Right, I've officially jumped on the bandwagon for claiming back 'illegal' bank charges. Something I've been putting off for months as I can't bear to look at my finances - you think I would have learned a lesson by being £14,000 in debt two years ago - but oh no its still too painfull.

So I calcualte those evil bastards at HSBC have taken 500 quid in unauthorised overdraft fees in the last six months (they won't give me an overdraft because of my poor credit rating. How on earth they think I can afford around £100 a month in charges I have no idea!). I've found a helpful letter template online and just drafted a letter which I will endevour to post tomorrow, and maybe cc some personal finance journalists into......

Nationwide 'owe' me a further £200 and have already issued a debt collection notice. This started months ago  when they told me I had no outstanding payments pending on the account. I withdrew all my money and opened another account (they wouldn't give me a debit card - meaning I could only pay cash and had to visit cash machines). The payment they 'didn't notice' then went out, taking me overdrawn, and I refuse to pay charges. To top it off they won't enter into dialogue on the matter as they have my old address - which I can't change without writing to them. Interestingly my letter got lost in the post. Hmmmmm.

So begins the struggle. And another 26 days till payday and about 100 quid to last.

F**king joke.
Happy new year by the way.