’t switch their bank more often, even when they are really fed up.
We signed up for the new accounts way back in August – which was not as simple as it sounds. You can’t just open an account anymore – you have to know exactly how you are going to use it, so they can recommend the best “product” for you. Ummm hello, I just want a bank account that pays interest, and has no fees! Yeah, good luck with that one.
Here we are now at the end of November and we have finally sorted out our cards and pin numbers and internet banking, and arranged for the hubster’s employer and my clients to pay into the new accounts.
So over the weekend it was time to notify all relevant parties, and change all our auto-deductions. What fun that was (yes, I’m being sarcastic!).
I suppose I should be grateful that I was able to do 90% of it online, and didn’t have to muck around with phone calls etc. There are a couple from my list that I flicked over to the hubster to deal with.
And now I have a mammoth headache, so that’s why you’re getting this little rant today instead of a regular blog post 😉 .
Next on the hit list? Our internet service provider! But again, putting it off because can you imagine what a palaver it will be to make sure everybody gets our new email address. Mind you, it might stop the spammers for a while!
Modern technology is great, but sometimes I can’t help feeling that it’s a double-edged sword …
Vanessa says
Even though I’m still PO’d at my ex bank for the account debalce a year ago, I still have one account with them because it’s too hard to close it. Oh and the selling of banking “products” ugh…who gives a flippedy do-dah! Literally, just take my money!
Janet Camilleri says
Yep we still have the old bank accounts because it takes such a long time to finalise things and make sure everything’s working!
Kez @ Awesomely Unprepared says
Oh, yeah. I am pretty sure that a lot of services are relying on us being too lazy to quit with them!!
Janet Camilleri says
For sure Kez, it’s hard work!
Beth | AlmostPosh.com says
I now push myself to ring up service providers and bully them into better deals. It’s a chore but it does save heaps of bucks. I’ve negotiated electricity, gas, home loan rate, Foxtel, internet and mobile all over the last six months. Banks are the WORST though.
Janet Camilleri says
It sucks, but it’s worth doing!
Erica Hanwright says
As a teacher I’ve been with the same bank all my working life. In 30 years I’ve had no problems and I don’t even want to think of the hassle or should I say trauma of changing bank.
Janet Camilleri says
You are one of the lucky ones! We are still going through the process – have to go in and sign some more papers at both our old and new bank before Christmas!!!