h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Fraid not. I take cheques though.

Well, in that case, you'll have to wait for a few weeks until Barclaycard send me some more of their lovely interest-free cheques.

My current account is giving my Bank Manager palpitations at the minutes.

B

Interest Free cheques? Never heard of thems...

Yeah - it's like all the 0% (for six months) balance transfers, which Barclaycard don't do very often.

As a compensation they have 0% (for six months) cheques, two of which they send you every few months or so if you're a cardholder.

B

What the hell are you doing with a Barclaycard! They are just about the worst of the credit card companies when it comes to interest rates.

What you need to do is get yourself one, any one, with a 6 month free period on it. Then after 5 months get another with another company and transfer your balance. That way you get an interest free loan for as long as you like.

Me, I've got a draw full of credit cards that used to have large balances on them that suddenly got paid off by the competition

Yes, that is the plan - except currently because dole monkeys don't get many credit cards.

Because I've been using and paying off my Barclaycard consistently since 1998, I've got an interest rate of around 12%, which is frankly bloody good, especially compared to my Capital 1 card, which is 17.9%.

But that's OK, because it's only got £3:50 on it.

B

My Mum does all that thing with credit cards.

I can't even have a credit card for another 13 days. All I've got is a stoopid "Solo" debit card which nobody takes, in RL or the Net or anywhere.

Stoopid bank.

Take solace in the fact that you're not in debt, though - unlike Greydesk, myself or your Mum.

B

Don't worry about debt. Having that stuff is just part of being a grown up. Mine is probably touching £60,000 by now

Yeah - only 13 days to go till I can be in just as much debt as everyone else!!! Student loan, etc. will all start piling up this year - and unlike everyone else in my college - I'm not worried. I know that even if your earning £17,000 a year - you still only pay about £50 per MONTH!!! That's only about £600 per YEAR!!! Interest free!!! No worries.

Master B. So have we a deal?

I think I should point out that being in debt is not a necessary or even desirable part of growing up. My younger brother was in debt for much of his childhood whereas I have managed not to be in debt. I do admit that the student loan situation (replacing even minimal grants) now makes things harder and almost everyone is going to be starting off with the idea that debt is normal/acceptable. While not a cause for panic in the early stages, it can easily get out of hand with some people.

Student Loan pretty much is. I'm not planning on getting into large amounts of debt needlessly - but I'm terrible with money.

I have plans already as to how to control my spending and non-student-loan debt - it involves having multiple bank accounts, an ISA, direct debits, and only having 1 credit card at any one time.

Sorted!

We have a deal as and when I can actually lay my hands on £150, yes.

B

£150 might be a bit on the high side

http://search-desc.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?GetResult&SortProperty=MetaHighestPriceSort&query=m515&srchdesc=y&ebaytag1=ebayctry&ebaycurr=999&ebaytag1code=3&combine=y&st=2

If you look at that - you'd think so. However, the RRP on these things is £290 (although most stores sell it for £249.99) and most of the ones on eBay finish at around £150 to £190.

Being still a whole 12 days away from being 18, and the date of birth seeming to count as one of the credit/debit card checks - I can't put it up there.

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I've got to go and convince about 10 people to pretend to be my friends and come round for my birthday for pizza and a video - so that my Mum won't laugh at me. Within the last 3 years, all my friends have either gone to Uni, died, been in my head, or any combination of the above. Any ideas?

Can we really be your friends and only pretend to come round instead! You could have a virtual birthday party on a thread.

That would be cool. I'll stick a journal entry in on the day, and post virtal invites. See who turns up.

Or you could really be my friends and really come round!

Might be pushing your luck, there...

Are you within a 50 mile radius of Scunthorpe?

And if not, are you willing to pay travel expenses?

B

Whilst I do live a little closer than Master B, do you really think that having a large skinhead who is around twice your age turning up to your birthday party would improve your standing with your parents!

Also, sorry I forgot that you aren't 18 yet on the eBay thing. Can I suggest that a credit card application be your present to yourself

*entertains the idea of seeing how many skinheads we could get to turn up to Lifson's house on her birthday*

B