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Caroline_83

Nobody can tell you where to make cutbacks. It's a case of looking at what you spend and asking yourself "Do I really need this?". Going for a coffee twice a week is a luxury you could probably do without, same for going to the pub. My trick, if invited for coffee or a pint is to be honest and tell them I'm completely broke. They normally offer to buy me one and there's no harm in accepting their offer! They all know I fully intend to do the same for them when I'm in the position to.

If the taxi to work only costs £3, you're unlikely to work too far away? Walk. Lunches are much cheaper if you take your own. I tend to cook a little bit too much the night before and take it in a tupperware box.

Little cutbacks make a big difference and sometimes you have to say no. I've been a full time mature student for 3 years and lived on little more than £500 a month (and that's while paying debts too) and it's taken me this long to realise that the little things count.

£1000 isn't a lot in the grand scheme of things. Just tackle it now because it an snowball. Good luck x

bridgend_girl

working extra hours is worth it! Even at minimum wage assuming all your personal allowance is used up with your other job then you will be taxed at approx 20%. This means that you will keep 80%! So for every hour you work you will keep roughly £4.70. An extra 10 hrs a week adds up to £203 per month take home.

eminemfan001

a really big thank you for all the advice. iv had a word with all my friends who have agreed not to get annoyed if i cant go out (exceptions are peoples birthdays) and will think about stopping lessons after this years piano concert is over because im part of a band so its too late to back out now. the films i think i will keep but on a cheaper deal because its cheaper than buying games. i got the taxi so cheap because i am friends with the person that owns the company. i dont really fancy walking to work when i have such early starts because its about a 45 min walk which would mean leaving the house at 6 in the morning. i am working on getting my bike fixed for when the snow goes away so i can cycle instead.

i love the present ideas and my granny came up with a good one as well. she keeps an eye out in the sales and buys lots of gifts cheaper then stores them until its somebodys birthday or christmas. means she always has a present handy for people.