Direct Debits

I have to admit I have come to agree - for a long time I tried to avoid DDs except where they were for a fixed amount (when arguably it makes no difference) and would try to pay by standing order when I could. However, with the advent of online banking, when you can check up on the state of your account at any time, check the DDs set up on your account and easily cancel them if anything goes wrong, I now actually find it helps maintain some sort of financial control.

I have had a couple of problems, but have found that my bank will refund and originators change the date when asked.

However, I wish you could set up a DD and specify the date, it would remove the worry that someone might try to take money at the end of the month when you're skint.