Bank handouts
Can't pay your mortgage? How about three months suspension of payments without penalty, fees and charges or compounding interest? Sounds too good to be true? Not in Australia!
The fires currently wreaking havoc on Australia and its people have not done with us yet; Many burn unabated and uncontrolled and each day more stories of loss, anguish and death emerge from the fire-affected areas. The nation struggles to cope with a disaster of this enormity and the strains it puts on emergency services, volunteers and the community on general. Of course, together with the bad,there's also many good-news stories of lives saved, (human and animal), property saved and of aid flowing through to where it's needed most.
That's the good part of a situation like this...Seeing Australians, resilient, tough and tenacious Aussies, pull together, roll up their sleeves and help their fellow citizens.
Today I spoke with a friend of mine who works in a bank making and taking calls in respect of debt...Her role is in debt collection essentially.
She has been whining to me all week via WhatsApp about how difficult it has been with all the inbound calls from fire-affected customers and I didn't really understand until we spoke tonight.
So, in response to the influx of calls, the bank have removed the operators quotas for the next few weeks meaning that their calls can be longer, more understanding and compassionate. Apparently people are calling and venting in emotional and sometimes illogical ways; The government, neighbours, their partners, the army, the police and fire crews...And of course the bank are all on the hit-list for them it seems and some delicate work needs to be done to facilitate those calls.
Callers range from people who have been displaced, evacuated or left voluntarily, to those whose incomes has been taken away through business's burning down and even volunteer firefighters who have been on the line for weeks - With no pay of course... These people are struggling to make payments on cards, personal loans and mortgages too.
Many of these people have only what they escaped the flames with...The clothes on their back, a few personal effects and a pet. Many have little, or no, available money and with credit cards maxxed out as tends to happen these days...Well you can see the problem. It's important to remember that a lot of these places are small rural towns with small populations and a lower socio-economic profile.
My mate was telling me today that the bank is offering to suspend mortgages, and certain other payments, with no penalty or additional interest for a period of three months...This means the mortgage payments simply just stop then resume from that exact same point after the three elapsed months. This small gesture is the least they can do I think and should go some way towards alleviating some of the financial and emotional burden.
My friend has struggled through this week, and there's more to come...However she understands that as difficult as this period may be for her, it's a hundred times worse for the victims on the ground, the volunteers and those affected by the tragedy.
Fires like this, indeed any disaster of this nature, has immediate implications and whilst they often get the attention of the media the spin-off ramifications that effect everyone, the country as a whole, deserve some thought too. Here's a bank doing the right thing in my opinion, and whilst I'm generally critical of banks I feel glad to see this one (and possibly others) lending a hand. The donations that pour in are also welcome I'm sure.
We will get through this and life will resume. Sure, for some life will never be the same through personal loss and emotional strain, however life will resume. I think it's a perfect reminder of the importance of the phrase I end my posts with...Nothing is promised in life so live it the best you know how and be grateful for each and every day and everything you have.
Tomorrow isn't promised - Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default
An original post written by a human
Discord: galenkp#9209 🇦🇺
That’s called compassion, a valuable and scarce commodity. Which bank is that? They deserve some recognition. There are many bad things going on in the world, but that is a ray of sunshine and hope that just maybe our species can make it.
It's a good gesture they have made and I think some of the other banks are also doing the same thing. I think, at this stage, they are not making it general knowledge though as each case is dealt with individually and specific to the situation, client and bank needs. It is Bendigo Bank.
That is a nice gesture.
I don't know how close you are to any of the fires, but stay safe. I have been under an evacuation notice from one close to my house before and it is not pleasant.
Yes, a nice gesture by the bank and one that will help out many people in a difficult time. As always I appreciate your comment and kind thoughts.
I’m glad they are doing that, it almost sounds too good to be true. It’s unfortunate that with how today is, to be cynical of a kind gesture as that.
Yes, it's a good thing and yes, a little difficult to believe its true...But it is. Unfortunately banks tend not to do the right thing all the time with profits being the most important thing, much more so than the little guy. Still, this bank, and I hope others, are doing the right thing as there's so many affected by this situation and whilst it's good for business (marking opportunity I guess) it's also the right thing to do.
Thanks a lot for commenting...I say it a lot but...It's the engagement I get that keeps me here and I appreciate it very much.
Is that all banks? Pretty awesome.... Lots of good will about to help people, bless us.
I did hear about homes being ransacked (via a firie)... that broke me up. Here I was thinking everyone waa essentially good. I am so naive. Still, there's more good than bad I believe..
Yes, naive...Everyone is not essentially good - At least that what I have personally found...And any are proving in fire-effected areas. Still, many are and I prefer to surround myself with those people.
I don't know if every bank is going to do what this one has...I wold imagine not as some are simply greedy. Still, it will remain to be seen what the big 4 roll out. Hopefully for those affected they give them a reprieve.
Very good news for the people who are hurt by this tragic situation, I hope every bank gets on board and does the same!
Some are.giving small grants for fire-victims, to help pay for things. It's good to see although they use it for marketing purposes at the same time. Still a good gesture I think.
Yes very true, anything they do to help will make them look good. so they'll capitalize on that. ha!
I’m still the guy seeing it as the banks ceasing an opportunity. I read the other responses and know I’m going against the grain on this one but I’m going to treat it like a public platform to share an opinion on. Ready? Here it comes... What are the chances the banks see people walking away from their debt after this disaster since they’ll be so far behind so they’re incentivizing them to stick around? “Carrot.”
