Help?

Afro-Carnage

Hey everyone!

New user, so I throw out the generic forum etiquette apologies if i mess up etc etc...

Pleasantries (kind of) done with I'm going to jump straight into it...
I've found myself in a position where I need to reach out for help and I figured you guys on here would be the first and best port of call.
Situation: I'm currently in an unpaid apprenticeship and the money I had saved and budgeted to last me through until I began earning a wage has evidently dried up sooner that planned (all been there I'm sure!) I'll openly admit I don't have great knowledge on finances and the best approach to certain things but I am sensible with money. The thing is I am aware I've been a little in the dark ages in regards to money, I've always kept things simple (in my mind), never had credit cards or loans etc, situations have led to cash in hand payments rather than me paying direct debits, I pay for my contract phone over direct debit and that is about it at the moment, I've always been in the mind set of if I couldn't afford something I don't buy it, it was always that simple... However, I know my potential lack of credit history is going to be detrimental to me, I now need money somehow and I don't know how to approach it. I thought a credit card might be the best approach, yet I know I don't have an income or a strong history so will probably struggle to get one, coupled with the fact I won't be able to make minimum repayments until I start earning (which hopefully shouldn't be too far way, I just need a budget to take me up until that time, at which time I will be able to repay freely) I don't know if there's better alternatives... Basically, I'm stuck and I just really need some help and advice. I do apologise for my ranting post, it's just because I essentially don't know what I'm physically asking, which has led to this stream of consciousness... Unfortunately (if you got this far in the post) you guys have suffered the crazy wrath of it... Sincerely, I am sorry...

So if anyone out there could take the time for some advice, that would be absolutely awesome and I genuinely thank you for your time and effort!

Much peace,

Scott.

[Deleted User]

No credit will either be possible or advisable without an income.

So it's a question of claiming any benefits you're entitled to, cutting costs wherever humanly possible and looking to earn whatever income you can.

Afro-Carnage

This is what I was half expecting... Do you know any avenues I could go down to help? I know it's less of a financial question and more of a services/benefits option. The frustrating thing is I know it's going to be short term until I get to where I need to be, and I don't think I can bring myself to claim benefits (despite being entitled) it's just insanely infuriating and I don't have the time.

Thanks for you reply!

[Deleted User]

You should claim whatever benefits you can - agreed it's not the greatest of experiences, but if you're entitled, you should take advantage of it. You need SOME sort of income.

The DFW board on here is great at helping to identify costs that can be cut - look at cutting food shopping, changing utility suppliers, phone contracts, cancelling anything unnecessary. No matter how frugal you may think you are, there's always something more you can cut if you need to.

For more income, it depends on what you can do and what's available. Anything from a temp office job to working in a bar.

MrRipley

As stated above you won't, and shouldn't try to get credit as you have no income.

I see no issue in you claiming benefits, you're an apprentice who will be paying back into the system soon anyway.

The benefits system is there to help those in your position, nothing to be ashamed of.

Angry_Bear

This might help: http://www.entitledto.co.uk/

Afro-Carnage

I know you're completely right ZX81, if I'm entitled I should be doing it, I've just had so many bad experiences with them in the past I honestly just got so tired from it.

I'll check the DFW boards for sure, thank you. I would have been fine if random expenses didn't crop up, that's always the case though with unplanned outgoings.

I'm just reluctant to take time away from my apprenticeship for other work as that just knocks me back (tattoo apprentice) as I'm already working literally every hour I can physically spare, so it will have to eat into that time which granted I might have to consider, because, yup, the world requires money to live.

Afro-Carnage

Thanks MrRipley! I'm not particularly ashamed of the idea, it's just mentally draining and as I said to ZX81 there, bad experiences and I know it's only going to be short term so I'm sure I can put up with it!
:beer:

Afro-Carnage

Thanks Angry Bear I'll check the link out in a second!

Much appreciated.