You’ll also find this post at The Pulse
Love on the rocks.
Parts 1 and 2 have brought us to this stage of my better-bank-deal quest.
Thank you so much for reading and responding!
Today the plot finally crystallises.
Bert
As Sheryl the Specialised Case Manager presaged, Bert the Bank Manager and I had ‘fruitful conversations’ (via email).
Alas, the fruit was small, hard and bitter:
- No relief on annual or monthly fees.
- A total annual interest saving of … wait for it … $126.
Barry
I told Barry the Twitter Team Guy.
No response.
Con
Con the Home Loan Officer rang me once more for good measure, but to no effect.
Sheryl
I had an email chat with Sheryl (pleasantries removed to save space):
Hi, Sheryl,
Just thought I’d have a quiet word with you while I deliberate.
Do you feel happy with how this resolution is panning out?
Hi, Paul,
I am only happy if you are.
I can see that Bert is trying his best to assist you but ultimately the decisions will lay with you.
So Paul, are you happy with the way this is panning out?
Having achieved a mere 6.3% of my target saving of $2,000 I feel rather deflated.
I can’t tell whether this is truly the best ABank can do, or whether it’s the best they can do for a ‘little person’ like me.
After all this time and effort and drama, a saving of just $126 per year seems pretty paltry.
It doesn’t really inspire me to forge a 40-year alliance with ABank that showers us both in riches.
I think I may have to wait to see what the Choice initiative comes up with.
If it turns out that you guys really have done the best you can for me, I’ll accept my $126 with grace and apologise humbly for wasting everyone’s time.
If, however, Choice turns up a raft of significantly better deals, I’ll probably feel very let down that you guys couldn’t do likewise for me ahead of time.
Does this description of how I feel make sense to you, Sheryl?
To be honest saving money and discussing lending matters via email is not as effective as a verbal conversation… would you consider a conversation with Bert? This may lead to further options.
I assure you we want to help and we are doing all that we can at this moment. We would love to see you as one of our long term customers so I think it is time for an actual chat. Your thoughts?
As a writer, verbal isn’t my forte.
That’s probably why I’ve failed in all phone and face-to-face discussions to date.
I understand that much business is conducted this way.
I don’t understand why these ‘further options’ can’t be put in print. When I first took my loans, the terms were written in great detail.
Unless, of course, you’re talking about a negotiation – which I find even less desirable.
My readers have been following this story with interest.
As I feel confused and dispirited, I’ll seek their objective advice before getting back to you.
I do realise you’re trying, Sheryl.
I suspect I’m simply unsuited to your systems.
Paul
I’m tired, disheartened and torn.
Should I:
a) Accept my modest fate.
b) Battle on via email or Twitter.
c) Pick up the phone.
d) Send the wife in.
e) Turn this into a novel and pay my loans with the proceeds.
f) Change banks.
g) Try something else (describe).
Unless you (or Choice) come up with something significant,
this could be …
The End
Paul Hassing, Founder & Senior Writer, The Feisty Empire
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