In times of uncertainty such as those of economic downturn, it is not surprising that prudence and wisdom start to rule. Good housekeeping is the name of the game and in our domestic and working lives, we have become used to saving our money, spending it wisely and generally being careful until such time as our confidence builds and we feel increasingly able once again to be freer with our hard earned cash.
Prudence is a most laudable trait and totally appropriate most of the time. After all, a small car will transport you to your destination just as well as a gas guzzling monster. There are bargains to be had in all retail areas. Thrift or charity outlets benefit from our purchases and there is no stigma attached to wearing pre-loved clothes etc. Home cooking has seen a renewal of popularity, as eating out has become a treat once again rather than the normal pastime it had become recently. Cooking for and entertaining friends is fun and needn’t be costly, especially if the friends supply one or more of the courses.
We can make savings in our working lives also. We can switch off lights which are not needed and lower the temperature a couple of degrees on the thermostat.
These small measures also go some way to helping the environment.
There are occasions when prudence may not be economically viable however. Buying cheap, office furniture may appear a good idea, but in the fullness of time it will become apparent that more money than was originally budgeted for will need to be spent to replace it. There are hardwearing, high quality office desks and chairs available that will last and not cost the earth. An attractive option if another cost saving method is to eat a packed lunch at your office desk.
