Candyfloss & Dreams

Category: Lifestyle

lifestyle blog posts focusing on home, lifestyle, parenting, pregnancy, family life and home and style. Home decor and working at home, working at home as a self employed freelancer and blogger. Family lifestyle blog posts including family reviews, family products and saving money as a family. Being a more eco friendly family.

How To Budget Your Student Finance

Budgeting your student finance can be a real stress for new university students. There are so many variables when you first attend university as a student and often the first amount of money can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you haven’t had to control much of your own finances before. For us, as a family, student finance is here to support our family lifestyle as well as being able to support my partners studies. For some others, as your student finance is reliant on your parents income, the support offered can be minimal and therefore the student will need to work to be able to afford to live. It can be very tough with high rent prices, feeding and looking after yourself. However, it is important to stay in control of your student finances because you need to take care of yourself to be able to study well and you should be able to enjoy the social aspect that university offers.

How Much Student Finance?

It’s really hard to give a figure on what you get but when you apply for student finance they will give you the amount in advance so you will know how much you will be getting. This is split into three payments in the first semester, usually around the end of September, second semester in January and then the third and final payment will be paid in May. The third payment is usually the biggest payment because for many students there are more expenses over the summer holidays such as getting back home, paying rent for longer and possibly moving out if you have been living in halls. However, your transport costs are usually less as most University courses end at the end of May. Be mindful that your next student finance payment will be close to the end of September again so you may have to make the money stretch even further.

Prioritise your bills first

I know this sounds really obvious but honestly, I’ve been there myself with managing my own student finance previously and I have learned from my mistakes for sure. This time around we are prioritising our rent, council tax and Adam’s train fare to and from University. If you can, pay your rent in a bulk payment to cover three months at a time. This will take the stress of knowing that where you live is secure and also if you are working you won’t need to dip into your wages for rent payments and can keep a steady balance in your bank account. Not all students will be responsible for paying Council Tax but as we are a family and living in our own accommodation this is something we need to take care of ourselves.

Train fare is one not everyone will have to pay either however if you do not live local to your university or you are commuting from your parents house there are a few ways you can save money. Firstly, get your NUS card sorted. This offers you some fantastic discounts and is £12 for one year, £22 for two years and £32 for three years. This should arrive within 7 days of being dispatched and is easy to apply for online. After you have received this you can take advantage of 12% off a 16-25 railcard which is priced at £30 a year. You can then use this railcard at any point during the year, it doesn’t have to just be for going to and from University and will save you a third on rail travel. You can very quickly save enough money to cover the cost of your railcard and NUS card with these savings and discounts.

Switching Where You Shop

One thing that students often need help with is food shopping and sometimes it’s just not a priority. However, bad nutrition isn’t good for you when you’re studying which can be a really intense time. My advice would be to shop at Aldi or Lidl if possible because you will absolutely save money. Take some time to plan your meals and write out a shopping list, taking into consideration what you already have and what you can easily make into a meal. I have often been able to feed the three of us on £35 a week from these shops and when you’re living on student finance and maybe a small top up of wages each month the more savings you can make the better. Also, don’t worry about frozen or tinned fruit and veg, it’s cheaper and still an alternative to not having any goodness with your meals. Finding out when food has been reduced, particularly meat, and popping it in the freezer can also help you save a bit of money. Again, using your student card can help you save money when it comes to clothes and other essentials. You could consider using DealsDaddy to save money on University essentials like stationary, clothing and footwear.

Taking Care of Your Family

If you have children or a partner that depends on you financially then you may feel obliged to take care of them. I can honestly say getting those priority bills taken care of and switching where you do a food shop will already help to take care of your family ensuring you have money left over for emergencies. You can often get a childcare allowance which will help with childcare costs if that is an expense you have. If you’re children are older they may qualify for early years funding which reduces what you pay and if you have older children the parent learners allowance can really help when it comes to school trips, school uniform or other things they might need.

September 24, 2018
Finance with Finesse – How to Finance Your Car for Your Road Trip

Imagine it – your next road trip has you traversing Australia’s outback in a rugged truck of your choice. Or better yet, hop into the speedster of your dreams to indulge in the many sights that Melbourne, Sydney, or any one of Australia’s great urban centres offer. Then there are the country’s numerous scenic beaches that beckon you to enjoy sand and surf at your leisure.

However, before taking off, you will need new wheels to get you to your destination in style. Financing a vehicle can be a one way ticket to your next road trip. In addition to the many other ways of financing a car today, Latitude can help finance your car in the most efficient, cost-effective way so in no time you can be in the driver’s seat pioneering new paths across the Australian landscape.

