The best plan of action.

DanielJ_2

(first post hehe :money:).

I have finished year 11 for while now and I am all set to start a new course, at a new college. While I am still looking for a job (have been looking/handing out cv's/asking around) I have been unsuccessful. I am trying to plan out my money spending and get through the future 2 years+ succsessfully.

Here are some details:

• I will be studying a BTEC National Diploma full time
• This is at a college that is quite far away (Amersham&Wycombe College- Amersham Campus) and I live in Aylesbury . That means I will have to travel on the train (it is about 20 miles).
• I have already sent off my EMA and got the confirmation that I will get the payout. It worked out I receive £20 per week.
• I am the first in the family to goto college, so no-one really has an idea of this.
• I live at home without paying rent (unless I get a job then I will have to)

Can you fine forum folk guide me on the best way I can save money. What schemes/ cards/ whatevers should I sign up to?

Thanks

Daniel

Oldernotwiser

If this college is the nearest place offering the course you want to do, ask them whether you'll be able to get for any help with travel costs. You'll be eligible to join NUS and and the card will get you some student discounts.

It might be worth pointing out to your parents (gently) that it's the normal thing nowadays for someone of your age to still be in education and that actually the age at which you can leave will soon be going up to 18. You are still your parents financial responsibility at this age and they'll carry on receiving a fair bit of money from the government because you've stayed in education.

Good luck.

The_One_Who

Try and get some sort of season ticket if you'll be travelling at peak times on most days. Even if you are going in Monday to Friday it can work out a lot cheaper. If you are only in a few days and can get by not using the trains at peak time then a Young Person's Railcard will be your friend.

You'll probably get some sort of student card/NUS card which can get you 10% (usually) discount in some shops and other places.

Are you planning on going to university? If you get a part-time job then maybe suggest to your parents that any money you earn could be put away and saved for that.

Try and not buy lunch or snacks in the college unless they are cheaper than nearby shops. In my experience buying lunch can work out cheaper than nearby shops, but not all the time. If you are wanting to save the pennies then bring something with you to eat.

margaretclare

Your parents will still receive Child Benefit as long as you're in full-time education. This happened in respect of my GD until her 20th birthday.

C_Ronaldo

Do you not know of anyone who is also going to the same college as you could car share with them

Lokolo

You live in Aylesbury and you're going to Amersham every week!?

Bloody joseph and mary!

I live in Wycombe btw.

Amersham and Alyesbury are luckily on the same line. Get a student railcard and go by train! woo woo!

However you won't be able to get to glorious High Wycombe and its awesome Eden Centre!

DanielJ_2

hehe yeah. I know I won't but well...a saturday in Wycombe won't be so bad eh?

I found a good travel route from Aylesbury to Amerhsam college. It says it will take me 1 hr 30 but I can knock off at least 20 minutes from that because I live right outside the bustop they told me to goto- that they say takes 20 minutes to walk to.

I have opened a current account at Natwest today switching from Nationwide. They set up an "Advantage Blue" account and a savers account.:
http://www.natwest.com/personal/day-to-day/current-accounts/g1/accounts-with-extras/advantage-blue.ashx#tabs=section2
I had a look at it when she (the lady on the phone) was asking me what I wanted to do and for me it seemed the best. I have to change my EMA details (not sure how exactly i'll dig out my letters to find out). The welcome pack is on the way so when I have that, read it and agreed to it I will change my details with EMA and close my account with Nationwide.