A new 'tougher' thread... and so it continues

fuddle

I've been sat quiet reading your words bupster and for once I am clear about what is happening, why and what could happen. Thank you so much for taking the time today. It really has helped me.

One thing about Tony Blair was he lived in a working class village in Co, Durham. Couldn't accuse him of being out of touch with the people as his neighbours were those very people. Until the town house beckoned I guess. Still, roots mean everything.

bupster

Mardatha - that would be the joys of democracy

I have friends who are Tory activists and they genuinely believe that everything that is public sector, including council housing and state education, is a leftist plot to build a client state of natural Labour voters - and that all those things crowd out the natural flourishing of the private sector. So if you cut the public sector, then not only will all those people who depend on it suddenly turn into entrepreneurs (or what's known as a 'flexible' labour force) but you'll also get lots of lovely new Tory voters. No room for anyone unable to adapt, though.

Byatt

slowlyfading wrote: »

I know I'm new to the thread, but I just have to share this with someone; I got the job I went for today! :j :j :j :j Finally, after a year of searching! :j :j

Well done! :T:T You must be so relieved and happy, definitely have a celebration and a dance around the house...:j

Bupster, thanks for your wonderful explanations; you've started something though, as well will all be saying, where's Bupster we need help!

Fuddle, I don't know where you asked about pre-payment, but I have prepayment electric (have to as private LL), and the biggest problem is you can't budget over a year. Plus nothing worse than sitting there and the electric goes off because you've lost track of the meter.

jackel

Hi all, I don't post oftain because I'm still computer ignorant but I want to thank you all once again for your friendship. Well done Slowly Fading always good to hear cheering news from one of the gang. Fuddle - don't think anyone replied to your knitting problem. I personally would't start with socks as I find them a bit of a fiddle. Personally, I'd try a scarf(long thin type) for yourself or one of the girls to get into the 'swing' It's a case of it's not difficult when you know how and you seem to be getting on well with crochet so you'll soon learn. Bumpster THANKYOU keep it coming PLEASE. My question ! What is the best thing for ordinary people to do ? Carry on as usual ? Food Store ? Draw our savings out of the bank and put it under the matress? Any ideas ? or none? Thankyou again anyway. Best wishes to you all - jac xxx

Evie74_2

Thank you Bupster, you really have made it so clear. I don't know what you do for a living but have you considered being Chancellor of the Exchequer? I'm not sure the current one has such a clear understanding of how it all works...!!

Evie xx

bupster

Hey jac - your savings are safe, unless you've got over fifty grand stashed in a single bank, in which case if you're still on the OS boards you probably know what you're doing and by the way, can I borrow a tenner? :rotfl: Don't stash money under the mattress. Returns on savings are low at the moment so use them to pay any debt you have, but if you've got no debt, stick them in the bank

Global food and oil prices have actually dropped recently, so don't panic about them too much - but I would personally stash away expensive stuff if you see them on offer. It means you're a bit safer if you have a big drop in income.

And things are going to get harder here before they get better. A lot of the public sector and benefit cuts have yet to filter through. So batten down if you can, there could be another year or two of rough times to come.

Mrs_Chip

Thanks Bupster, very clear. I wonder how long it will take this lot to realise that austerity measures are not the way to go, and that we need an injection of confidence that affects real people too - perhaps a vat decrease and drop in fuel duty? Very parochial, but something needs to be done to build confidence from the ground up. The banks are secured at 85k per person I think though (although some banks and institutions share that amount so worth checking your bank's status).

Well done SF!

mama67

slowlyfading wrote: »

I know I'm new to the thread, but I just have to share this with someone; I got the job I went for today! :j :j :j :j Finally, after a year of searching! :j :j

lovely news SF xx

fuddle

mince and dumplings. All four plates cleared kids wanted more:j and DH didn't have a clue about the lentils just "nice thick gravy tonight" :rotfl:

Found an elderflower on my doggy walk. I was naughty a pulled a bit off. I've stuck it in my garden, if it works it works.

bupster

I keep wanting to make elderflower champagne. My friend made it once, it was wonderful, tasted like fizzy flowers and got us very drunk without noticing :rotfl:

One day I'll have the time to do the things I love and want to do...