This is it.

lemonpie-86

Thanks for your message! I might start doing that actually, saving myself some money on fruit and veg. Well, the CCCS thing went ok, they were helpful, helped me work out a budget but said there wasn't a lot else they could do, that I wasn't already doing. Today has been a bit of a rollercoaster financially, as I got a letter from Nationwide this morning saying they are reducing my overdraft limit to £1450. Of course, I have no way to get those funds before the end of the month, so I called them and they have arranged a reducing overdraft whereby I pay off £70 a month until it is paid off. They were shockingly helpful, I was expecting a real fight with them, and it's a weight off my mind that I know it is being paid off gradually and that it will be gone by the end of the year.
Having said that, I was a little stupid today and spent a bit too much money on textbooks. However, I am trying to shore myself up by saying I really needed them (not a lie). So all in all, have spent about £62 today. !!!! and double !!!!. Oh well, I get paid tomorrow . Meh.
Thanks so much for your advice, and in future I will check out the grocery places for sure as opposed to spending a small fortune at Sainsbury's/ Tesco (who are even worse in my opinion). :beer:

PENNYWISE_3

Well looking on the bright side it's good to be reassured you're heading in the right direction by the experts!

Just be careful not to put yourself under too much pressure when you're a student on a low budget, I think everyone leaves uni with debt, the trick is to make sure it's a manageable amount.

Have Nationwide given you any reasons for reducing od? Is £70 a realistic amount for you to be paying a month? Good luck with that.

Most of my money went on going out in my student days (ah, a distant memory;) ) What does the majority of your money get spent on? Just trying to see if I can suggest any money saving tips for you.

Hope you're ok & feeling positive about everything, you should be very proud of yourself.

lemonpie-86

They say I went over my overdraft limit, and I did, granted. BY £3.00 WHEN I TRANSFERRED £50 TO MY SAVINGS ACCOUNT, WHICH THEN GOT REVERSED AND THEY ARE CHARGING ME £30 FOR THE PRIVILEGE! Anyway....£70 is reasonable, I could perhaps afford to pay a bit more and it was refreshing this morning to look at my balance and not feel dread. I had to make a token payment of £100 which luckily I had.
Most of my money does go on shopping, and going out. I just can't resist it Our union is so poor as well that the entertainment is rubbish, and not even that cheap. Hence we have to go out in the city, which is amounting to about £40 for a decent night out, not including taxis. My flatmate last year was a millionaire virtually and thus could afford to go out all the time, and so I spent to keep up with her, when my income was a third of hers. :eek:Luckily, I no longer live with her. I don't live with two of my best friends from uni, so have to spend money on lunches and drinks etc just to meet up with them.
Thanks for all your help!

PENNYWISE_3

Good to hear you're feeling cheerful about it.

tut tut tut at bank. Is that charge for exceeding overdraft limit? In which case, ask for it back, i'm sure you've seen the high profile case in papers at moment re these charges being unlawful as they are disproportionately high, even if you get a portion of it back then it's better to have money in your pocket. Give your branch a ring & see what they say. (must get round to following my own advice!)

I've got a friend who's got waaaay more money than me, handy sometimes tho, gave me her old i-pod! Where I work too there's lots of people who are financially very well off & even some millionaires, but I tell u what, they're the ones that spend the least! Given me a knew attitude to money, I've seen you don't get rich spending money on everyday items that aren't essential... tho i do still like a few luxuries!;)

How about if night's out not that good you organise a few parties at your place (just with good friends so it doesn't get out of hand). Could have themes, murder mystery night, fancy dress etc, everyone brings own drinks & plate of food, nice cheap night.
Or if you have friends that live nearby you could have dinner party where you have a different course at everyone's house, like the starter at yours, mains at your best mates etc. Not expensive (if you don't have to travel far) & lots of fun, tho needs a bit of organising.

Lunch is a big expense, how about treating your friends to some home cooking? Can even have nice treats such as biscuits & cakes for fraction of price.

Guess should go do some work (oh and check how my items on ebay selling!)

PENNYWISE_3

Wondering how you were doing? Not had an update from you in a while.

Hope your money saving's going well