Highbury College student gives top money saving tips

Highbury College student Louise Razzell has won a regional prize in the South East with her top money saving tips.
The 22-year-old painting and decorating apprentice suggested that the best way to save money was to stick to a shopping list, during Barclays Money Week held in March.

"I never usually win anything," said Louise. "I'm really pleased and surprised!"

Louise's top suggestions were:

* Always make a list before you go shopping and stick to it.
* Only take as much money as you need for what's on your list.
* If you spot a bargain, bulk buy so that you don't need to buy it later at full price.

Colleges in the South East taking part in Money Week entered three students' top tips into the regional finals. Highbury College selected Clive Hider, Danielle Boad and Louise's tips as its finalists.

Louise was announced as the regional winner last week at Newbury College during an event celebrating Money Week. Her tip has now been entered into the national final, the winner of whom will be announced at a ceremony in London.

Unfortunately Louise was unable to attend the event, but Danielle and Clive went along.

"I think the different workshops that went on during Money Week were really useful, debating with other students about ways to save money and cut down on your expenses," said Clive, 19, who is studying Level 3 Professional Cookery.

Barclays Money Week was a nationwide initiative run in conjunction with the National Skills Academy for Financial Services. The week was designed to give students an awareness of money management issues and provide them with the tools they need to stay in control of their budget. Students participated in entertaining and informative money management activities based on topics such as food, fashion, family and independent living.

More than 130 colleges were involved nationally, and over 100,000 students took part in a variety of events and activities during the week.

Student liaison co-ordinator, Angela Kountouroudas, said: "It is important to get our students prepared for managing their own finances and taking control of the money. Some of our students go on to travel a lot or become entrepreneurs, and it is vital for them to have a good financial understanding. Initiatives like these are a big part of the wider role we have in preparing our students for life after college."

Highbury is a College in Hampshire, England. It offers courses and apprenticesships to people around the Portsmouth Area