2007 The Year of Thrift

Yesterday the Bank of England suprisingly put up the interest rates by a quarter of a percent with further increases forecast for later this year. Consumer debt is out of control. Tube and train fares keep rising. There's no doubt about it, all except the stinking rich are going to have to cut back on their spending in 2007.

There's been a lot written about this recently. There was a great feature in the Guardian last Saturday on Free stuff and there was a really interesting article on clever ways to save money on train journeys.

Whilst cutting back on expenditure may be painful, it can often be strangely satisfying. It just requires a bit of planning and it can really encourage us to think differently and creatively.

Making your own packed lunch, cycling to work, staying in more, saving energy, lending / sharing stuff, mending stuff, growing your own veg, are all worthy pursuits. Its what made Britain great! And of course, we all love a bargain.

So - anyone what to come round our house for an evening of charades? Please bring a pudding.