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AGONY AUNT |
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Dear Auntie Joe,
I am 26 years old; nurse by profession. I live in East London and my colleague advised me to buy a house instead of paying rent.
I was then referred to a company that deals with mortgages. I was reassured that I will get what I wanted. Then they advised me to start house hunting and by god’s grace I found a house I wanted. I went back to fill all the necessary forms and paid a deposit for administration charges. Each time I call I was told everything was moving smoothly. I was also having pressure from the people selling the house which made me go a head and pay for survey fees. To my disappointment, I was called to the office and told that the mortgage did not go through due to me owing something (default on my address) which I disputed. I was very upset and have to seek advice regarding this matter. It was suggested I do my own credit check from the same company the mortgage people used. To my surprise I was cleared with default at all on my old and new addresses.
I then demanded my deposit money back from mortgage people. I was told I could not get any refund back which I thought was very unfair, considering that there was nothing wrong on my part. Please Auntie Joe help, how can I retrieve my money?
Potia Nkomo
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Dear Potia,
There is a saying that my people perish for lack of knowledge. Please do a bit of research before you attempt to buy another mortgage, know the company you are dealing with very well. If you are not sure find out from or complain to
Financial Ombudsman Service
South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh wall
London-E14 9SR
Tel: 0207 964 1000 Fax: 0207 964 1001
But before you take that direction, firstly go back to them and complain, if you don’t get anywhere, go to your local citizen advice bureau for further steps to be taken upon failing that then contact Financial Ombudsman Services.
I hope you get your money back.
If you have any stories, family problems, relationship or any other issues you want to share, Please contact us in African Echo 02085195588 or email us on
info@africanecho.co.uk
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Dear Agony Aunt
This is Edith. I am from Uganda and live in London. I am a company director who used to travel a lot without travel insurance. Three months ago I decided that my husband and I have to do travel insurance to cover us for the whole year. Don’t ask me why I took that decision but straight after that, I travelled to Zimbabwe on business and pleasure.
I visited Victoria Falls and after a long walk, I became dehydrated and fainted, that is all I could remember. Apparently I was sent to my hotel and they in turn called the ambulance. I was taken to a small clinic in Victoria Falls where they suspected heart problems and needed to send me by air ambulance to a private hospital which is equipped and specialized with heart conditions in Harare. They needed my travel insurance policy to enable them to do all these arrangements. Believe me it wasn’t easy as I did not have anything at all on me. My husband has to be contacted to fax a copy of the policy before any treatment will be given.
I stayed in the hospital in Harare for 3 days after the travel insurance has been given.
Eventually I was taken back to England and had my flight upgraded to business class. Thanks to Air Zimbabwe, I felt so comfortable throughout the journey back to England. I am incredibly relieved that I was prepared and had taken out travel insurance which covered my transportation home. Otherwise this traumatic experience would have cost me in the region of £50-£150,000.
This has given me the urge to give advice on travel tips.
TRAVEL TIPS/ ADVICE
(1) Get travel insurance and check that the cover is appropriate
(2) Check what vaccinations you need at least 6 weeks before you go and consider whether you need to take extra health precautions
(3) Make copies of your passport, insurance policy plus 24-hour emergency number and ticket details.
Leave these copies, your itinerary and contact details with family and friends
(4) Ensure you have a valid passport that is in good condition and the necessary visas.
(5) Use a repeatable travel agent who will advice you appropriate in terms of insurance, your booking conditions and rules.
(6) Whilst on board the plane, avoid too much alcohol and drink plenty of water
(7) Do not sit for too long, walk about to avoid DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) which is caused by sitting
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Dear
Auntie Jo,
I
am a registered nurse, married with 2 children. I
brought my husband and children from overseas after
completing my adaptation programme in this country and
securing a job in NHS hospital as a nurse. For about 2
years, I had a happy home; my life was complete by
being with my family.
Months ago my husband started coming home late and
picking small arguments with me, from time to time.
At
first I thought it was normal for married couples to
go through a face, but later on, he started staying
away for 2-3 days and return with a bunch of flowers
and apology. Also I noticed when his mobile phone
rings, he will go outside the house to receive the
call and then when he returns starts fight. The last
straw was2 weeks ago when I told him that I had booked
a flight for us to travel and be alone together, he
flipped and went out and I have not seen him
since.
A week ago a friend told me that he was living with
his white girlfriend who has 4 children. And that he
has been seen in our community.
From
what I understand they are now living as a couple and
he does not want anything to do with us. He does not
support the children and me even though he is working.
I
have been advised by my friends to take him to social
services and am so confused because I still love him
and I never saw this coming. What should I do?
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Dear
Susan,
There
are lots of women going through the same thing.
Before you make any decision, please do take
time to think through all options: both the
positive and negative ones; especially if you
still love him.
I know you are hurting at the moment, but don't
rush to make a decision that you would regret
later.
My suggestion is that, try and arrange a meeting
with him, about the children.
IF THAT FAILS, you could seek legal advise from
your local area. Sometimes it is worth taking to
someone you know and trust about how you feel.
Believe me, one day it will be a thing of the
past.
Try and be strong for the children's sake,
and please note that I always have time to
listen.
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Get In Touch With The Aunt Via E-mail
info@africanecho.co.uk
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