I work freelance, so my bank account goes up and down like a yoyo during the year. After a biggish project it can have quite a bit of money in it for several weeks until I get the time to spend it in a frenzy pay the bills or invest it sensibly.
About 3 years ago I got fed up with my bank trying to sell me stuff over the counter whenever I had more than the usual amount into the account, asking me loads of financial questions in full hearing of everyone else. We live in a small town and there is always someone I know or recognise in there. They promised to make a note on my account that I didn't want them to ever try to sell me anything over the counter again.
I recently had a big project pay up and the money went into my current account to wait for April 6th when I can stick it in an ISA for next year. Every time I set foot in the bank the staff harrass me about it. "If you can pay in £1,000 a month you could have an account that pays a better rate of interest which is still crap." (Er, no, some months I don't have anything to pay in, and I can't cut a cheque for £3k into 3 parts and pay it in monthly.) "Have you invested in an ISA this year?" (Er, yes, but do I want everyone standing behind me to know that?) "Ooh, Mrs Waltons, do you know what your balance is? It's a lot of money to keep in a current account ..." (Hey, why not shout a little louder into the microphone? Someone at the back may not have heard you.)
Every time I say to them "I don't wish to discuss my financial affairs over the counter, and please could you note that on my account". In reply I just get more of it: "We can make an appointment with one of our financial advisors about investing lump sums if you wish." (Well now everyone knows that, at least this month, Mrs Waltons is filthy rich and catflap.)
It is absolutely driving me mad, and I've got to go in there again tomorrow. AIBU to feel that it is a huge invasion of my privacy? (Any bank staff out there who know how I can shut them up, please?)