#ChipSaverStories x #SaveAtHome | Meet Jamie

Chip isn’t just there for the sunny days, we’re here for the rainy days, too. Read Jamie’s story of how Chip supported his family during a tragedy. 

Savings aren’t always about house deposits, holidays or weddings; they’re there for rainy days, job security or the loss of a loved one.

Particularly in our current environment, we don’t want to shy away from the harsh realities of life that require a little money as support. 

If you find yourself in tragic circumstances, figuring out how you are going to cover bills or, say, funeral costs is the last thing you want to be worrying about. 

Jamie joined Chip back in March 2018 and got in touch with us last week to tell us his story with Chip after the sudden loss of a family member. 

Thanks for your email, Jamie! We usually kick off with a few warm up questions, so how did you save before using Chip?

Jamie: I just had an online easy access account, and tried to save with those but because I could see the money in there, I knew I could still use it. 

Ah yes, that seems to be a common issue among our savers! Now, tell us how you’ve used Chip in the two years you’ve been with us.

Jamie: My goal for Chip was always to have as much as possible to be able to afford holidays and home improvements, as well as having some money aside in case anything went wrong.

I was saving consistently for about two and a bit years and had a good chunk in it, though I never had a specific goal or amount in mind. 

My sister, Taylor, passed away suddenly just hours after giving birth to my second nephew at the age of 25. 

She left a husband and two children and of course had no plans in place for a funeral - what 25 year old does? 

A GoFundMe page was set up pretty quickly and (thankfully) has done so well for the family. 

My Chip account has meant I don’t have to worry about my contribution; I don't have to worry about how long I need to spend off work to grieve, and I don't need to worry about supporting my brother-in-law and nephews. 

It means I can help with the funeral fund to help give her the best send off we need. 

[Chip eased] the financial worries that comes alongside a devastating loss like this.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss, Jamie. What are you planning on doing with your Chip funds now?

Jamie: Taylor always wanted to go to New Orleans and that's our next plan, to visit and take a piece of her with us for a coffee and a Beignet. 

There are quite a few of us in the family going to get a tattoo of ‘Ohana’ (from Lilo & Stitch) as she loved Disney and the film and ‘Ohana means family and family means noone gets left behind or forgotten’ 

What is your favourite thing about Chip?

The thing I love most about Chip is the fact I can't see my savings in my regular bank account, and that I don't feel the saves being taken out every few days. 

If you would like to donate to Jamie’s GoFundMe page, click here. 

If you have a story to share or inspiration to give, get in touch with me at chipsaverstories@getchip.uk