7. Looking after your money Planning how you’re going to pay for your learning - and managing your money once you’ve started your course - takes a bit of time and effort. Use this checklist to help you keep track of what you’ve done and what you need to do. First things first... Contact learndirect or your local Information Advice Guidance (IAG) partnership to find out what's on offer in your area Calculate how much money you need to cover your costs (including course and exam fees, materials and books, travel, childcare etc.) If you're planning to use a Career Development Loan, apply in good time - well before your course starts Think ahead... If you're out of work, talk to your personal adviser at your Jobcentre about the types of financial help you can apply for Look into any ways of reducing your costs (for example, you might be able to buy books/equipment second-hand or share a lift and petrol costs with a fellow student.) Speak to the student welfare officer or student awards officer at your college to find out what financial help you might qualify for Find out what grants and bursaries are available for your field of study Check with the college you'll be studying at to find out whether they run easy payment schemes (such as termly payment of tuition fees) And finally... Once you've started your course, keep a record of all your learning-related costs and expenses - especially unexpected ones.

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