Recession-hit Brits 'return to Make Do and Mend'

01/09/2009

Some 70 years after the start of the Second World War, many British households are returning to the "Make Do and Mend" spirit of the time to see them through the recession, it has been claimed.

Clare O'Brien, co-founder of the website Makeitandmendit.com, said the economic downturn has fuelled a major drive towards "doing things more thriftily".

Her comments come after department store John Lewis announced it would publish an updated version of the wartime Make Do and Mend pamphlet.

The booklet includes advice on maintaining modern gadgets and appliances, as well as more traditional tips for making the household budget stretch as far as possible.

According to a poll by Abbey, some 69 per cent of Brits already claim to be spending less on food because of the recession, for example by switching to cheaper brands, while 46 per cent have cut their travel costs and 61 per cent are spending less on entertainment.

Ms O'Brien said adopting a Make Do and Mend approach can bring more than financial benefits, as learning how to fix or make something instead of buying it, using it and throwing it away produces a "massive sense of satisfaction and self-sufficiency".

EuroDebt director Kevin Still said: "The Dunkirk spirit can be beneficial to a point, where thriftiness as a virtue is once again applauded, but this can only go so far.

"For people in financial difficulty there is a point where tightening the belt further is not feasible and professional advice is required.

"EuroDebt would recommend establishing a sensible monthly budget that isn't too thrifty, as this becomes unsustainable.

"If you have made payment arrangements yourself or through a debt management company like EuroDebt, then your creditors are looking for regular payments based upon what you can reasonably afford.

"They prefer continuity of payments rather than a hit and miss pattern of payments - which can be the case if household budgets are based upon unrealistic figures. Vehicles and household appliances do need professional maintenance and replacement from time to time."

Tags; Budgeting Advice, Young Family Finances, Retirement Money Problems,

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