I think no matter what your situation, the credit crunch has some effect on you-whether it's simply noticing that you don't get the same amount of petrol for your money, to something more major like losing your job and having no way to make ends meet.

Whilst the credit crunch is seriously problematic, I personally feel like it has opened my eyes to things in a positive way, and I know that I'm definitely in a much better situation than a lot of other people, so I am counting my blessings that way. Don't get me wrong-I'm completely skint and can't spend money on nice things, but I know people have lost a lot more than I have, so I'm quite appreciative of what I have.

I graduated from uni in july, but have been unemployed since then. This is crap, as i have a 1000 overdraft that is almost maxed out, and the only money I really get is my JSA. However, when I look around I see people being made redundant or losing their jobs with no redundancy money. From this I've learnt that the only thing worse than having no job is going to work every day worrying that you might lose your job. I don't think that I could cope with the stress of this.

I'm very lucky that the only outgoing I have is a phone top up-I like to keep my phone topped up and this is pretty much the only thing i *always* spend money on, but even then its only 10 pounds every month or so. I live at home, and luckily my parents don't ask for any rent from me, so any money i get is thrown at my overdraft to clear it. I've definitely noticed the prices of things going up, and its making me look at things differently, and i'm very open to trying cheaper brands of food etc.

I really want a house with my boyfriend, and we always used to complain about having to live at home. But right now, we feel quite lucky that we don't have the commitment of a mortgage or any big costs like that to worry about. Because of this, we've been able to look at lots of different moneysaving tips and little things we can do to change our lifestyle and spend less money, and hopefully save some pennies too. For example, instead of going out shopping loads, we have started going for nice walks and stuff, which is good for the wallet and the waistline! I've also stopped buying magazines (i used to spend around 6 pounds a week on them, but i've cut that right out). Me and my boyfriend also eat out less which is saving us money, and i've got a sealed tin to put shrapnel in so that come christmas I'll have some extra money to play around with. The credit crunch has made me plan a lot more, and i started buying some presents in the sales as it saved money in the long run. I am also really trying to not let money burn a hole in my pocket like it usually does-i'm now happy to have ten pounds sitting in my purse, whereas before i would need to spend it, usually on something daft.

So, yes, I feel like I have adopted well to the credit crunch, it's been a nice learning curve for me and i feel like I'm much more money confident than I was before. the small things I'm implementing at the minute will have an even bigger impact when I do eventually get a mortgage as i will already have learnt how to be sensible with money.

Whilst i feel very fortunate of my position during the credit crunch, I'm not in any way saying that it is a good thing at all. Our economy is in a terrible state and i really wish that it was all ok again, but whilst its not, I'm happy to learn from it and take whatever I can from the experience. I'd obviously much rather have a job, and money to spend on what i want when i want, but since I'm unemployed and don't have an endless supply of money, I'm happy for the opportunity to learn little ways to manage money.