Mr. Willam A. Cooper
TCF National Bank
801 Marquette Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Dear Mr. Cooper,
I want to bring to your attention a problem I see in the way your bank conducts business. While I find the tellers at your bank courteous and locations convienent, I came across a problem that troubles me greatly. On January 18, 2012, I went to my nearby branch to deposit $260.00 in cash. After making this deposit, I headed home to pay some bills online. After balancing my checkbook, I noticed I had an extra $20 and chose to transfer it to my other checking account. It has always been my understanding that cash is available immediately after a deposit.
However, I received a letter a few days later stating my account had gone negative. I noticed the letter also stated that "only the cash portion of deposits after the branch cutoff is available for withdrawal the same day." When I checked my account, none of my online payments had gone through and the only two recent transactions were my deposit and the $20 transfer. I took the letter into the bank and to alleviate my confusion. I was told again that my cash was available immediately but I was being charged a $28 daily overdraft fee for the transfer I made after I deposited cash. I must admit, Mr. Cooper, this only made me more confused. How can cash be available for immediate withdrawal but yet I cannot go home to transfer my cash 30 minutes later?
I was then given a 15-minute explanation by the assistant manager about how the business day ends at 2 p.m. and anything transaction after 2 p.m. goes on the following business day. Mr. Cooper, if this is true, then how come my the transfer I made at roughly 8:15 p.m. was counted on the Jan. 18th business day but the depost I made 30 minutes earlier was counted as part of the Jan. 19th business day? I am under the impression that the assistant manager at the branch was not entirely sure because when I asked that very question, she told me I should have come into the bank to make the transfer. Mr. Cooper, the bank closes at 8 p.m., I would be forced to wait until the following morning, which seems a little extreme.
She then explained that the business date for online banking is different than the business date in the branches. I understand deposit availability and the whole 2 p.m. cutoff concept but I don't understand why the business date should differentiate between the branch and online. Nor do I see why this should matter if I make a cash deposit into my account. I was told to avoid an overdraft fee like this again, I should do my transfers at the bank. Forgive me Mr. Cooper but I must admit I find this hardly convienent nor was this explained to me when I opened the account. I was told online banking was supposed to make my life more convienent and now I'm being told the complete opposite.
As a result of the $28 fee I was charged, my bill payments caused me to go negative and I was given 4 days of overdraft fees resulting in a negative balance of $ -130. I believe I was charged these overdrafts unfairly because I acted under the pretense my $260 deposit was available immediately, which your overdraft letter claims it is available for same day withdrawal. Please, Mr. Cooper, explain to me why 1. your online business date is different than the branch business dates 2. why my cash wasn't available for same-day withdrawal and finally, why I'm now being told to avoid another overdraft fee of this kind that I should do all my transfers at a branch, which is quite inconvienent.
My displeasure Mr. Cooper has led me to end my business relationship with TCF Bank and recommended that all my family members and friends do the same. Many of whom have already done so upon learning of my troubles. Why should they keep their money at a bank that claims same day withdrawal for cash deposits when really that's not true? I really think you should reconsider your business model and the claims that are written on your branch pamphlets and letters.
Sincerely,
Alison Burge
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
The truth is...
Growing up, I was always taught "the truth will set you free." However, I probably lied quite a bit as a child to keep from getting out of trouble. Usually I just blamed what I did on one of my sisters. Although I'd like to believe that for the most part, we were well behaved, which really didn't give my parents a lot of reason to punish us. I remember being grounded only once and that was lifted like a day later. Maybe my parents were pushovers or maybe I never did anything that really required grounding. I did have a temper as a kid, which resulted in me hitting my younger sister a lot. Although the beating was mutual so I gave as good as I got and included a few times (I kid you not...) Kristin threatening me with kitchen knives. Luckily, Kristin is now terrified of knives and we've both mellowed out. So this blog is dedicated to the truth about my life right now, with the hopes that it will help me feel better. And the truth is life really sucks right now and I'm far from ok.
The truth is I've been unemployed almost 3 months and only had 5 interviews (most of which have been since Jan. 1).
The truth is I can hardly get anyone to call me or return my phone calls (no matter how pesky I decide to be), including a part time job at McDonald's.
The truth is that being unemployed totally blows and is killing my confidence.
The truth is I'm tired of listening about recent grads (like ones from December) complain they can't find a job... you've been out a month! Shut up and take a number!
