By Viviana
Recessionomics – The economic slowdown during recession. There has been quite a bit of talk this week about the recession being over. I must say I am not convince in the least. Are we supposed to believe that there is going to be a huge change just because governments are saying we are out of [...]
By Viviana
There has been a lot of doom and gloom in the news this week. In the past month, food prices have risen and fuel is turning into an extravagance instead of a necessity and best of all wages are staying the same. As I always say over here at The Lean Times, when facing adversity [...]
By Viviana
Life in not looking so financially rosy for 2011 in the UK – you have undoubtedly heard that there are tough times ahead from the rise in VAT to 20% on the 4th of January 2011 to escalating food costs due to the bad wheat crop. House prices are all over the place and we [...]
By Viviana
This recession just keeps on giving, doesn’t it? Two years ago, upon returning from our first holiday in three years, I was made redundant from two long term freelance gigs. Boy that threw me for a loop! One of the positions, I had held for six years when they decided to get someone younger and [...]
By Viviana
I seem to be bumping into more and more ‘well off’ people that circumsances have changed whether it be from divorce, businesses failing or just the banks putting the squeeze on them. Well welcome to the frugal gang! We have all been there at sometime, I have been on frugal bandwagon for longer than I [...]
By Viviana
I must tell you my lovely readers, that this post has been difficult for me to write as I am not sure we are going to have a great 2011. In the UK, we have had a rise in the VAT, which is a tax that is on just about everything we buy excluding most [...]
By Viviana
Ages ago, I wrote the post eBay I Love you! and would you believe, the love is still going strong. Most people think about eBay when they are looking for something special, like a specific antique plate that you need to replace or something second hand that you don’t want to pay full price. I [...]
By Viviana
These hazy days of sunshine brings thoughts of beaches, barbecues, and all around good times but what will this autumn bring? Many things are easier in the summer such as eating fresh seasonal foods; the choices of fruits and vegetables are amazing. Entertaining yourself is cheap too; grab a picnic, a blanket, your beloved and [...]