How to...Budget and look after your money

Worried about money?

Skint? Brassic? Hard up? Broke? Whatever you call it you might find in the next couple of weeks that your student loan starts to run a little low

If you’re worried about money or don’t think you’re going to make it through to that next loan payment, there’s lots of support on offer to help you manage your money.

The Financial Support Team have created some handy tools to help you budget; use the Money Timeline to check when your next loan instalment is due, as well as get budgeting advice from former students. Then use the Money Planner to create a budget based on your income and expenses. This will help you see whether you can make savings anywhere or if you need to increase your income.

One way to increase the amount of money you have is through part-time work. The Student Jobshop can help you find part time work that fits around your studies. They can also help you find full-time work, summer internships, year-out placements and offer tips about tax and national insurance.
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/careers/students/jobs/jobshop.

If you’ve created a budget but things still aren’t adding up you can make an appointment with a Money Adviser in the Students' Union Student Advice Centre. They will be able to assess your situation, figure out the best plan of action for you and check that you are receiving all of the funding you’re entitled to as a student.

If you need money to tide you over in short-term you should speak to SSiD. They offer current students short-term loans of up to £250 for up to 4 weeks. Unlike most short-term lenders these loans are interest free and are ideal if, for example, you experience a delay in funding. Contact SSiD on level 4 of the Students’ Union to find out more.

If a short term loan isn’t right for you, you may want to consider applying for Financial Support. These funds support students in financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances or who are facing additional costs due to exceptional circumstances. They are administered by the Financial Support Team, and applications are assessed on a needs basis.