The truth is I LOVED working at the Halloween store and miss it desparately. It was the first time since leaving EIU that I felt appreciated at work.
The truth is I'm tired of hanging out with my friends and hearing about their work stories. I'd rather stay home than be reminded that I'm still unemployed.
The truth is my confidence in my ability to find a job is pretty well shot.
The truth is since I can't pay my own bills, my mother has been helping me and I feel so incredibly guilty about it.
The truth is I'm horribly embarassed that I'm 23, living at home and can't even afford to buy my own food (my mom is making sure I'm fed).
The truth is this whole situation has me SO stressed out I've started having panic attacks.
The truth is I'm terrified of panic attacks.
The truth is that I've been reading my Bible, praying and trying to find God but for some reason, he's not answering and I'm beyond frustrated.
The truth is I'm tired of hearing Pastor Ron say "God's got a big plan for you in 2012."
The truth is I just want to feel God again. I don't need a job, I just want to know he's there.
The truth is without my mom and Zack, I'm very sure I would be much worse than I am now.
The truth is I feel like I've lost all independence and that's what is killing me the most.
The truth is I'm tired of companies telling me that I don't have enough experience to be an assistant manager, try for the shift supervisor position (which I've already got 3 years of experience... 2 in college and 1 post college).
The truth is I know I can do it and I know I can be the best.
The truth is this is probably the most difficult blog I've ever written.
The truth is I've only been able to listen to Kirk Franklin for the last month. Anyone else just makes me more depressed.
But the truth is simple: I just want to feel like Alison again.
The truth is I've been unemployed almost 3 months and only had 5 interviews (most of which have been since Jan. 1).
The truth is I can hardly get anyone to call me or return my phone calls (no matter how pesky I decide to be), including a part time job at McDonald's.
The truth is that being unemployed totally blows and is killing my confidence.
The truth is I'm tired of listening about recent grads (like ones from December) complain they can't find a job... you've been out a month! Shut up and take a number!
The truth is I LOVED working at the Halloween store and miss it desparately. It was the first time since leaving EIU that I felt appreciated at work.
The truth is I'm tired of hanging out with my friends and hearing about their work stories. I'd rather stay home than be reminded that I'm still unemployed.
The truth is my confidence in my ability to find a job is pretty well shot.
The truth is since I can't pay my own bills, my mother has been helping me and I feel so incredibly guilty about it.
The truth is I'm horribly embarassed that I'm 23, living at home and can't even afford to buy my own food (my mom is making sure I'm fed).
The truth is this whole situation has me SO stressed out I've started having panic attacks.
The truth is I'm terrified of panic attacks.
The truth is that I've been reading my Bible, praying and trying to find God but for some reason, he's not answering and I'm beyond frustrated.
The truth is I'm tired of hearing Pastor Ron say "God's got a big plan for you in 2012."
The truth is I just want to feel God again. I don't need a job, I just want to know he's there.
The truth is without my mom and Zack, I'm very sure I would be much worse than I am now.
The truth is I feel like I've lost all independence and that's what is killing me the most.
The truth is I'm tired of companies telling me that I don't have enough experience to be an assistant manager, try for the shift supervisor position (which I've already got 3 years of experience... 2 in college and 1 post college).
The truth is I know I can do it and I know I can be the best.
The truth is this is probably the most difficult blog I've ever written.
The truth is I've only been able to listen to Kirk Franklin for the last month. Anyone else just makes me more depressed.
But the truth is simple: I just want to feel like Alison again.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
My motto for 2012: Bring it.
So I haven't posted in a LONG time much to my chagrin. Unfortunately a pesky thing called the holidays got in the way. I had a pretty good Christmas, Thanskgiving and New Years. I got to watch my boyfriend of almost 4 years (longest 4 years of my life...) walk across the stage to get his Bachelors of Business. He likes to tell me he's now edumacated, but I think it's still up for debate (just kidding!).
Normally I don't make a New Years resolution because I don't really see the point. I've never actually completed any of my resolutions. So why make one if I never stick to it? But this year, I did. I'm tired of this stupid cycle of unemployment that I'm stuck in. My last day at the Halloween store was over 2 months ago and I'm SO tired of sitting around the house. As a result of this unemployment, I feel like I'm accomplishing nothing. For a girl who's a busy body, it's difficult and depressing. So my resolution is simple but has 3 parts: find a job, buy a car, move out. I'm going to be 24 in July and it's about time I begin to accomplish something.
