YOU HAVE YOUR SAY
EVERY week Money Mail receives hundreds of your letters and emails about our stories. Here are some from our article on the companies that allow you to buy now and pay later: USED responsibly, credit is a useful tool. I bought a TV last year and paid for it over a year, interest-free. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same level of self-control, but it’s something you can learn with age.
P. Y., Yorkshire.
I ONLY use these payment options when I need a new pair of jeans or shoes. I don’t get something just because I like it. It’s easier to pay for items once your salary has come in.
P. C., email.
I RECENTLY went to an electrical goods store to buy a cooker and a fridge. I took my baby to the shop, and as soon as staff saw me they started trying to convince me to take out credit. I am sure that they were on commission.
R.F., London.
THESE firms are designed to make a profit for themselves. They make their money out of customers who cannot control their own finances. I live within my means and I’ve never had a problem.
A.B., Norway.
THESE companies are nothing new. I still remember the catalogues which offered credit for readers to buy clothes. They often applied high interest rates to repayments. It meant you could end up paying double what you thought you’d pay.
L.C., Midlands.
THE real problem here is that we are becoming a cashless society. When we all used to take cash out of the bank, we were more aware about how much we were spending. Nowadays you just tap and walk away.
C.Y., Norwich.
I’M IN debt, but I’ve got nobody to blame but myself. I use one of these payment options quite a lot, but usually only to buy a number of clothes in one go. When payday comes, I try to pay off as much debt as I can.
L.G., Tonypandy, Wales.
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.