by Angel Edwards

Created on: August 23, 2008   Last Updated: January 12, 2011

As a student studying at university, I have a lot of experience at scrimping and saving and clinging on to every last penny. I have spent a great deal of time shopping around for the biggest bargains and little ways to earn a little extra to help along the way. With VAT rising another 2.5% this year (in England) this has become even more important. So here are 7 top tips to survive the economic down turn.

1. Don't blow all your money as soon as it jumps into your bank. As obvious as it sounds, this money needs to last you the month and you still have rent, bills and food to pay for. Even if you do have a free over-draft, it is always better to be in the black.

2. BUDGET! I'm sure everyone's been telling you this. But if you stick to it you may end up with a little left over at the end of the year to have a really good time on. Tend to take £20 out a week and try to survive on just that. Normally I'm successful with a little left over.

3. Join an internet survey site. These are excellent for earning a little bit extra. Websites such as surverycentral have a points system which you can buy vouchers with. You will normally earn roughly 100 points per survey and can buy vouchers for amazon, M and S and paypal. So go for it. You will never earn a great deal, but it's a nice bit to use for luxuries. Some of these websites also offer freebies to test for companies, which has meant that I have not needed to buy soap in 2 years! (and I do wash)

4. Mystery shopping is a good way to earn and buy things for free! retaileyes is wuite a good site for this. You do have to send in a review of the place you shopped, but for free stuff and some extra cash, it's well worth it. Stay away from websites that try to charge you for the privalidge though, they are scams.

5. Try to find cheaper activities to do. You don't have to go out every night. Don't feel bad about staying in if you can't afford to go out. Your friends will understand and will expect you to understand if they are in the same situation. There are lots of things to do besides going out. Try making your own beer or wine. Or cook dinner for your friends at home. Believe me, this is a big money saver!

6. If you are at university, actually study. If you do really well this year you may be entitled to apply for bursaries next year.

7. Always buy economy versions of products! I know it sounds unbelievably obvious, but so many people waste their money on the expensive stuff, when there's just no point. Much of the time, the economy versions are exactly the same as the more expensive versions, but with different labels!

I hope this has helped, and good luck.

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