Money Worries? You’re Not Alone

Let’s be honest money feels stressful right now.

Prices are going up, transport costs more, food costs more, and for many students money just doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. If you’re feeling worried about cash, struggling to make it last, or stressed about asking for help, you are definitely not the only one.

A lot of students are feeling the pressure of the cost of living crisis and it’s okay to talk about it.

Why money stress hits students hard

When you’re 16-18, you’re often managing money properly for the first time. You might be:

• Juggling college with a part-time job

• Relying on allowances, bursaries, or benefits

• Paying for travel, food, phone bills, or course costs

• Trying to save (but not really knowing how)

• That’s a lot to deal with, especially when prices keep changing.

What budgeting actually means, and what it doesn’t

Budgeting doesn’t mean:

❌ Never having fun

❌ Saying no to everything

❌ Being “bad with money” if you struggle

Budgeting does mean:

✅ Knowing where your money goes

✅ Feeling more in control

✅ Making choices before money runs out

Think of a budget as a plan, not a punishment.

A simple way to start budgeting (no spreadsheets needed)

You don’t need fancy apps or maths skills. Try this instead:

Work out what money you get

• Wages

• Allowance

• Bursary or benefits

List your regular spending

• Transport

• Food/snacks

• Phone/data

• Subscriptions

See what’s left

This is the money for savings, social stuff, or unexpected costs.

Even doing this once can help you feel more in control.

Small changes that can make a big difference

You don’t have to change everything at once. Small steps count:

• Bringing lunch or snacks from home

• Checking student discounts, they’re everywhere

• Cancelling subscriptions you don’t use

• Setting aside even £2–£5 a week if you can

Saving something is better than saving nothing and if you can’t save right now, that’s okay too.

If money worries are affecting your mental health

Money stress can cause anxiety, low mood, or trouble sleeping. If this is happening to you:

• Talk to a tutor, student support, or wellbeing team

• Ask about bursaries, travel help, or hardship funds

• Speak to someone you trust — you don’t have to handle it alone

• Asking for help isn’t failure. It’s a smart move.

Remember this:

💬 You’re not bad with money

💬 You’re not alone

💬 The system is hard right now — it’s not just you

Learning to manage money takes time, practice, and support. You’re already doing the right thing by thinking about it.

Need extra support with money?

If money worries are stressing you out or you want help learning how to budget, Money Wellness can help.

👉 www.moneywellness.com

Money Wellness offers free, confidential advice on budgeting, managing bills, benefits, and coping with money worries. You don’t need to be in serious financial trouble to use it, it’s there to help you feel more confident and in control.

Remember: support is available at college too

If money worries are affecting your wellbeing, you don’t have to deal with it alone.

The College Wellbeing Team is available during term time to listen, offer support, and help you access the right services.

Whether it’s money stress or something else on your mind, it’s okay to reach out.