Credit Crunch Ideas

At home - Days out - Projects

Projects

1. Learn some DIY

Set yourself some DIY tasks and start to learn the basics of Do-It-Yourself. And save a fortune in the long run, because you'll be able to tackle minor repairs and alterations without having to get a tradesman 'in'.

Start by wandering around your house with a piece of paper, noting every little thing that needs doing or changing. Then stick the list up on a prominent wall and start working your way through the items. Don't worry too much if you have to pay a little for tools you don't own yet, in the long run you'll use them over and over again and, most of all, will build up skills and confidence that you can handle any domestic disaster yourself.

2. Join a 'Green Gym'

As featured in the national press, these are schemes where you get fit by helping out in practical improvement projects. Digging, raking, clearing, and so on.

This has the side benefits of knowing you're helping others and of making new friends with similar interests. And, of course, all for free, apart from any travelling needed.

3. Start an allotment or garden vegetable patch

Don't you just love it when many aims come together? By 'growing your own', you save money on groceries, you achieve the objective of eating more healthily (no preservatives or other chemicals) and you stay fit from all the digging. You may even meet others (if you use an allotment) and make new friends (ref the film!) - who knows?