Need some good ideas urgently!

Debt_Free_Chick

missk_ensington wrote:

I got the form today for ALF but when I read the accompanying notes there's a big fat ugly line that says 'We will not give the grant because you have not budgeted or used your loans irresponsibly' or words to that effect. I guess trusting a male prat and ploughing every penny into a deposit with him isn't exactly good budgeting! (

But I'm not sure that's your situation, is it?

Did you budget on your joint income? If so, then your circumstances have changed... so just apply. In fact, just apply on the basis that your circumstances have changed.

I think they are trying to weed out people who never had a budget and who were always living above their means. I can't guarantee that you will be successful, but it must be worth a try, eh?

missk_ensington

Well I used £4,500 of Aprils loans and grants, including the grant they gave me to pay my childcare towards a £9k deposit on a house. Obviously, as Ive already said, I didn't think my partner would leave!
I'll give it a go, its only 20 minutes of my time, but I'm not holding out (unless they have loads of budget to use up this academic year!) If I don't get it, its my own fault for placing every penny I had to live on for 6 months in a deposit on the basis if trusting a man. Once bitten, twice shy-I wont do it again! I've learnt my lesson and wont be trusting anyone with my oney again regardless of what they promise me!

apprentice_tycoon

This suggestion is for when you finish your course - I assume that you'll have a load of text books that you don't need so I think that you could do very well selling them on Amazon (or any other books, CDs, DVDs that you don't need) the text books may sell better closer to the next term but it's worth a look at.
Here is an ongoing thread on the ebay board

halloweenqueen_2

Thats a good point - I've recently sold a few books on amazon - was pleasantly surprised at how straightforward it was.

missk_ensington

Yes, it works both ways too, they're great for buying books when you can't afford new ones! Thing is I have 2 years left plus my MA and pHD :-( I might not be able to do these consecutively but I'l still need the books.

I think I'm getting on top of it now ech bit of advice is great but combined its made a huge difference!

Fran

***Boardguide comment***

I think it would be more useful to have this thread on the same board as the other thread I moved to Debt Free Wannabe so all the information is in one place.

ooobedoo

Hiya,

I want to say well done, so far you have done so well and what a fantastic example to show your child, that even when things get a bit crap you still keep going.

I was wondering if you were able to take a a lodger, I think there is a certain amount that you can 'earn' if that the right word before paying tax???

Just an idea, everythign else seems to have been covered. Also, we have a farm foods near us and that is really cheap.

Good luck, am following your thread with interest!

newleaf

Where are you missk-ensington? No post since 9th May. Hope you are still doing well. Come back and let us know.

southernscouser

I'm not sure if anyone else has posted this but if your household income has now decreased you should be entitled to more benfits!

Have a look at this site for an idea and then get on to the necessary people!