Continue reading to learn more about how you can finance a car to make your next road trip a memorable one.

Ascertain The Vehicle’s Purpose

While it is a small factor, knowing how you plan to use your vehicle is a factor you should consider before actually looking for a loan. By doing an assessment of your needs, you might find you can quickly and more accurately find a vehicle that is appropriate for your lifestyle choices, whether these choices include using the vehicle in rugged landscapes or for hanging out on the beach on weekends. Plus, there’s no point on taking in a massive amount of debt if you go on road trips infrequently.

Understand Credit And Your Credit History

By understanding how credit works, you have a better chance at seeking out appropriate financing and knowing how to leverage your credit to gain the advantage when settling on a loan. Factors to pay attention to include knowing your credit score, looking at your debt-to-income ratio, and understanding the remarks related to the accounts on the record. These factors all affect your ability to get financing, and more importantly, directly affect your interest rate.

The ability to get credit varies from individual to individual. Generally, speaking though, the more debt you have reduces the amount you can borrow, and in some cases, requires you make a sizable down payment to reduce the interest rate. Furthermore, derogatory, charge off, and slow payment remarks can hamper financing a car at a reasonable rate. Ultimately, you should check your credit report yearly to make sure that everything on the report reflects your history, as everyone is entitled to at least one free report through any of the major credit bureaus.

Look For Finance

Before settling on one loan, search through the many options available. Today, online technology has made it possible for consumers to finance just about anything through online institutions and options like Pentagon Ford 0%. Furthermore, their interest rates tend to be just as, or much, better than traditional banks and dealerships.

Another go-to are credit unions, which are also known to give consumers competitive rates. Credit unions typically offer their customers lower interest rates when compared to traditional financing options, including dealerships. The point is to do a comprehensive search before settling on a loan.

Get Pre-Approved

Another way to finance your road trip vehicle is to get pre-approved for an amount. This reduces the amount of time shopping for a car and limits your choices simply because it gives you a pre-set budget. Moreover, it streamlines the financing process while at the dealership.

A Vehicle To Your Road Trip

Financing a car has been simplified through the many avenues financial institutions have made available to consumers. The once complicated process, often lasting the entire day, can be transacted within a few hours. For the most part, accessing the financing that will place you in your new road trip car begins with being armed with the right information and being prepared to find the next great deal.

This is a collaborative post.

September 24, 2018
Why I’m Writing A Pregnancy Book

I’ve decided to write a pregnancy book

I’m writing a pregnancy book even though I have only been pregnant twice, however, both times I’ve been classed as high risk. Once with a BMI of 30+ and again with a BMI of 45+ and for a previous c-section. I’ve blogged a lot about my second pregnancy and how it’s been relatively straight forward however most of the restrictions I’ve had have not been due to my previous surgery but actually because of how fat I am. I want to say that I’ve actually had a straightforward pregnancy and that actually my body takes to pregnancy pretty well despite the few aches and pains in the last few weeks. However, having a high BMI during my pregnancy, whilst not ideal, has made me feel judged and ashamed.

Despite my high BMI I have had excellent blood pressure, my baby has grown as expected, excellent iron levels and high platelet levels. I have remained as active as possible with swimming and taken vitamin supplements to make sure my baby is getting as many nutrients as possible. I’ve been mobile, done a lot of reading and research, put birth plan A B and C together and I have had no issues. I’ve experienced lots of movement, Baby is easy to feel through my tummy and his heart rate has always been as expected.

But because of my size I have felt I have had to explain myself every time I meet a new health care professional. I’ve had to go through hoops to put the birth plan in place that I want. I have been told that I am highly at risk of another c-section. Whilst I accept I am a higher risk for certain things having a healthy pregnancy affected by BMI which, so far, hasn’t had a detrimental affect at all, has made me feel really guilty. It’s something I have constantly felt the need to justify, defend and bring up by saying “This wasn’t plan A, I wanted to lose weight first!” And that is the truth. Perhaps I am lucky enough to be quite fertile and not struggle with conceiving as I can assure you it really did only take the one time for us. I also feel that it’s stopped me from enjoying my pregnancy as much and I don’t want other women to feel like that.

Why Am I writing a pregnancy book about high BMI in pregnancy?

So I am writing a pregnancy book which includes all the research I have been able to find on women with high BMI in pregnancy to help other women make informed decisions about how and where they decide to give birth. I have included letters I have written to my consultant which has lead me to having much more positive, upfront discussions about my care. Where to find out the best information on the hospital you have decided to book in with and I talk in depth about maternal rights in pregnancy.

