Some people are naturally thrifty. They avoid wasting food, buying things they do not really need and they know how to sew on buttons and mend rips.
The rest of us, fearing for our jobs in an uncertain financial future, are starting to learn the secrets of spending less on everyday things.
We know we need to live in a more sustainable way, not just tossing things out and buying new, but repairing and refurbishing the things we already have.
No, it does not always make financial sense to get something repaired, but there are some things whose life could be extended - some are obvious and some you might not have thought of.
With that in mind, here is a list of seven things you should think about getting fixed before replacing them with something new.
1. Shoes
Shoes might be obvious, as you probably pass a local shoe repair shop every day on your way to work or as you run errands. It only makes sense to get a flapping sole fixed, or a heel replaced, instead of buying a whole new pair of shoes. Shoe repair shops are saying that business is better than ever, as people bring in the whole range of shoes to be fixed - from Clarks to Guccis and Manolo Blahniks. And even if you do want to treat yourself to a new pair of shoes, there is no reason not to extend the life of your old pair.
Then there are things you can do yourself: the occasional polish will keep your shoes looking good for longer, and waterproofing will protect them from the worst of the weather.
2. Handbags and luggage
Shoe repair shops - with their equipment and skills for sewing leather and thick fabrics - can often fix a ripped handbag or a broken zipper on a suitcase. (Of course, if you are curtailing your weekend trips in deference to the recession, you may not need a working suitcase, but it is always good to be prepared in case you win a prize or something.)
3. Clothing
Get your jeans patched, get a torn dress sewn and get those trousers you have been tripping over for months hemmed up.
But it is not just repairs that a good tailor or clothing alteration shop can do. Last year's dress or coat might not be the latest style anymore, but with some alteration and reshaping, you can step out on the cutting edge of fashion again.
More people are buying clothes in the sales that do not fit, and then getting them altered. Even though you will pay for the alteration, the final bill should come out less than buying the item full-price new.
Others buy items at Penneys or cheaper clothing stores, then take them to be altered or jazzed up - again, you get a unique item for less.
4. Furniture
Your dining room chairs may be looking less-than-their-best, and your couch stained and worn. New furniture is pricey, so before going shopping, do some research on injecting new life into what you have got.
If you have the time and inclination, you can sand and stain and paint yourself. There is a plethora of DIY tips online for refurbishing furniture. Just search for the specific job you are trying to do.
Or you can hire a local carpenter or specialist shop to restore wood furniture for you.
Also check out getting your couch recovered, or a unique cover made for it.
5. Watches and jewellery
Old-style watch repair shops have all kinds of tricks for making your old watch or jewellery work and look like new. But do not bother taking in very cheap watches or jewellery for repair - unless you just want a battery replaced. If the item is made of cheap metal or plastic, it is unlikely it can be fixed, and not worth paying for even if it can.
6. Household appliances
As the recession kicks in, more people are bringing household appliances to be fixed instead of just tossing them. Kettles, hoovers, microwaves, cookers, irons, toaster ovens and lamps can often be fixed. The problem could be a simple blown fuse, or some foreign matter caught inside the appliance that needs to be removed.
Cillian O'Brien, who repairs appliances at Gas Electric on Dublin's Camden Street, says you might pay only €15 for a simple repair.
But he does not recommend bringing in lower-end, cheaper items. For instance, if your iron cost in the €20 to €40 range, it is probably more economical to just buy a new one.
He said some items can also be very difficult to repair. For instance, many kettle manufacturers do not make parts for their kettles because it is not financially worthwhile for them. Instead, they just offer a straight two-year guarantee and will replace your kettle during that time - otherwise, you will need to purchase a new one.
7. Stereo and video equipment
Many people pay a lot of money for their televisions, stereo system and other hi-fi equipment. When something goes wrong, it makes sense to get it fixed.
First, you will want to check on what warranty or guarantee you have with the equipment. You can check your paperwork, the manufacturer or the retailer where you bought it.
If you cannot get a repair for free, explore your other options.
Darren Gallagher, of Gallagher TV in Rathmines, Dublin, said about 85% of items can generally be fixed. His shop, an authorised agent for Philips and Sony, charges a minimum repair fee.
DVD players and cameras often have problems, but the fix can be simple and inexpensive.
If you have an expensive piece of equipment to be fixed, you will want to take it somewhere you trust to do the job right. If you have a less expensive item, you could take it to a local hole-in-the-wall shop that might charge you less. And for very low-end equipment, you are probably better off just replacing it.
A general rule to follow for all repairs: If the repair costs any more than 50% of the original cost of the item, replace it instead.
Remember that if you are replacing an electrical item, EU legislation requires the retailer to take back the old item. So if you are buying a new toaster, the retailer who sells it to you has to take back your old toaster. This is to ensure that old electrical equipment is recycled.
