finance

Moving to Britain can mean that you'll be dealing with a lot of new things, and one of the most commonly encountered one is an entirely different currency. Wherever you're from in the world, the British pound will be new to you, and there are some useful things to know when using it.

Exchange Rates

The first and most immediately apparent difference you're likely to notice is that £1 is more valuable than just about any other single unit of currency in the world. This has the effect of making prices for things like groceries appear to be quite low in comparison, simply because the number will be lower, even if the value is actually the same.

In order to make sure that you know how much things actually cost, it's very important that you become familiar with the exchange rate between the pound and whichever currency you're most used to using. When you know this, you'll be able to shop smartly, and will be able to know when something is good value or not. It's a good idea to look at the actual exchange rate to get the best idea, not the prices that the bureau de change is offering.

College Debts - The Real Facts

Many parents now wonder whether or not they should take loans to pay college tuition for their children. Some parents have become very cautious because they see other parents struggle to pay the debt. The question is why has college debt become such a big deal? Of course, debt is a scary word and parents understand that it is nothing less than going through a rough patch.

Having said all this, it is really difficult for parents to make a decision when it comes to applying for a student loan. All sorts of thoughts are going through their mind. Thoughts like: what will happen if they are unable to stay true to the commitment they've made with the lending company?' Most parents are even scared to think about the consequences of a large college debt.

Studying abroad is the opportunity of a lifetime. However, whether you choose to study in the UK or in another foreign country, it is very expensive. If you don't have the help of parents, it is even harder. However, there are ways to make it easier for yourself financially.

If you are thinking about studying abroad, here are a few tips to help you pay for your studies without getting into tons of debt:

Saving the Hard Way

Students usually know they are going abroad several months ahead of time. You should start saving immediately. Save every extra penny you get. Save holiday money if possible. Instead of going to the movies or dinner, save that cash. You won't regret it when you are enjoying the beauty of Spain, the bright lights of London or the beaches in Australia. Travelling the world is far more exciting than a temporary thrill at the movies.

Using A Credit Card

Before using a credit card, you should research the best credit cards to have. This will help you learn about the interest rates, perks and if they work internationally. You should be smart with your credit choice for overseas travel, but they can literally save your life in a pinch. You shouldn't travel abroad without one. Credit cards small business owners have are usually the lowest in interest. You may want to look into getting one of those.

With today being one of the best days of the year to save money, with shops slashing their prices for Black Friday, we thought we'd bring you some top tips to help with your student finances. Below you can find easy ways of making extra cash, the best ways to save money whilst shopping and some top tips to make your budget go further.