Budgeting and managing your money

There are a number of websites that offer advice on how you can make the most of your money.

Kent Freedom Pass

The Kent Freedom Pass allows young people in academic years 7-11 to travel for free on any public bus in the county and at any time, for an annual payment of just £50. This represents great value for money, as it gives young people the independence to travel for school, evening and weekend activities and throughout the summer holidays.

My Money My Rights

My Money My Rights, is a pocket guide offering clear and up to date information on all aspects of money for young people. Free to download from the Citizenship Foundation website the guide explores the legal issues surrounding money, with chapters focusing on Banks and Building Societies, Spending, and Student Finance. It provides concise, easy to use advice on everything from what to do if you get into debt to avoiding internet scams.

MoneyBasics

MoneyBasics concentrates on explaining the financial aspects of buying a car or house, starting a bank account and taking out credit cards and loans in a simple, easy to understand way.

'The site' and 'Need 2 Know'

The 'The site' and 'Need 2 Know' websites also include comprehensive sections on money covering topics such as understanding the credit crunch, your rights as a consumer when you buy and sell goods, how to claim benefits such as job seekers allowance and child benefit, and information on paying council tax and national insurance contributions.

National Youth Agency

The National Youth Agency provides an information section on financial issues including benefits, debt, fundraising, managing money, consumer rights and tax in a dedicated money section on its site. It also suggests links to other sources of help and advice.

What Would You Do For A Pound?

The 'What would you do for a pound' website is run specially for young people by the charity Kikass. The site features quizzes, games, videos and a money forum.

BBC

The BBC website contains useful information including lots of video clips about personal finance topics relevant to school leavers.

Financial Services Authority

The Financial Services Authority provides free impartial financial information for young through their 'What about money' website. The site includes information about the financial aspects of important life stages such as getting your first job after school, leaving home, learning to drive or becoming a student.

Money Saving Expert

Martin Lewis gives advice on the 'Money saving expert' website to help you stop spending what you can't afford. The site also gives information about a range of money matters including banking, insurance, cards and loans.