Coining it in
Wednesday 29 March 2006
A recent survey on n2k asked what was your main source of income.
From those of you rolling in it to people without a bean, hundreds of you responded and now we're taking a look at the haves and have-nots.
Money from my parents
This was the biggest group of all, taking 35 per cent of the vote. It seems as if most of you rely on the good old bank of Mum and Dad for all your cash needs.
Making allowances
Janey, 16, has a financial arrangement with her parents. "Because my mum and dad want me to get good exam results, they pay me an allowance so that I don't have to get a job and I can study."
Earning without working does have its downside, as Janey tells us. "Sometimes if I want to go and hang out with my mates my parents can get a bit strict and tell me I should be studying. Most of the time they know that I need free time to chill."
No source of income
From loaded to loot-free, with our second largest group of people who answered saying that they had no source of income.
Make it on my own
Kristian, 14, has to get by without handouts. "My mum can't afford to give me pocket money," he tells us. "I look too young to get a job so I have to save up my money that I get for birthdays.
Sometimes I feel left out when my mates have got loads of cash but there's nothing I can do about it."
Pay from a job
Coming in third are the workers. 23 per cent of you said that the main way you manage to get your hands on money was by heading out the door to work.
Miss Independent
Susannah, 18, has had a job since she was 13. "I have always earned my own money and hate having to rely on anyone else for anything," she says.
"I like to be independent, unlike most of my friends who never seem to have any money. I think by earning at a younger age, I've learned the value of money."
Benefits
Our smallest group said their main cash injection came from benefits, with 15 per cent of you opting for it.
I'd rather be at work
Sarah, 17, claims Jobseeker's Allowance and housing benefit. "I've been living in a shared house for a few months and I can't wait until I find a job," she explains.
"Everyone reckons being on the dole is a right doss but it's not at all; I'd rather be out at work than looking for it all the time."
Handy man
Craig, also 17, gets the Education Maintenance Allowance to help cover his costs while he studies his A-levels. "I don't know how I'd get by without it," he says.
"I'm doing art so I like to spend money on really good materials; it comes in really handy."
What's your main source of income? We'll be printing another round of money stories soon and you can get involved by filling in a few details on our contact form or by emailing us.
