I feel they are being extremely harsh as the only mode of transport possible would have been a snow plough. Our car was buried in snow on the drive and the conditions were exceptionally bad. Mrs S. M., via email.
Travelodge was mystified when I contacted them because it had not heard from you.
It seems there’s been a bit of a mix-up here. You applied to the insurance company for a refund, rather than directly to Travelodge.
The insurance you had taken was designed to cover delays when traveling by train or plane. The insurer apparently wrote to you for information, but says it has not received a reply.
No matter. Travelodge has refunded you as it refunded hundreds of other people who could not make it to hotels because of the snow this winter. The insurer was also prepared to refund on an ex gratia basis.
Personally, I would never buy the cancellation insurance sold for UK hotel stays and train journeys. It’s just not worth it.
More... Going on holiday? Best debit and credit cards to help you avoid overseas fees How to get travel insurance if you're suffering from a serious illness...and why you musn't just rely on EHIC Can you find a better insurance deal? Compare prices here Play your cards right: The best credit cards for spending, holidays, rewards or clearing your debts The best balance transfer credit cards to help clear your debts Flexible low rate credit cards vanish, with just four under 10% left - so should you grab one now? On the hunt for a better credit card? compare offerings here I helped my relatives get back on their feet, but now I'm being crushed by debt repayments I am an aged widower in good health with credit card debt as a result of helping two members of my family.They had a laudable ambition in their 40s to work for useful mature student degrees while cutting down to part-time jobs.They were very successful and now have far better jobs.I can service the monthly payments to the credit card companies in excess of the minimum but am finding the rates of interest a disgrace.How can I come to some sort of deal to pay off this debt? G. P., Suffolk.
My first thought is that you should ask the two family members to help you to repay the debt. They, after all, have benefited from your generosity, so it seems wrong that you should be struggling now as a result.
My second thought is that credit cards are possibly the worst way to handle a long-term loan. I spoke to National Debtline, part of the Money Advice Trust.
If this were a normal debt case they would go through a complete budget sheet with you.
Where someone has money left at the end of each month, they would suggest writing to the creditors, enclosing a copy of the budget, and making an offer of repayment plus requesting that interest and charges are frozen.
However, there appears to be no hardship in your case, as you say you can afford the repayments.
So let’s look at the other options. You could transfer the balances to other credit cards that have long interest-free periods. However, you would incur a transfer fee.
The best option is Halifax Balance Transfer card, which is interest-free for 25 months and has a balance transfer fee of 3 per cent. However, you can only apply via its website, so you would need to ask a family member to help if you do not have access to the internet.
Barclaycard’s Platinum Transfer card gives 26 months interest free on the transfer, but has a balance transfer fee of 3.5 per cent (though it is currently offering a £10 refund on transfers over £2,000). The number to call is 0800 731 0200.
Alternatively, you could swap to a credit card that promises to keep the interest rate low for life. Sainsbury’s Bank has one charging 7.8 per cent — again you must apply via the internet — while Barclaycard Platinum Simplicity charges 7.9 per cent.
BEST 0% BALANCE TRANSFERSProvider Duration* 1 Barclaycard 27 months 2 Natwest/ RBS 26 months 3 Halifax 26 months 4 Virgin 26 months 5 Barclaycard 25 months >> ESSENTIAL GUIDE: How to get the best credit card *Fees apply
Another alternative would be a personal loan. Among those offering low-rate loans are Sainsbury’s Bank, Derbyshire Building Society, Tesco, M&S Bank and Nationwide.
But the rate you were offered would depend on your personal financial circumstances.
If you want to get the debts right out of your life and you own your home, you could consider equity release. But this is a drastic step and should only be considered after taking independent financial and legal advice, and discussing it with your close family. The cost of setting this up and paying the loan would eat into the equity in your home.
Personally, I think balance transfers or asking your family for help are by far the best options to consider.
Those who need help with debts can call National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or nationaldebtline.co.uk. This service is free and should not be confused with other similarly named organisations that charge for reorganising debts.
Write to Tony Hazell at Ask Tony, Money Mail, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT or email asktony@dailymail.co.uk — please include your daytime phone number, postal address and a separate note addressed to the offending organisation giving them permission to talk to Tony Hazell. We regret we cannot reply to individual letters. Please do not send original documents as we cannot take responsibility for them. No legal responsibility can be accepted by the Daily Mail for answers given.
