wow!!! 7 years ago i couldnt get a $10K loan from a bank even though i had just been employed as a graduate recruit to the government $34K/yr at the age of 31 as i had no savings history (being a student for previous 4 years).

agghh it makes your blood boil that they do this now!

in terms of practical advice does Adult Ed in your area run any courses for young people on how to budget and save? invaluable life skills.