Graduate

[jibjab]

I left uni last year, and have only just got out of the red of my switch account. What i want to know really, is it easy to get by on just your wages or does EVERYONE have credit cards / loans?? just a bit worrying really that its taken me that long to clear my overdraft and then I still can't drive (maybe i would need a loan to do this?) I am 23 now and back living at home after 3 years of independance of uni life!!!!

[NiceCupOfTea]

It sounds obvious, but getting by on just your wage is dependant on how large your wage is! We live in a culture that wants things now instead of saving, hence it is almost the norm to have a credit card / loans all over the place. Unless you feel you have to, don't get a card or loan - I did to finance my MSc, and I'm now up to my eyeballs in a debt that I can service but which leaves me unable to save up for a house or car.

[Hermia]

I earn less than the average wage and I get by on my wages. I do have a credit card and use it all the time because it's convenient and I earn reward points, but I pay it off in full every month.

I'm fortunate because I come from a family where everyone is very good with money. Both my grandparents and parents were very proud of the fact that they had never been in debt despite the fact that they were all fairly poor. So, I learnt good money skills from a young age. I do sometimes feel like an oddity though as so many people I know have fabulous lifestyles and lots of debts. I sometimes wish I could afford lovely things, but I'd end up being constantly stressed-out if I had debts.