Category Finance

That is the (potential) money-making and in many ways, money-losing, question! When considering this incredible life-changing decision, initially it’s a no brainer for a lot of people. Three years of partying, drinking games, eating what you want, going out with who you like when you like, getting in at ridiculous times in the morning, and having absolutely no one to answer to? You almost forget you’re actually there for the degree! It seems like one extended holiday, full of adventures, new friends, crazy fun times, student nights, and did we mention cheap alcohol?Read On...

Since the recession petty crimes have shot up. Theft has been around as long as there have been things to steal, but it feels these days that hardly a day goes by without finding out about another person or neighbour who’s been broken into. A friend’s mum was having an elderly relative’s house re-carpeted as a surprise. The front door was open–facing onto quite a busy street–workers were coming and going through the front door so the house wasn’t left unattended for long. The mum came downstairs to realise her handbag had gone, with nearly twelve hundred pounds of the relative’s pension still in the handbag. That is a shocking, upsetting matter. Now some readers will say, "Why leave a handbag near an open door?" That’s a good question, but sometimes people do forgot how quickly and easily a thief can strike. In a moment of innocence or forgetfulness, the mum left her handbag by the door without thought; it’s just a shame the thief got away with so much money.Read On...

When I visited my boyfriend during our long-distance relationship phase, there was a house near where he lived that always upset me.  It had a sign in the doorway –right next to student accommodation–saying something along the lines of, “Proud parents of a graduate who’s left home.”  I was one of those graduates who had had to go home after finishing university.  It wasn’t what I’d wanted, but I had no choice–I had no job, nobody to move in with and I couldn’t afford to keep a place on my own.  It hurt to go back to my parents’ house–it felt like I’d gone backwards; lost the independence that I’d gained at university.  Seeing a sign like that in someone’s doorway made me feel like a failure.  Like it was my fault that I’d ended up back in that small, horrible little town, when it wasn’t...

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We can all be a bad with money when it comes to treating ourselves. “It was in the sales” or, “It only cost me X“ are thin reasons to buy a little piece of happiness, but how long before you feel the buyer’s remorse?

You only have to turn on the radio to hear how Britain has plunged into another recession. It makes us all realise we could all stand to save a little money here and there, whether it’s for a holiday or to cut down some of the credit card bills. Here are some practical tips to help cut down on those little extra spends. Before even starting to look at the tips below, sit down and try to take stock of your incomings and outgoings...

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Home of culture, red buses and the UK's publishing industry...or is it?Read On...

Steve Jobs may have passed away over a year ago, but his legacy will live on as one of the greatest innovators of the twenties century. He changed the way we look at smartphones and tablets, making people feel that they needed something that wasn’t in the slightest bit necessary. He was an intelligent, innovative guy, and here are some of his wise words…

“You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever...

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I know what you’re thinking.  In a world where we have pills and potions and lotions that do things for us, what do we need old school remedies for?  Well, sometimes they work out cheaper, sometimes they work out better, and sometimes it’s easier to use the things in our cupboards than go hunting all the way to the shops.  So here are some of the best, tried and tested by yours truly.

Honey and lemon for sore throats.

Honey and lemon both have many beneficial properties to them, but when you put them together they work wonders on a sore throat.  All you need is a jug.  Put two dessert spoons of runny honey into it, squeeze some lemon into it, then put the lemon into the jug.  Add some boiling water, and stir.  Leave it to sit for a few minutes, then drink...

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You don’t have to work for a cosmetics company to look amazing, nor do you have to spend a fortune.  There are products in your cupboard that you can use to make you look gorgeous, and there are ones that will cost you no more than a couple of pounds.  It’ll make you never want to spend a fortune on cosmetics ever again…

Exfoliating:

Salt

Salt has an abrasive quality to it, meaning that it helps to scrub away dead skin cells and rough skin.  Salt water also has an antibacterial quality to it, so if you’ve got any cuts on your feet, it will help.  All you need to do is soak your feet in a bowl of warm salt water for a little while.

Sand

Take your shoes off (or wear some flipflops) and stroll along the beach...

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It’s hard enough finding a job, and the last thing you should have to stress over is what to wear to the interview. But the hard truth is, it does matter. First impressions are everything, and your interview starts the moment you walk in the door.

(Note: My experience is limited to a corporate setting, and may not be applicable to every field. Use your judgment!)

Perhaps needless to say, a suit is your best option. But it’s difficult to afford one when you’re unemployed. Luckily, we have other choices. You don’t need to dump your non-existent cash on a suit if you present yourself well.

As a general rule, don’t show up in an outfit too revealing...

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Buying car insurance is a pain.  It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time buying car insurance, or your fiftieth.  It’s still a pain in the ass.  Therefore, here’s a handy guide to help you in future attempts at purchasing car insurance…

Shop Around
It’s annoying, but it can save you a lot of money.  Sites like Compare the Meerkat Market, Confused.com and Go Compare are trying to save you money.  Let them help you!

Ignore Gimmicks
Most insurance comparison sites – and some companies – offer gimmicks of some kind.  Ignore them.  You really don’t need a toy meerkat, do you?

Beware of Pushy Sales People
One thing I’ve learnt since owning a car is that salespeople that work in anything to do with cars are pushy...

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