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Student MoneySaving

Archives for October 2017

MSE News: Started uni in or after 1998 and began repaying your loan 2002-2006?...
The Government today formally restarted the process of selling off English student loans, after a delay of several months due to the general election. Here's what you need to know if your loan's being sold off...Read the full story: 'Started uni in or after 1998 and began repaying your loan 2002-2006? Your loan's being…
Sandwich courses and student finance
My 17yo son is looking at University courses for next year. He will be the first from our household to go and I'm struggling to understand some of it. Something being looked at is some sandwich courses. How does student finance work for the year you are on a work placement? I know you are paid by your employer, so am…
Should you be charged University Fees when not as Uni?
Hello, Looking for some advice, My daughter has managed to independently find a years internship. Her University is saying she has to pay a 'Placement' fee for this year even though she will not be attending University. This does not sound correct to me as a placement is not even an essential part of her degree. I view…
Student with a Mortgage
After experience and advice for those who have been a full time student whilst having a mortgage. I thought I'd get ahead of the game by renting my house, living with parents (£200pm board and lodge) to allow me to save and live better than hand to mouth when I have to give up work to do my PGCE. The thought of another 2…
Funding Distance Learning MSc in Scotland
I am Scottish, living and working in Scotland and studying towards a MSc at a Scottish University. To gain my MSc I need to pass 8 modules and write a dissertation. To date I have completed 4 modules which entitles me to a PG Cert qualification and I would really like to complete the rest of my studies to gain the MSc…
Thesis servicing
For the past 20 years I have deferred payment of my student loan. In that time, Thesis have taken over my particular loan. Ever since, each year 'arrears' have been added for the slightest transgressions. Deferment forms are mysteriously lost in the post, my emails to them aren't received etc. I became due for deferment…
Do I tell Student Loans the money I receive yearly from family business?
Once a year I receive a lump sum of money from a family business. I'm obviously not employed by my family so do I have to tell Student Loans that I receive this money? I'm still under the threshold for repaying them any money even with this lump sum but when I forgot to update them on my current employment a few months ago…
Finance and credit cards making uni impossible
I have previously purchased quite a few things via finance and I am still paying them off. It was fine before University because I could afford to pay them. Now I have to pay for rent and everything else I'm already finding it really hard. Family don't know my financial situation, I messed up before and spent ages paying…
Treasury Committee holds inquiry into the student loan system
The Treasury Committee are holding an inquiry to scrutinise recent changes to the student loan system, including the repayment threshold, interest rates, tuition fees, and the impact on university finances.It will also examine the impact of higher education on the public finances, a so-called 'graduate tax', and the…
MSE News: MPs to launch major new student loans inquiry
An influential group of MPs has launched a wide-ranging inquiry into the student loans system...Read the full story: 'MPs to launch major new student loans inquiry' Click reply below to discuss. If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.
Struggling
I have decided to return back to studies and wonder if anbody has any tips foe for. I knew it was going to be hard emotionally and financially, but I didn't quite realise how much. I have no time for anything as I work as well, and I'm shattered all the time. I am also a single parent. My outgoings are the same as my…
Best place to sell used (but in great quality) books
Hello all, I was a long time member from the past, under the same username, waaay back when this site was not long set up! I've just popped in to ask where is the best place to sell used but in great quality books? I tried Amazon this morning and couldn't wade through their buyer central bureaucracy, then they said they…
Household income
Hi My daughter will be applying for a student loan for 2017-2018. Does household income include her twin brother's full-time employed income? Also, my husband and I both work full-time but also run a smallholding on a part-time basis. This is in its early days so is making a loss. We were able to claim back the tax for the…
Student loan question
I had 3 student loans in 96,97,98 I have never made any repayments to it as I dont earn the money stated in the deferment letters. Will my loan be written of when I am 50? (I am now 40). Thanks for any advice.
Student discount for £16! With cashback.
Have you ever considered becoming a student just for the student discount? Save £60 of a Spotify premium subscription, free McDonald's cheeseburgers and save hundreds on shops with apps like Unidays and Student Beans. Consider buying the Accredited Massage Therapist Course on Wowcher (unfortunately I cannot post the link)…
Food budget
My daughter has been at Uni for nearly 4 weeks and tells me she is spending no more than £15 a week on food!! She is a veggie and loves cooking, doesn't drink alcohol, but this seems very low to me. She is not a huge eater, but she does like her food. She is shopping at Aldi and freezing absolutely everything that she…
Student Finance Company PG course installments Rant
I have just started a masters course, part time.(Self funded) I applied for, (and was granted) a post graduate loan. Haven't received any of it yet, but that's another story. My uni offers the option of paying in installments which is great. But the way the student finance co works, I will be left struggling for a couple…
Is uni worth it.
I didn't vote on your uni question, as I think it also depends on the course, but even with a top university course I think there is a lot of luck involved. I think the best way is when an employer pays your university fees.
What can I claim on top of a student loan
I am hoping someone might have solid information on what I can claim, on top of a standard student loan? I am currently 45, got offered a place on a Photography and Graphic design degree course (full time) as a Mature student. I was hoping to start 2017/2018 Academic year, but I was not able to get everything sorted for…
Good news (for a change)
Hi Thought Id share my good news with everyone. I don't know if this has happened to anyone else yet, but I received a letter this week saying as I've hit the magical age of 50 and its been 25 years since I left university - my student loans have been written off. I had one of the very first student loans available and…

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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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