I’m always that guy, though, don’t mind me. I’ve never seen a banks actions as positive, even when they’re shaking someone’s hand, I look for the underlying motive. But enough of that—great article, @galenkp, thank you for the update. God bless Australia—they need help down there!
Eh, since I got an Aussie on the line, you ever heard of Hilltop Hoods? They’re rap with a sort of hip hop style but more ‘rappy/mainstream’ than hip hop. They’re from Australia. Wait!! Before you search them, just tell me if you’ve heard of them first and, if not, I’d love to be the guy who introduces you to them.
Talk to you soon, sir.
I agree that banks always seem to have their own agenda however in this case I see the benefit leans the way of the borrower and not the lender. It will provide a marketing opportunity of course however knowing this bank as I do I believe it's being done to help the customer rather than hinder them. Time will tell of course.
I have heard of the Hilltop Hoods, who originate from Sydney if I recall correctly however couldn't tell you one of their songs and wouldn't know one if I heard it. Hip hop and rap isn't a genre I have ever been interested in however I know the group is fairly well regarded by those who like that sort of music.
Anyway, thanks again for your reply and thoughts.
My pleasure @galenkp. It’s nice to think a financial institution cares actually, this was a nice post, I’m glad you shared it.
Yes, Hilltop Hoods, from Sydney. I’m not really into them myself, I have one of their albums in my iTunes and whenever shuffle comes around, it plays. That’s cool you’ve at least heard of them, they’re full of positive energy, I’d like to think they’re fairly revered douwn unda. <—my Aussie accent.
To be honest I don't know if they're revered or not as I don't really know anyone who likes them although I have heard enough about them to know they are well-regarded and I think that's good enough in a society that seems to prefer American influences above its own.
Good accent too by the way...Keep practicing and you'll perfect it. Lol.
I’m seeing how revered probably wasn’t the wOrd I was after, regarded is much better. I’m blaming autocorrect on that one—sometimes I’m not sure who’s on the clock over there but I think some have a better sense of humor than the others.
For example, they never mess up “autocorrect,” but my phone has misspelt phoBe sometimes. 🤔
Haha...That damned ortokorept. Lol.
I knew what you meant anyway, with the word revered I mean.
Fay to know a bank is making a good effort to deal with these issues in a better manner.
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Yes, they are more accustomed to misbehaving aren't they? This bank is one of the better ones, a more user-friendly one from Bendigo way...You know the one. They are also assisting the operators with their emotional state throughout the day as it's been very difficult for them...Seem like a legit group..
Heard good things about that bank from Bendigo way over the years. Great to know they are dealing with this well.
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My friend has been there for 5 months and really likes it...They seem to gave compassion. After the Royal Commission into banking all of them have had to tighten up their practices which is good as some of them have been doing some pretty reprehensible things...This one seems to have been one of the better ones then, and obviously still are. Good for the fire-affected. :)
This is compassion and true brotherhood. And it's a breath of fresh air to see actions like these nowadays!
I agree...Banks are not known for their compassion generally however it seems this bank, and others also, are doing the right thing in the case of fire-effected customers. It's a good gesture in a tough time for the country.
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That's really good to hear, and good job, at least to your friends bank. She is wise to understand that the struggles are even worse for others, so compliments to her exceptional empathy, as well. I hope that other banks will join in doing the right thing. I share your dissent toward the banking community, generally speaking, though I don't have the knowledge to write a comprehensive paper on the topic, I get the jest. Thanks for your post, as this highlights the internal possibility of good in humanity, and hopefully leads more to shift their paradigms into the same kind of alignment.
Cheers to STEEM, CHEERS TO AUSSIES
Hey mate. I think the bank see it as an opportunity to consolidate their position with clients and to market their good deed to the community at a later date. It's business really, and makes sense for them to do this as the marketing opportunity and possible benefit is probably far more preferable to the derision they would receive if they did it the other way i.e. kept the payments and interest in place.
Hope you're well.
Well, as many CEO's are classified under the class, psychopath, it does not surprise me that the overall goal is that of an underlying avarice. That being said, I'm glad that they are doing it. I'm alright. Just got a multimeter so that I could test the MAF sensor on our van to rule it out as the cause of our lack of power in third gear. The MAF is bad and needs to be replaced. We already replaced the camshaft positioning sensor, as it was also no good. Hopefully, after I replace the MAF sensor tomorrow and make sure there are no air leaks, we will be on the road again! I hope that we did not damage the transmission while driving it with bad sensors.
How are you?
Sounds like you have a lot going on...Still, the good thing is not only is it your mobility, but also your house, so you have somewhere to stay.
I'm ok, just at work currently...Blogging for steem. Lol.
I've been fine but have had a few health scenarios to work around; Nothing too bad, just niggly little things...It happens when one gets older unfortunately. I'll be ok...If not then maybe they'll just put me down like an injured race horse. Lol.
Good luck with the MAF and hope you get moving again. Fingers crossed for the transmission (often called a tranny here...But yes, I know the other connotation for that term so lets just say transmission.)
LOL yes.. they call it the same here, actually. I'm down to call it either. They can't put you down yet, I enjoy you too much. Hahaha.😜
Haha...I'll see if the executioner will take that into consideration and hold off on shooting me...Let's hope huh? Lol
There is no hoping about it.. it is what it is... You can tell 'em that. This is me talking... I'm such a powerful guy... you know... 😂
I just emailed the executioner and told him "I gotta live, Jon said so." That should do it.