My hope is that I will also share a second positive birth story, however that happens, and why I believe individualised care is so important. I’m not writing this book from a medical perspective but instead I’m writing it from one mother to another to help raise awareness that there needs to be more research into high BMI pregnancies and that actually, no matter your BMI, you can still have a positive pregnancy and birth. I hope my book will inform and inspire other women to feel confident in their choices for their pregnancy and ultimately help to reduce them experiencing shame, guilt, peri and post natal depression.

I am looking to self publish my book at the end of November and I hope that it is as interesting and informative to other women as I have found writing it.

September 19, 2018
Starting University as a Mature Student

Being a mature student is quickly becoming a bit of a norm in this country particularly with the rising popularity of access to higher education courses being offered. My partner Adam completed his social sciences access course in July and has accepted a place studying Criminology at Winchester university. Studying as a mature student is a great way to retrain but it does come with its own set of challenges.

Adam applied for university very close to the UCAS deadline date during his access course in January. He applied for five university placements with two being at Winchester which is our closest university. One required him to pass his GCSE in Maths and one just requires him to pass his access course. Adam didn’t feel confident he would pass maths (although we have since found out that he has passed – but has remained on the course he wanted) so decided to confirm his choice and select criminology as his firm choice. As soon as student finance applications opened he applied and was told his finance allowance for the year.

University Mature Student – Getting Student Loans

As a mature student living away from home I had to fill in my details to support his application. Student finance is calculated on the previous years tax so Adams finance was calculated by our household income for 2016/2017 as he was planning on starting university in September 2018. As a mature student with a household income of less than £16,000 that year he was able to apply for

Tuition Fee loan

Maintenance loan

Maintenance Loan top up (for lower incomes)

Parental Grant

Adult Dependant Grant

He decided to apply for all of these as even though we would both be working when he started university I was three months pregnant and we were expecting our income to take a bit of a fall whilst I recover from birth and adjust to life with a newborn. We were then told what we had been accepted for. I think Adam is also entitled to a low income bursary from the university which isn’t payable in May. Apparently there is no need to apply as it is calculated automatically from Student Finance. As far as we are concerned, as a mature student with an adult dependant and two children any and all financial help is going to make a difference.

After finding out what was to be awarded it was just a case of waiting for his official results to come through so he could inform the university and then have his offer changed from conditional to unconditional. He had a start date for 19th September to enroll with lectures beginning the week after.

Saving Money as a Mature Student

As a mature university student Adam has applied for a three year NUS discount card for £30. This allows lots of discounts on clothes, cinema and meals out. As a mature student he also qualified for a one year 16-25 rail card. To get this rail card there is a form you need to print out which you take to university when you enroll to have stamped. This then allows you to get a rail card reducing travel costs. Whilst Adam is learning to drive he will be getting the train to and from University every day. With the railcard he saves around 1/3 on his travel costs which will be a saving of around £300 each semester.

The biggest challenge now is juggling that work life study and family balance. We will have a newborn in the house in October just after he has started university as well as juggling getting Evie to and from school. Adam will continue to work 29 hours a week from Sunday until Thursday during the evening and will be studying at university for three or four days a week. Time management is key for a mature student at university with a family at home. It does not leave a lot of time for the Social side of university life however as we are a family husband priorities are with studying and working.

Here are some top tips to help you adjust to life as a mature student

1. Don’t feel you will be the oldest one there. It’s very unlikely that you will be as university does not have an age limit. Some people enjoy studying throughout their lives and you are sure to find someone studying to increase their career prospects or because university works around their family.

2. Get yourself a planner and set yourself a schedule so that you can plan your time wisely.

3. Do consider getting a discount card and rail card to help you budget better and save money on essentials.

4. You don’t have to sacrifice time with your family. It is a juggle but you can prepare for things like days out together or date nights when you have your schedule. As a mature student you still need time to put the books away and enjoy a break from time to time.

5. It’s likely your student finance will be a buffer for your wages so budget wisely and consider paying things in advance with each payment you get such as rent. Our plan is to pay £1500 each semester which is around ten weeks rent and then top up with Adams wages.

6. Student finance affects benefits. Universal Credit will take all of the income into consideration but I believe allow a certain amount for travel, books and essentials. Tax Credits do not ask about maintenance loans but will want to know about the total adult dependant grant. When you start university you should make this clear to any benefits that you receive to avoid being sent huge overpayment bills.

Being a mature student has a lot of benefits and if you plan your time wisely it can be a great move for your career.

