Financial revelations

It would seem that the way to save money during the credit crumble is to take the following steps:

stop using taxis unless essential
stop using your car where possible
stop buying overpriced coffees
drink tap water instead of bottled water
colour your hair at home
buy ingredients and cook from scratch
use leftovers to make another meal
invite friends round instead of going out
have a cheaper holiday, or stay at home
take a packed lunch to work...

Wait.
Stop!
That's the way to save money? Stopping spending money where it's not necessary? My goodness! If only people knew this! All this time they thought they didn't have to bother because most of that was simply good for the environment, and it transpires it could save them money too?

>insert pious and smug observations<

Then you get the financial tips, full of unbelievable clever ideas about understanding your finances and paying off debts. Because people don't do that anyway? Oh, right. I see. Affordability? Anything there?

Top tip: start saving!

Erm. Put your money in a savings account? What money? Where?

>insert angry and embittered comments about the government, the previous government and Very Greedy People<