Pound sign A survey asked Brits to reveal the lengths they were going to in order to boost their finances in the economic downturn.
Some 82% are saving money by cooking meals from scratch rather than buying pre-packed food, and 72% believe in growing their own produce.
An enterprising 70% are considering turning their own skills into money by offering services to friends and neighbours. Gardening, child minding, cooking and cleaning were the top services that people thought they could sell to help make ends meet – or simply add to the holiday fund.
More than half of those questioned are saving money by mending their own clothes and 38% are opting to wear second hand clothes. One lady said she had been cutting costs by making all her husband’s shirts and ties.
A savvy mother-to-be said: "I wore my husband's clothes when I was pregnant, rather than spending money on maternity ones."
Another person admitted to selling neighbours' unwanted belongings on eBay and someone said that they had recorded every purchase they had made for 12 months, no matter how small, to help them with their finances.
Bruce Fair, managing director of Kelkoo UK said, "The fact that Brits are using their own skills to help their finances just shows real resilience and great enterprise. We've seen an increase in people who are taking more time to compare prices but it’s incredible to see the more extreme lengths people are willing to go to.
"Consumers might be cash-strapped at the moment, but there are always ways we can boost our finances, especially by doing more jobs that we would otherwise pay someone else to do for us or by thinking how we could do jobs for others."
Fair said that research from earlier this year revealed that people still want to treat themselves to between one and three luxury items each month.
"They are clearly making this possible through saving or earning money elsewhere," he said.
Budgeting helps no matter what the level of income. By writing down what you spend every month and knowing what you have leftover after bills are met, can really help make the most of your income.
Making small sacrifices on everyday treats, or simply hunting down cheaper supermarket bargains, can make huge difference.
Written by Holly Thomas, this article was published on July 22, 2009. Holly's opinions are her own and for general information only. Always seek independent financial advice.