September 17, 2018
What To Expect in the Third Trimester

The third trimester is a hard one in pregnancy. Week by week until Baby is here you and him are getting bigger. Sleep is hard and uncomfortable and sometimes you’re hit with the same symptoms you had in the first trimester. Over the last few weeks I have developed a proper waddle and getting out and about has been hard. In fact I have found from about 35 weeks really hard and I’ve had some tears. I’ve written about all the hormones and emotions I’ve been feeling in pregnancy and how overwhelming they can be.

I have been uncomfortable, my bladder is not what it was, I’m waking up every two hours to pee, I’m hungry all the time, the pressure on my bladder gets a bit much, I struggle getting in and out of the bath, I’ve had pelvis pain and I’m just generally feeling a bit sorry for myself to be honest.

I know that it’s not long now and we are just a few weeks away from meeting my baby and birth will happen. I know that soon it won’t be uncomfortable movements but sleep deprivation and bleeding nipples that make me cry. But I have to say the third trimester, particularly from week 35 has been the hardest for me.

The Third Trimester Box by Baboo Box

Babboo Box are a pregnancy subscription service offering four boxes for pregnancy and post natal. Each box is suitable for each trimester and I was so grateful to receive the Third Trimester Box which is set up with products to make this tough stage of pregnancy a little easier.

Inside the box you have:

a massage roller

cooling and soothing gel for puffy ankles and legs

a wheat bag for hot/cold therapy

baby shower games and mock tail card with straw and umbrella

lip balm

Many of these items are perfect additions to your hospital bag but the cooling gel has been a particular help to me in these last few weeks where I’ve noticed some puffiness in my ankles. Extreme, severe of sudden swollen ankles and hands can be a sign of pre eclampsia and needs a conversation with your midwife however some puffiness and swelling in this late stage of pregnancy, Edema, is quite common and something I have noticed these last few weeks particularly at the end of the day. Rubbing a little of the gel around the swelling has felt amazing and I think has contributed to a better night sleep.

The wheat bag can be heated or cooled depending on your needs and is lovely to relieve any back pain. The lip balm smells amazing too and is an essential in labour, especially if you’re using gas and air.

Having this box of really lovely and useful treats in this last stage of pregnancy has been amazing!

Discomfort and Symptoms

A waddle when I walk and the need to wee every 20 minutes or so. I’ve been avoiding long walks or going places that don’t have a toilet stop on the way. We’ve also forked our for taxi and bus fares to get places that I would usually be able to walk to or had to resort to asking for lifts. At my 36 week appointment I asked for further midwife appointments to be done at my home as I was planning a Home birth anyway.

As the day goes on I’ve had some pelvic pain of which the best thing is exercise but that’s been hard to accomplish and I’ve just not felt like leaving the house. My swimming costume no longer fits and I have struggled finding a plus size maternity costume that doesn’t have a halter neck which I don’t find very supportive. I’m having to switch sides at night when sleeping and using two pregnancy support pillows for my back and legs.

The Third Trimester Hunger

Now this has been unreal I have to say. I am trying to eat little and often throughout the day and continue to drink plenty of water, raspberry red leaf tea and the occasional hot drink. I should be avoiding fizzy drinks and I’ve cut down on them but I still have either Pepsi max or lemonade at least once or twice. I’m having cereal for breakfast and then a mid morning smoothie. I’ve mostly been craving salty or savoury dishes so chicken salads with croutons and anchovies have been something to look forward to and a yoghurt. I’m hungry mid afternoon and will try and hold out until dinner around 6pm if I can by drinking more water or having another yoghurt.

The evenings though, that’s where it really gets me and twenty minutes after I’ve eaten I feel really hungry again. I don’t like drinking too much at night because I already have a really broken sleep and I’m trying to avoid eating all the junk food. I’m going to work on adding more whole grains into my evening meal and more vegetables but mostly I just feel the need to constantly eat. I have honestly not known hunger like third trimester hunger!

Am I Nesting?

I don’t think so but clutter is really annoying me and I want big open spaces. I’ve drawn into myself a lot more and I don’t really like leaving my home at this late stage of pregnancy. However this has lead to a lack of stimulation and a feeling of restlessness and boredom.

The Waiting Game

Now I just feel like I’m waiting for those first signs of labour to be honest. The show, the first period like cramps and a feeling of baby dropping lower into my pelvis. Baby is head down and has been for practically all of my third trimester of pregnancy but I’ve had no other signs so to speak. Now we are just waiting for him to arrive!

For more pregnancy content please head to my hub post which contains links to all my relevant pregnancy based blog posts. My second High Bmi Pregnancy.

September 16, 2018