Many of you have now reached a stage where you are leaving school. Some of you will be taking up a place at university whilst others
will be taking up employment. It is a time of great independence
and freedom but with this comes a sense of responsibility
and learning to cope financially.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is a free, impartial, confidential service that is able to advise you on a vast range of subjects, including debt, consumer contracts, benefits and housing rights. The chances are if we cannot help you directly we will be able to signpost you on.

Debt is a subject that concerns us all, whether you are leaving home for the first time
or are staying at home.

Budgeting is a boring word, but knowing how much you have to spend on that night out will help you avoid getting into unnecessary debt. Here are a few financial tips:

• Make sure you use the interest free overdraft offered by your bank. It is the cheapest way to borrow money, as long as you don’t go over your agreed limit
  
  
• Avoid excessive store cards as these are often accompanied by very expensive rates of interest
  
  
• If you are sharing a house with others open a joint account to pay bills and make sure everyone puts their share in. Pay all bills by direct debit to get a discount. This will avoid chasing people for money after they move out
  
  
• Shop around for all your services such as gas and electricity. There are various online comparison sites such as www.simplyswitch.com that will allow you to compare prices
  
  
• Make the most of discount cards, e.g. young persons rail card (www.youngpersons.railcard.co.uk) , National Express travel card or NUS card to get money off at a wide range of shops and restaurants
  
  
• Plan nights out midweek when cinemas and pubs offer reductions. Cineworld run some two or one nights so check it out
  
  
• Try on-line banking as it will let you check your balance and statements, transfer money and pay bills
  
  
• STA Travel specialises in trips for young people www.statravel.co.uk
  
  
• For CDs, DVDs and books look on Amazons second-hand service. Alternatively you could sell any surplus items on e.bay
  
  
• Consider a part time job if you are a student. Minimum wage for 18-21 year olds is currently £4.25 per hour and £3.00 for under 18's (these increased in October 2006)
  
  
• Don’t spend big sums of cash you receive in one go
  
  
• Pay all bills before spending money on your social life
  
  
• Visit search engines such as www.confused.com for comparative insurance quotes
  
  
• Don’t let your debt problems mount up. Consult Citizens Advice or the National Debt Helpline 0808 808 4000
  

Mid Beds Citizens Advice Bureaux are based in Ampthill and Biggleswade and can be contacted on 08444 77 16 00.

Opening hours are: Monday to Friday 10.30am - 2.30pm
or visit: www.adviceguide.org.uk