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Student MoneySaving

Archives for August 2016

HMRC making money out of student loans
I have just looked at my son's recently received student loan statement and, besides being horrified by the amount of interest being accrued each month, was struck by how his monthly repayments are applied to reduce the loan. Rather than the money going to reduce the loan each month (as with a mortgage) the money is…
Student finance and debt management
I'm a single mum and a full time student studying a social work degree. Im in a DMP paying off around another £11000 of debt from a separation 2 years ago. I currently get special support grant and parent grant and borrowed the maximum loan from student finance last year due to being told it would be calculated in my…
Full-time funding affecting part-time or not?
Hello. I am hoping someone here can help me please. My husband wants to go back to the OU after a few failed attempts at attending a brick uni. He used to be on the old payment plan for the courses, but as he has left and wants to return he can't go back onto the transitional fee route. We are therefore looking into…
Is it worth getting a Student Bank account?
My daughter is determined to not get in anymore debt than she has to agree watching me struggle for years juggling and upgrading my debts, I'm now in a Debt Management Plan. My daughter doesn't want to go down the same road so is keeping her normal account with no overdraft facility. Is a student account better than a…
No guarantor
Hi, I'm a student getting my first flat. Unfortunately I don't know anyone who meets the requirements to be my guarantor. Is there anything I can do to still secure the property? It is being let though a letting agent so I don't imagine they'll be very lenient. I've heard of paying for a guarantor online with Helping Hand.…
Threshold for repayments but over 2 part time job?
I wonder if somebody can help with this query- I' ve been in a full time job for several years. My wages met the threshold and the student loan repayment was taken straight out. Recently I've cut my hours at my full time job and now work there part time 3 days a week. I did this as i had the chance of a new part time job 2…
Buying software for uni - bad idea?
Hi all :) looking for some opinions on a purchase I am considering. I am about to start my final year of university and I want to buy the software I use on my course, and to do personal/hobbyist work in my spare time. It costs £170 to use for the year, or you can get a subscription, but this works out more expensive. I've…
where to buy student stuff
Its that time again ( for dd ) and I have a long list of stuff to buy. Whats the best thing? Go to on large ( swedish ) store and do it all in one go, or large supermarket (Mr T or Mr A ). or do a bit here and there? How much am I going to save versus petrol / parking / and tea and cakes with several different trips. But…
Additional Funding for daughter studying in London
Hi, I am really hoping can help me or point me in the right direction. My daughter had been offered s place last minute in a drama school in London to study a diploma 6 in Progfesional theatre. She is 21. She has had an Advanced Loan for the cost of half of the course and I have to find the remainder as well as paying for…
Nationwide FlexStudent account 2016/2017: We want your feedback
Hi all, In our Student Accounts 2016/17 guide the Nationwide FlexStudent Account is one of our top picks. We're after feedback from people who have applied this year and want to know your experience and if you had any trouble getting the overdraft. Thanks for all help in advance :)
Maternity Allowance whilst a student
Hi all, I've posted this in the benefits board, but wondered if anyone here had any advice the could offer. I am currently working full time and have been for the last 5 years. However, I am starting a PGCE in September and I wanted to know where I stood if I fell pregnant. I would plan to take a year out of university and…
OU student need an ac.co.uk account???
I'm an OU student. Does anyone know where or how I can get a .ac.co.uk email address. Thanks in advance guys
OU student need an ac.co.uk account???
Hi I'm a first year OU student but need an .as.co.uk account. Can I have one. I have searched and searched but can't find anywhere the answer. Anyone help please.
PG Student - Family Moving Abroad - Funding
Hi there, I've got a year and a half left on my PhD funding, but my wife has been getting homesick and wants to move in advance (we've been planning to move for the past 4 years). Her parents can put her and the kids up whilst I finish my PhD, but I'm wondering what options I have as a full time student (and part time…
Confirmation of Sept Interest Rates, Deferment Threshold & Repayment Thresholds 17/18
Department for Education (DfE) having taken over the policy area from the closed Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) have now confirmed the following: * the interest rate for plan 1 loans will be 1.25% from 1st September 2016 and a maximum of 1.6% during the 2016/17 academic year; * the repayment threshold…
What's classed as income for housing benefit purposes
Please help :-( I'm in a right mess with my housing benefit. Basically they've told me they're classing me as having £160 a week income from student finance. I always thought it was only the student loan that gets classed as income, not the grants. But my student loan only equates to approximately £60 a week. I can't even…
University course ????
Is there a site which helps you select a course for uni . My firend wants to specialize in sustainable energy.not sure which course or uni to apply to. Tia
Advantis Debt Collection re Student Loans
I've received a letter from Advantis saying they've been looking for me as I owe student loans £4150 and they are to collect this. I Pay my student loan back monthly through my salary, never missed it, never received any letters saying anything wrong.they have my address etc so why say they are looking for me? I graduated…
Repaying student loans - rates
OK, I am an old bod and usually hanging about the Pension pages so do bear with me as I want to help sort out my son. He first went to Uni in 2010 for 3 years and had a loan then did a MSc directly after that. This year he is going to do a teaching course PGCE and is due a bursary and loan for that. When he starts teaching…
is NUS card price ever discounted??
Hi guys thinking of buying a NUS card and as it's £12 which is ok just wondering if this is ever discounted?? Are there any clever ways to buy it as I know how ingenious moneysavers are!

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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Student MoneySaving

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