The Financial Ombudsman Service – Good/Bad???
924955
The Jurisdiction of the Ombudsman can change from case to case (they even use the term "may"in their advertisements with respect to what they deal with).\n\nI had a complaint with my Bank, the Ombudsman Man said everything was fine, and that I was unjust in complaining - the Bank advised me to ignore the ombudsman as they had no faith in them - the bank wrote of the debts on my account, apologised, and removed all involved managers..\n\nConclusion:  Corrupt+Crap=FOS
1081253
I absolutely hate the banks and what they are doing but before disclosing my story (and I do believe our current government is allowing banks to set up what may, in the end, create a huge economic crisis), I'd like to know who you are and why you ask.\n\nObviously you can contact me via this site.\n\nOh..and I'm a financial pro so I actually understand what is happening better than most.
870028
I think this is disgusting behaviour from this bank and I would urge anyone that banks with these people to move their money immediately. Why the hell should anyone go into debt just in order to stay with a bank ?!\nOn top of this, surely it is obvious discrimination against those that do not have £1500 to deposit or keep within the bank !! It seems this bank thinks we are there to line the pockets of their share-holders by increasing personal debt, just when people are needing to tighten belts due to higher mortgage payments.\nShame on those greedy sods.\n\nThank you for you help, but all the same I will not be making this bank "look" as if they are keeping their customers happy.
296976
Yes. If it is a non-profit debt agency. I signed up with one a few years ago, and it has made a big difference. I am paying off my debt, and everyone is happy.\n\nIf you are real abou this, you will stay true to the program. I feel so much better having done this. I no longer get calls and can live my life normally.
433696
Outsourcing is not against rules of economics, it is against the rules of Politics. The new laws in UK prove that politicians can go to any extent to protect their vote bank.
1039568
I don't have it so I can't say whether it's good or not, however a website I visit quite often has some detailed information on it that you might want to read throughly before deciding if you want it or not.  Go to http://ripoffreport.com/  and on the right hand side of the page, scroll down to Vonage and read what the users of this company have to say.
483176
No personal experiences, BUT I know a friend of a friend who worked for NY Life just out of college.  This person worked for a while as an agent.  He sold a number of policies, but he didn't earn enough from the commissions to live on, so he had to quit.  Later, he found out that's how NY Life has made their big bucks.  They intentionally hire kids fresh out of college, give them little or no training, no leads, no support.  The new agent won't sell a lot of policies, but the ones that he does, revert back to the company when the new agent quits.  Thus NY Life doesn't have to pay commission on those policies ever again for the life of the policies that were sold, which would be a humungous savings for NY Life.\n\nA sleazy way to make money, if you ask me.  It's a heads up, if you're planning on working for them.  It's also a heads up if you're planning on getting insurance through them.  Personally, I wouldn't.  They don't need any more money than they already have, and to make money on the backs of young kids with a built-in design for their failure is, well, sleazy.\n\nApparently it's been a practice of theirs for years.
747121
An Ombudsman takes complaints from family members and then reports problems to the state. Most of them are paid off by the nursing homes though. It's much better to call the state with complaints yourself.
670439
Once I wrote in a forum, that they sponsored, and got a reply from Tom asking me if I would be interested in being a regular writer on their team, but I declined.  I used to be a stockbroker with a large firm and I wrote about why I thought the average large stock brokerage firms overcharged for the dismal advice that their stockbrokers, who actually are nothing but overpaid salesmen, gave.  I didn't want to get in the middle of a lawsuit with my employer.  After-all, they have more money for lawyers than I have.  But the threat of lawsuits is how they keep the truth sequestered.\nThe Motley Fools boys seem to do their homework, but in the end, I haven't seen anyone say that their stock picks are better than anywhere else. Learn why someone recommends something.  Don't just place a bet.  In investing there is an old saying, "ride your winners and sell your losers".  Like many other advice columns, they tend to brag about their winners and keep quiet about their losers.
600265
Sure.  It's a reputable advisor.  It tends to steer its clients into conservative mix of mutual funds that'll do well over the long-haul and it tends to be good for people who need a little hand holding when the waters get rough.  This personal service comes a price.  Most of the funds they'll sell you are loaded funds, meaning you pay some decent sized commissions on the front-end (aka loads).\n\nIf you need less hand holding and would like to the avoid the loads (often 5-6% of each dollar you invest), I recommend directly investing with mutual fund companies such as Vanguard and T Rowe Price.
1085711
Accounts & Tutions will be good. You have to try for the same.  You can try with auditors for accounts and go through news papers for tutions.
914805
Is this a UK question if so....\n\nSpeak to a section supervisor and ask for a copy of the complaint procedure. If the issue isn't resolved by this go to your local MPs office and ask them for help in taking your case to the Parliamentary Ombudsman. Your MP will write to the CSA informing of this and either they will move  alot quicker or the Ombudsman will investigate your case which could lead to an award of compensation, but you must follow the CSA's internal complaints procedures to exhaustion first.
941305
I'm sure it's great.  The IRS tax code is so large, it's almost incomprehensible.  There will always, always be a need for tax advice and protection.\n\nHowever, I always thought that new lawyers worked 60-70 hours a week, at least if you are hoping to make partner in a decent firm.  That part I'd check on.  But the job will always have high demand and will always be able to demand high hourly rates.
459436
Maybe look into GASB34.  It's an accounting standard for government.  It is causing a lot of uproar because of what it means for asset management.  Hot topic right now.
428887
Have you seen the TV commercial where the customers are dealing with sales consultant who don't know anything about the items in their department??? If a customer needs help, and so does the s.r., what good is the s.r.? Customers are lost that way.\n\nIts good for business.
990714
Please read Banking Ombudsman Scheme 2006 of the Reserve Bank of India by browsing the following website:\nhttp://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/bs_viewcontent.aspx?Id=159\n\nYou will find the complete information and process for your complaint.
194994
I know about them. They are a good idea and they are not...\n\nYes: They can offer free advice for you and make some small appearances on your behalf.\n\nNo: If you get in a jam and you need them you will have to pay money for the services but it will not be as much as normal.\n\nI guess you really need to determine if you really need to pay money for something like this... Will you use this service often??