Here are a couple of videos which explain how banking got to where it is today, and why so many are worried about a collapse of the main currencies.

youtube.com/watch?v=7I_k0tAnQ7U
youtube.com/watch?v=1nQGArcbYw0

I wish the Cumbrian newspaper's comments sections had the ability to "thumbs up" comments, I'd be clicking up the post by Francis. I also like "anon"'s post about what he learned as an apprentice.

I'd like to add that many, many people are now exchanging their paper money for silver and gold. I even know of some people who have gone to the extreme and sold their house or pension fund to buy precious metals! (Not me, by the way.)

Re. the Muslim approach to money - some areas still use silver and gold coinage, and the worth of the coins now is the same as their worth hundreds of years ago within this system, no inflation. Also, many older folks here in the UK may remember that prices were pretty much static in the early decades of last century when we still used silver and gold coins - it wasn't until 1947 when we changed to base metal coinage that prices seriously began to rise.

Something to ponder, maybe.

When I first became an apprentice I was taught a few things. Firstly earn as much as possible and spend as little. More importantly, make sure you have enough money to live for 3 months in the bank. The final thing is keep a little cash in the house. Do people not plan for problems or emergencies these days? What would they do if they lost their cards and couldn't access their cash until a new one was sent? The problems with the banks might be serious, but if people took a little personal responsibility the impact for most would be nil.

I have my own business although I don't bank with rbs our card machine goes through them. We have not has anything paid out since last Tuesday I have spoken to them and have had no help what so ever not interested.

Don't people understand that there is no such thing as a zero failure rate,and everything goes wrong at some time.

I use two banks.

When I first became an apprentice I was taught a few things. Firstly earn as much as possible and spend as little. More importantly, make sure you have enough money to live for 3 months in the bank. The final thing is keep a little cash in the house. Do people not plan for problems or emergencies these days? What would they do if they lost their cards and couldn't access their cash until a new one was sent? The problems with the banks might be serious, but if people took a little personal responsibility the impact for most would be nil.

i think it is terrible that people can not access their money. however, rbs and natwest have made an error which they apologised for. they are giving their customers emergency cash too and its the staff in the branches i feel sorry for. Its not their fault and they have also done their best to keep the customers going. maybe if people had savings and not lived beyond their means they would have that emergency fund. yes, we shouldnt have to but i managed by using my savings and believe me i am not well off or have huge savings but im glad i had that to fall back on

Its is discraceful for every1 not just for people with wages for people with benefits etc I don't think the rbs and natwest realise people have houses to run bills to pay food to be put on the table and kids to cloth and look after. Nothing was said or done and they are leaving the cumberland to deal with angry and upset customers its not right angry and upset customers should speak and go straigh to the rbs and natwest I hope for every1 sake its gets sorted and acts on fast

I bank with the Cumberland and to my surprise my wage got paid in today. The company I work for banks with the RBS so I was expecting trouble - but trouble was not to be found. The issues do seem to be sporadic and not consistent. Perhaps there is a backlog where payments from the past week are still waiting to be processed but the information the Cumberland are giving seem to suggest that its ongoing and they really don't know.

The cumberland branch in aspatria have been above and beyond with the service they have provided. All has been clearly explained and yes these instances can be stressfull but all you need to do is go in to asptria branch and the girls there are great!!