Dealing with money worries
Having difficulty making ends meet or need to know your rights on any issue? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Nearly all students have money worries and concerns about rising debt.
That’s why there are lots of people you can turn to for support.
The Citizens’ Advice Bureau
Found in nearly every town and city in the UK, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau is the country’s largest free advice provider. Last year they helped 1.9 million people solve 6 million problems. From debt, benefits, housing, employment and consumer issues to relationships, family matters, health, education, discrimination, immigration and the law, they can help you with nearly any problem or issue.
To help you prevent your money worries escalating into something far more serious, they will look at the bigger picture and get to the bottom of your individual circumstances. Best of all they’ll tell you your rights when it comes to dealing with debt collectors and threatening letters.
You can find you nearest Citizens’ Advice Bureau office and its opening hours in the Yellow Pages or Phone Book and online.
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Direct Gov
Provided by the Government, this website contains a wealth of information about public services including advice on how to manage your debt. From helping you list everything you owe and put your debts in order of importance to showing you how to work out a personal budget and deal with your creditors, this website will help you tackle debt head-on.
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Your Students’ Union or Tutor
Can’t talk to your parents about money worries, but need to speak to someone in person and in confidence? Your Students’ Union or Tutor has the experience to help you with your money worries. Remember, they’ve dealt with similar cases to yours before and will treat your money problems with utmost sensitivity. So please speak to them.
The National Debt Helpline
Debt, nearly every student has it, but some have it worse than others. If it gets seriously out of hand, then you need to turn to an expert. The National Debt Helpline offers expert independent advice on your legal rights and options when it comes to serious debt problems. From information packs on consolidations loan and Individual Voluntary Agreements to sample letters you can use to write to your creditors and personal budget tools, they can help you to rid yourself of debt you cannot afford.
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Your parents
As much as we don’t want to do it, there are times when it’s necessary to visit the bank of Mum and Dad. Obviously, going to your parents and telling them that you’ve just found the best kebab shop this side of the Pennines or that Harvey Nicks has an incredible sale on is unadvisable. Of course, they’ll want to know how much you spend on fast food and clothes, but be careful just how much you let them know.
Your parents will see your education as an investment in your future and will be much happier to lend you money for course-related items such as books and computer software. So, it’s fair to say that the more enthusiasm you show for your degree, the more generous they’ll be with their financial support. However, be careful just what you tell them or you could end up with a Waterstone’s book token.
The Samaritans
A confidential emotional support service for anyone in the UK and Ireland, the service is available 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair. This includes those which may lead to suicide.
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