Apply For A Loan
Every so often، my husband and I have taken out a bank loan for one reason or another. It seems to be a part of modern life، as everyone I know has got a loan. We just get one loan paid off، have a brief period of feeling smug and then find that we need to apply for a loan again. This could be to consolidate debts، pay for home improvements or buy a car. We also took one out to put our daughter through university.
Its not the actual loan that bothers me، I have accepted it as a way of life، its the process you have to go through to get one. Perhaps our parents generation had the right idea. They wouldnt think to apply for a loan. If they couldnt afford something، they simply saved up until they had enough money. My generation doesnt have the patience to wait. So، we have to jump through the hoops every time we want one.
I always feel like a meeting with the bank manager is like going to the Head Teachers office. I feel guilty but I dont know what Im feeling guilty about. The manager is always perfectly friendly and helpful but I still feel like Im in the dentists waiting room. Maybe، its because of some Protestant work ethic instilled in me by my parents. When I apply for a loan، Im asking for money that I havent earned. Of course، I know this is how banks make their profits and the whole banking system would collapse if it were not for people like me.
I hate filling in forms and the same forms come around again and again، asking the same questions. Every time we apply for a loan، we have to prove identification، even though weve been going to the same branch of our bank for years. They have to do a credit check on us. Ironically، we have friends who have been refused a loan because they have no credit rating. They have good jobs and could easily afford the repayments، but asking for a loan for the first time means that you have no credit history to be assessed. We have plenty of history! The worst thing، when we apply for a loan، is those ten minutes or so when we are left alone in the office whilst the manager pops out to do all the checks. Weve never been refused but theres always a first time. Its cold sweat time as he comes back into the room. Its ok! Hes smiling and we dont have to do this again، until the next time.
