The only real way to make your money work in the current climate is to invest it in things that will appreciate in value, such as a house extension etc, or invest it into businesses (shares, etc). Though that latter can be a bit hit and miss (more 'miss' these days, so not really recomended unless you know what our doing).
As over the coming year(s) things will probably near the cheapest they will ever be, now is the time to spend (wisely).
Go back to school. Well not quite, but taking up evening and/or weekend classes is not only a sociable hobbie that wont cost much, but with increasing unemployment, picking the right course makes it even more worth while. You may even qualify for government funding.
More importantly, consider your outgoings. I.e. dont spend on things you dont
need. It sounds straight forward, but I bet most people reading this will have bought something they don't
need in the last week.
Most people want to see the end of this 'recession'. So now is the time to "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" (I think we all know who I've quoted):
Buy british!! I found myself buying more expensive fresh chicken breasts in tesco the other day, as the cheapest were from germany. Its only a few pence, but if everyone bought only british, we'd recover from this 'recession' a heck of a lot quicker.
Have holidays in the UK instead of abroad. There are a lot of places in britain that are decent holiday destinations. This might also save you money and you can probably drive your Coupe to and from your destination
