britney-hope

I love giving gifts. I’m totally in it for the look people have when they open their presents and see what it is for the first time.  Unfortunately, as a 20-something freelancer, my finances tend to dictate my gift choices- although it by no means limits them! Below are 25 nifty gifties I’ve found to… Read more »

It seems there’s a business out there for everything these days. Is that because we’ve stopped wanting to do things for ourselves? It’s old advice that anyone who owns a car should know basic repairs and upkeep to avoid being hoodwinked at your local garage. It’s also probably a good idea to know how to… Read more »

Rule number 1 of successful budgeting: saving money starts with making little changes in your everyday spending habits. Your pound will stretch further when you make cuts in your shopping list and seemingly inconsequential shortcuts lead to a bigger payoff in the end. Your money is something to be held on to, and spending wisely… Read more »

It’s a given that going away to university for the first time is a thrilling experience for everyone involved. It’s the sense of a fresh start, the fear mingled with a yearning for the possible. Being adequately prepared is key to a worry-free start, and this can sometimes mean that people buy more than they… Read more »

Whether you’re cooped up in residence and the dining hall is closed for the weekend, or you’re in your own flat with a full kitchen, when essay deadlines and exams hit, meal preparation is often the last thing on students’ minds. Unfortunately, hours of studying tends to build up a serious appetite, and when combined… Read more »

Textbooks are a big part of the academic experience in college or university. Unfortunately, this often leads to them being some of the most expensive uni supplies to buy. Edinburgh University, for example, advises that students allocate as much as £315 per year towards textbooks. Of course, the immediate reaction to a necessity this costly… Read more »

At first, indulge yourself. It’s the beginning of the school year, no ‘real’ work has begun, and whether you’re just starting your first year at uni or you’re returning for another year, you want to start it off with a bang- and that means going out. After a few weeks of hitting the pub every… Read more »

There’s a lot of jazz these days concerning reality shows that feature car boot sale and auction enthusiasts- or pickers. There’s something to be said about scouting someone else’s junk and having the ability to determine if there’s something valuable amidst the refuse. Even if you’re not necessarily turning a profit, the beauty of yard… Read more »

Congratulations- you got The Job. You’re really looking forward to earning (and spending) those pay cheques, but for now you’re still on a tight budget and you need to look office appropriate. The good news is business attire is one of the easier types of wardrobe to build. There are well established fail safes that… Read more »

If there’s one thing that you can be completely unprepared for when you go to uni for the first time, it’s the food. Sure, everyone tells you to prepare for harder work (and even harder play), and they talk about the freedom and the DIY laundry- they even talk about the dreaded ‘fresher 15’- but… Read more »