We all know the economy here is flagging and it’s not doing so great around the world either. While you could look at the obvious down sides of this situation, instead consider the freedom it now gives you to be a frugal shopper.

Frugality should be rewarded in this time of job uncertainty and ‘economic crisis’ which we hear about in every news report. Don’t be ashamed by the fact that you can’t afford a genuine Le Creuset cast iron cooking set, there are plenty of other more affordable brands of cookware out there, with just as many gorgeous colors to match your kitchen.

And don’t worry that you can’t afford to lay real wooden floorboards in your home when you’re renovating. There are a lot of cheaper alternatives which look almost as good and can be installed by you – saving you more money – plus you’re not cutting down any more forests for your floors.