Le crunch

You have to feel sorry for the generation who have grown up knowing nothing but the good times - low prices, easy credit - and who are now feeling the pinch. Those of us a little longer in the tooth have seen this sort of thing - and worse - before, and have the strategies to help deal with it. Cut your coat to suit your cloth - decide what your priorities are, and how you can meet them for minimum cost. Look for alternatives to branded goods - supermarkets' own stuff is often just as good for a fraction of the cost. Learn to cook - can result in significant savings. Consider brewing your own beer or wine - ditto. Go to jumble sales, car boots and charity shops - you'd be surprised what you can pick up. Turn off lights when you leave a room. Heat one room rather than the whole house, and so on. Just common sense really, but if you've never had to think that way...