Because
A lot of us have either been made redundant, or have our previously secure jobs under threat; making the debts (ie mortgages) which were previously well withing our range now entirely unaffordable. At the same time, the said debts have risen, due to increasing interest rates (despite the base rate falling - this has only had a positive effect for those on variable/tracker mortgages, not for most other types of debts, it is certainly harder to remortgage now - a big factor for anyone who was with Northern Rock); whilst interest rates on our savings have plummeted. Simultaneously, the basic cost of living (especially home fuel and food prices) has risen - neither the current sales nor the VAT decrease have much impact on those of us who previously lived relatively frugaly.

Whilst the recession (or whatever you want to call it) has had a positive impact for some, it certainly hasn't for me, my family and friends, many of whom are out of work for the first time in their lives.

Not meaning to put a dampner on all the hummus, but its a bit disheartning to read all the disparaging comments from people who are presumably in industries untouched by these issues. Its not just the stupid and the greedy who are affected.
(cherrynicola, Thu 22 Jan 2009, 20:01, Reply)