Debit Cards V Credit Cards
When you’re under 18, you’re lucky! You can’t get into trouble with credit cards as you are under the legal age! But a lot of young people are encouraged to get credit cards when they turn 18! Beware as misuse of a credit card is one of the easiest ways to get into debt.
Let’s first look at the differences between the two. A debit card gives you access to your own money, so you are limited to withdraw or spend only as much as is in your account. When you turn 18...
Flatmate Search
It's unlikely that you'll be able to afford to live alone when you first move out of home. Instead you'll find some flatmates, or people to live with.
They could be people you know really well, like your friends or a sibling, or maybe an acquaintance, for example a friend of a friend, or you may not know them at all.
Deciding who to live with is important and something you should not rush. Let's face it, sometimes your family are a pain, but at least they're used to living the way you do. Your flatmates are likely to have different ways of living day-to-day, and you'll have to develop tolerance if everyone's to get along.
For instance, perhaps they may be a slob, leaving stuff all over the place, or a total clean freak that insists you mop the floors every day. They may have no problem with eating all the food you've just bought or borrowing your clothes without asking. Maybe they play the trumpet or have a pet cat that you're allergic to. These are fairly small problems, but can really get up your nose within a short time.
More serious problems come from flatmates who don't meet their financial responsibilities.
When choosing a flatmate try and ensure they:
- Have a reliable income source to meet their responsibilities.
- Have their name on the lease so cannot move out suddenly, leaving you with all the rent.
- Are prepared to have at least one utility account (e.g. power/phone) in their name.
- Expect generally the same type of living standards as you do.
- Will look after the property and its contents.
- Are prepared to do their share in running the household.
Let family and friends know that you're looking for someone to live with. You can also try the classifieds in the paper, put a message up at work, college or uni, or try the internet at places like http://www.flatmates.com.au.
If you don't know your prospective flatmate, a meeting or interview beforehand is a MUST to get to know each other.
Now you've got the person, how do you find a property to live in…
