Why are finance forms always the same?

My current job is in a context where finance forms abound. I'm well used to the various formats and the different ways of thinking about money, and I'm accustomed to the tendency to use shorthand phrases and acronyms which mean nothing to most of the population. It shouldn't surprise me, therefore, that I have a number of questions to ask the DDO about how one is meant to fill in the 'family budget for ordinands' form which is due this Friday. Having not been an ordinand before, this is all new to me! I'm also not familiar with the various benefits and tax credits for which we may be eligible. One of the problems is that if I apply for any benefits or credits now, the assessment would be based on my current salary, and not my impending student status. If I don't get actual figures based on an actual application, I can't really put anything on the form.

My job for this evening is to do a bit more internet research. After that, if I still have questions, I'll give the DDO a call. I'm sure this could be simpler!
91 days

Interest-ing

I see that interest rates have taken another dive. We have no savings to speak of, and no mortgage. The only interest I have in interest concerns the rates for personal loans and credit cards. Disappointingly, these have not budged one bit. Typical! Maybe instead of cutting a whopping 2.5% off the VAT rate (which I'm not sure will have the desired effect), Mr Darling could have a chat with the banks about their rates for unsecured borrowing.