Leaving care to start independent living can be a difficult time financially, especially if you are relying on benefits. To help you budget your money, here are money matters which you will need to take into consideration.

Tips:
• Electric heating is usually more expensive than gas.
• If you are working and receiving a wage, paying bills by direct debit will save you money as you will get a discount.
• Buy your fruit, vegetables, some household goods and clothes from markets as this is usually cheaper than shops.
• Look out for promotions at shops and supermarkets, e.g. ‘buy one get one free’ and note that some supermarkets are cheaper to shop in than others.
• Buying a monthly/weekly travel card or oyster card works out cheaper than paying single fares,
if you travel regularly.
• If you need to phone abroad you can buy international phone cards which are much cheaper
than using your land line. You can purchase them from most newsagents or internet shops.

Click here to download a simple budgeting sheet to help you (this will open a word document which you can print)

Personal items for your leaving care survival kit
• Basic food pack (e.g. eggs, bread, milk)
• Household pack (e.g. loo rolls, dish cloth, washing up liquid)
• Toothbrush and other toiletries
• Local A-Z and guide to services/shops/community facilities
• Phone card (if no mobile)
• Hot water bottle
• Travel card
• Paper, envelopes and stamps
• Leisure card
• ID (e.g. birth certificate, NI number, passport, immigration papers)
• Address and phone book
• GP and dentist phone numbers and NHS card
• Bank details
• Emergency phone numbers
• Mobile phones can be a very expensive way of communicating unless you are texting. Try to keep your calls short and to a minimum.
• Recipes/cookery book