Why do so many of us have so many Direct Debits that we dont have control over our finances anymore?

Answer 1

Direct Debits are only automatic payments - cancel them if your not happy with them, and if you have too many, think about spending less of the money that's not yours...

Answer 2

Direct debits are issued to make sure money goes out roughly the same time each /week/month/quartly or yearly.

You can cancel a direct debit at anytime with your bank. If you have no money when a direct debit goes through, you can get charged by your bank, for overgoing your limited funds. Also, direct debits can take up to three days to transact from one bank to another, thats why some firms/companies take payments 3 -4 days earlier or later than the aspective due date.

To manage direct debits is quite simple. Simply open an savings account of where you transfer each week a amount that covers some of the direct debit payment. I.e sky payment £21.00 monthly payment would be guestimated at £5.00 each week. This then can be transferred near the due-date to cover your payment.

Its a good way of keeping in track of your payments and bills, breaking them down to make it it easy upon yourself and helping you get financially out of debt.

Answer 3

i prefer "one-time" payments. i have no direct debits, but once a month, I go to my credit cards and auto loan sites to make a payment just for that month. it will only come out on the day (or a few after ) I set it up. That way you can pay extra on the monthly payment if you want to. you have more control than direct debit. also, sometimes direct debit can cause problems with your account, like if they take the money out early because of a holiday or weekend. with "one-time" payments you just have to remember when each bill is due (i keep track on a calendar) and pay them one by one. it may seem more time-consuming, but it is quicker than mail and you save a check.

Answer 4

Direct debits are actually a really good way to help keep control of your finances. A friend of mine showed me how and has an article out on it here
http://www.quazen.com/Home/Personal-Finance/Managing-your-Debts,-a-common-sense-approach.525

Answer 5

God knows, I sometimes go to the bank and there is nothing there and I am like what. I have taken a lot of them out now and pay them by post office card at least the I can keep track better.

Answer 6

I prefer direct debits at least i know they get paid every month &
no temptation to miss paying.