Keep a Close Eye On Your Account

A simple mistake most students make is not checking their bank account on a regular basis. Whether this is because of fear of what they might find or just pure bone idleness, its something that must be done on a regular basis.

If you're in regular contact with your statement, you will know exactly how much money you have on any given day. This means when faced with a large purchasing decision, you will be able to make a more accurate choice based on your financial position (it doesnt always mean youll make the right one, but at least it gives you the option).

With the availability of online banking, its even easier to get involved with your finances. Once a week is sufficient, more than that is ideal.

Get Some Work Done

The more you work, the less time you spend in the pub spending your loan. Its hard to resist just popping out for a cheeky drink, especially if your at a loose end. The best thing to do is, every other month, just say no. Have a month in the library or at home working. Youll save a lot of money and itll do your health the world of good too.

Most universitys will let you use the sports facilities for free, if you dont feel like working then get together with a mate and play tennis, squash, whatever as long as you're not spending! Cant convince a friend to play? just leg it round the track for an hour!

Until next time my little student savers...

Planning Your Meals...

By planning your meals in advance you can save money in different ways, which is great. For example - Monday can be pasta night, Tuesday you can have a lasagne, whatever takes your fancy. It may seem crazy but you will save money, you'll be less tempted to by food on the spot (usually expensive, unhealthy fast food) because theres nothing in the cupboards. You can also constantly be on the lookout for deals, perhaps an offer on pasta or chicken breasts (remember to stock up, you can freeze them no probs).

On a last note, its all very well stocking up like this but in my experience they can go missing rather easily. Flat mates have pretty sticky fingers when they're hungry so if your anything like me you'll label your stuff and keep a note of it all. I used to just keep the reciepts and mark off when I used a particular product, mark it off. Hopefully your flat mates arent as mischievous as mine!!

Bills Bills Bills

Just a quick post to make you aware of some of the problems sharing the bills can cause if you're co-habiting. I slipped up in my first year but got wise in my final years, hopefully I can save you the hassle.

The main problem with sharing the bills is the fact that you may end up paying for stuff you never used. My old flat mates werent as bothered as me about turning lights off, leaving taps running etc. When I wanted to save, they just didnt care and so I wasnt saving at all. I was in fact paying for their lazy backsides!

It could have been worse, I could have taken the bills out in my name, something I would strongly advise against. I lived with 5 people bill paying was a constant source of arguements. The billpayer would attempt to collect the money together and guess what? more often than not someone couldnt weigh in with the wedge. Thats bad enough in itself but failing to pay bills will have a negative affect on your credit rating, something you certainly will need in the future.

Any thoughts or stories?? Love to hear them!
Until next time, take it easy...

Keeping your mobile phone bill under control is an absolute must and is something every single student struggles with. Its easy to limit your spending by opting for a pay as you go deal but this sometimes isnt as effective as it sounds. Have a think about how much you actually need to use your phone, are all your calls and texts necessary? Once youve figured out your monthly usage then your in a good postition to decide on the best option. A recent survey suggested that if you call for more than 3 mins a day and you rack up more than £15 per month, you're better suited to a contract, otherwise get on pay as you go.

Its become very difficult to function without the use of a mobile phone these days and increasingly hard to resist the urge to text, its sociable, informative and fast. If you go on a night out, take your phone with you (for emergencies) but switch it off. This may help you resist the urge to phone a friend for a quick chat when you find yourself with a spare 5 mins.

Get out of the habit of lending your phone to people too, they can mount a massive bills that you dont need.

Got any more tips? Id love to hear them,

Until next time...