Anyone ever used PROVIDENT for a loan or shopping vouchers ??

[Nutcracker]

Just wondering as i am struggling yet again and don't think i am gonna be able to manage this month what with 2 birthdays and xmas presies still to buy.

Have had a quick look on their website and they seem o.k but don't really know anyone who has used them.

They say the payment amount remains the same throughout the entire period you pay it off, which is what i was most worried about.

Any opinions, experiances |???

Yes i am going to do that Misdee, Fairydust gave me the details and i have the book here.

Was also going to try and set up a savings account for me too put xmas money into.

nutty whats the web address for park, keep meaning to do it myself for next year.

the problems i have with savings is the temptation to dip into it throughout the year.

Can i look it out and post it later Misdee, am just doing tea ??

I was gonna have one of those accounts where you have to give a months notice or something to withdraw money.

Sorry Nutty, I wish I could think of something else.

No thanks Crunchie, you've been a big help.

Am gonna sit down later and work all my figures out. Will see if i can get by until after xmas, perhaps defer a couple of bills and then sort out a job after xmas.

I'm not familiar with this company but the interest suggested here is stupid. DO NOT GET INVOLVED in such schemes as you'll only make problems worse. Can you not skimp a bit on presents for all this birthdays and Christmas? it's only for one year and the lids won't remember it all that well. try and make somethign for them or look in charity shops (I always see lovely things in there for pennies) and car boots sales or ebay. Could you try some part-time work over Christmas? Shops like M&S are usually interested in part-time staff or department stores. I know the pay is not fantastic but it would sure make a real difference. or even supermarket work for evening shifts. Just get yourself down your local highstreet and ask them. it only takes 5 minutes to find out if they have any vacancies and the sooner you do it more chances you'll have of finding something. And it's only temporary.
But whatever you do avoid this company. Good luck!

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It's probably too late for this year, but for the future you could think about joining a credit union. You normally have to have been saving for a while before you can borrow, which is why it doesn't solve your immediate problem, but they are absolutely brilliant for managing the kind of repeated need for small loans that you are talking about. I don't know where you live, but just google 'credit union' plus the name of a place near you, and I'm sure you'll find something.

Legally, credit unions can only charge a maximum of 1% interest per month, and insurance is free -a vastly better deal than Provident et al. So over a year, a loan of £100 repaid in small weekly payments would cost about £106 - not £125, or even, as in WandR's example, £277. And maybe they could help you hold onto your savings?

I live in an area where companies like Provident have been very active, and quite a lot of work has been done lately on exposing how gruesome they are. Like the catalogues that have agents, they work by giving hard-up women the chance to earn a little bit of money by selling expensive credit to their friends. In other words, they make their profits by getting the poor to prey on the poor. I don't know how the guys who run those companies can live with themselves, frankly.

nutty please please don't get into debt for Xmas/bday presents. you don't want to be miserable/struggling financially next year - your peace of mind is more important.

oh god meant peace of mind

Thanks honeyflower, will investigate that further.

Thanks to everyone else too, just can't see my way out at the mo.

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woah wigandrobe,. thats excessive!!!

they keep offering me their argos card.

60% thats extortion.

Provident are just one of a group of lenders who specifically target certain areas, as well as single mums, low income families, etc -- all adding to the pressure to provide the latest 'whatever' for the children.
Please avoid them like the plague, have a chea, but fun xmas and plan for next year (park, etc).

chea should read cheap

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Ahhhh Secure thanks loads, that is such a lovely offer.

I have managed to get chloes bike for about 15 pounds 12 pounds less than i thought so that has helped a bit.

Have managed also to put a couple off bills off until after christmas and my brother has offered to lend me 100 pound.

Thankyou so much for the offer though, it is so generous of you.

I have emailed you secur. Thank you so much, I am really touched by your offer XXX

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