In my search for a career, I've made some decisions about my views on work. I've been doing management for close to 3 years now and honestly, I actually enjoy it. I like being in charge. My ultimate career goal in management is to prove that you don't have to be a jerk to be a manager. I can work harder and faster and still treat the rest of my employees with the utmost respect. A lot of managers tend to lose touch with the fact that they too were at the bottom of the totem pole. I don't want that to be me. I've had one too many jerk managers and there's no reason for it.
For the most part, I've been pretty luck with my managers. My manager at the Halloween store told me I was the sole reason she didn't quit. After a VERY bad manager, she gave me confidence again. I don't think she'll ever know how grateful I am for her confidence in me. My assistant manager at the bank was pretty cool and had our backs, unlike the actual branch manager. But my favorites ex-bosses are still Susan and Sheila. They gave me my first shot at being a manager and supported me all through it.
Some people see work as a chore but for the most part, I actually like it. I like being successful and you know, the money isn't bad either. I've also come to realize that I'm going to work my butt off no matter how much I get paid. It's just how I'm wired. You'll get the same work out of me if I'm being paid $8 or $18.
The job search is going very slowly. Not getting a lot of phone calls but I'm trying to keep my spirits up. But I have two potential interviews. I'm really looking at management training programs because you get promoted a lot faster and a lot of times you get to relocate. And I'm all about relocation. But somebody, somewhere will eventually give me job.
And it sounds like I'm bragging but I do work INCREDIBLY hard. I know very few people who can out work me. I'm high octane and usually go about 100 mph at work. My last district manager kept telling me to stop because I was moving too fast. So lookout employers... I know I'm the best and when you hire me, you'll know it too.
But I guess the biggest thing right now is... I'm just tired of feeling like I'm not accomplishing anything. God must having something big in store for me because this is one heck of a storm. And here's the song that's been getting me through the hard days. Enjoy! It's actually pretty funny.
Normally I don't make a New Years resolution because I don't really see the point. I've never actually completed any of my resolutions. So why make one if I never stick to it? But this year, I did. I'm tired of this stupid cycle of unemployment that I'm stuck in. My last day at the Halloween store was over 2 months ago and I'm SO tired of sitting around the house. As a result of this unemployment, I feel like I'm accomplishing nothing. For a girl who's a busy body, it's difficult and depressing. So my resolution is simple but has 3 parts: find a job, buy a car, move out. I'm going to be 24 in July and it's about time I begin to accomplish something.
In my search for a career, I've made some decisions about my views on work. I've been doing management for close to 3 years now and honestly, I actually enjoy it. I like being in charge. My ultimate career goal in management is to prove that you don't have to be a jerk to be a manager. I can work harder and faster and still treat the rest of my employees with the utmost respect. A lot of managers tend to lose touch with the fact that they too were at the bottom of the totem pole. I don't want that to be me. I've had one too many jerk managers and there's no reason for it.
For the most part, I've been pretty luck with my managers. My manager at the Halloween store told me I was the sole reason she didn't quit. After a VERY bad manager, she gave me confidence again. I don't think she'll ever know how grateful I am for her confidence in me. My assistant manager at the bank was pretty cool and had our backs, unlike the actual branch manager. But my favorites ex-bosses are still Susan and Sheila. They gave me my first shot at being a manager and supported me all through it.
Some people see work as a chore but for the most part, I actually like it. I like being successful and you know, the money isn't bad either. I've also come to realize that I'm going to work my butt off no matter how much I get paid. It's just how I'm wired. You'll get the same work out of me if I'm being paid $8 or $18.
The job search is going very slowly. Not getting a lot of phone calls but I'm trying to keep my spirits up. But I have two potential interviews. I'm really looking at management training programs because you get promoted a lot faster and a lot of times you get to relocate. And I'm all about relocation. But somebody, somewhere will eventually give me job.
And it sounds like I'm bragging but I do work INCREDIBLY hard. I know very few people who can out work me. I'm high octane and usually go about 100 mph at work. My last district manager kept telling me to stop because I was moving too fast. So lookout employers... I know I'm the best and when you hire me, you'll know it too.
But I guess the biggest thing right now is... I'm just tired of feeling like I'm not accomplishing anything. God must having something big in store for me because this is one heck of a storm. And here's the song that's been getting me through the hard days. Enjoy! It's actually pretty funny.
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