After having lots and lots of money troubles a few years ago, my bank were made aware of the travesty and replaced my "switch" card with a "solo" card and any cheque that I wrote out was worth no more than the paper it was signed on. This was about 3 years ago.

Out of the blue, I received a letter at my old housemates address asking me to pick up a package. As not many companies/people knew that I ever lived there, I immediately thought the worst and checked with work that I had no sneaky disciplinaries pending (cos you never know!) I then worried that it may be the big bad ex landlord with a solictors letter. However, when I came to collect the package, it was a shiny maestro card with my name on it.

I am at an age now where I know that I would never get in debt (apart from a mortgage if I can ever get one!) again. I had to learn the lesson the hard way but in the end I think it has done me some good. I now manage to save a little each month towards me and andy getting our own place and I dont want a credit card, whether I qualify for one or not.

I am just glad I can hand over my shiny new maestro card when buying things as I always felt a bit like a naughty boy when I paid for something before! Oh and I have a £100.00 cheque guarantee on there... Wont be using that either! xx