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The Frugal Household

In the current economic climate, families and individuals are looking for ways to tighten the purse-strings and make ends meet.

Over the course of the next 12 weeks, Jacqui Corcoran will be talking to various people about how they are coping with the recession.

The series will be featuring tips from ordinary people and experts alike, with regular advice slots on areas such as travel, growing your own food, shopping, cooking budget meals, DIY and entertainment.

For more details, recommendations and links, click on the programmes below.

Podcast

Click here to download or subscribe to The Frugal Household Podcast.

Programme 1

Friday 22nd May

In the first programme we hear the story of Hilary and Tim Harvey, who talk about the trauma of losing their home in the UK in the 80s. We join Justine Dwyer, a self-confessed shopaholic who lost her job six months ago, as she struggles to live frugally. Michael Culloty from money advice and budgeting service MABS will be giving advice. Former city slicker turned back garden farmer Michael Kelly will be telling us how prepare a bed for growing veg, we'll have a budget family recipe and Noeleen Dooley will talk about the many uses of vinegar.

Programme 2

Friday 29th May

In programme 2 Michael Kelly has tips on planting seeds; Justine Dwyer is telling us how to hold a kids party on a budget; Michael Culloty of Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) has advice on dealing with debt and Noeleen Dooley gives us some budget skincare advice. Click on the programme heading for more details and links.

Programme 3

Friday 5th June

On this weeks programme we look at budget tips for shiny healthy hair, we look at ways to save on your electricity bill, we have our regular veg growing and budget recipe slots. We hear the story of one woman's struggle to make ends meet on social welfare and we hear of ways to recession proof your business.

Programme 4

Friday 12th June

On this week's programme we visit the Hennessy family, who are getting back to basics by learning to use an old sewing machine to make curtains for their home. We have a recipe for a budget home-made birthday cake. Justine Dwyer looks at her weak point - fashion; Michael Kelly continues his veg growing series with a look at crop rotation (easier than it sounds!); Michael Culloty of Money Advice and Budgeting Service MABS looks at the importance of savings; and Noeleen Dooley looks at clothes dying and unusual uses for vegetables.

Programme 5

Friday 19th June

On this week's programme we have a recipe for elderflower cordial; we hear about a guide to free events in the Dublin area; Michael Kelly tells us about his book which tells the story of his move to the country and where his interest in growing vegetables started; Michael Culloty of the Money Advice and Budgetting Service talks about the pitfalls of moneylenders; Noeleen Dooley looks at natural remedies for sunburn and Justine Dwyer shows off her purchases from her second hand clothes shopping trip.

Programme 6

Friday 26th June

On this Week's programme our resident home-farmer Michael Kelly introduces us to "The Remarkable Oisin O Neill" a 12-year-old with a passion for hens. Justine Dwyer has been looking at cheap holidays. Michael Culloty of the Money advice and budgeting service speaks about children and money. The budget recipe is perfect for these warm summers days - it's for home-made ice cream! And Noeleen Dooley is in to share her domestic tips and remedies. This week she looks at stain removal.

Programme 7

Friday 3rd July

On tonight's Frugal Household we hear from holistic therapist and author Karen Ward who speaks about her new book "Change a Little to Change a Lot". The budget family recipe is for tomato and lentil soup. Noeleen Dooley shares some useful home-remedies for hayfever. Home-farmer Michael Kelly talks about compost. Michael Culloty of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service MABS talks about credit cards and Justine Dwyer goes on the hunt for nationwide deals on eating out.

Programme 8

Friday 10th July

Michael Kelly talks about growing veg in a polytunnel. Justine Dwyer talks about entertaining kids on a budget. Michael Culloty of money advice and budgeting service mabs talks about dealing with mortgage arrears. And Noeleen Dooley talks about a very useful product - baking soda!

Programme 9

Friday 17th July

On this week's programme Noeleen Dooley looks at the many uses of nettles, we go nordic walking in the sunny south east, We look at the subject of borrowing; Justine Dwyer advises on ways of giving your home a cut-price makeover; the budget family recipe is for home-made pizza and home-farmer Michael Kelly introduces us to some of his fellow veg-growing enthusiasts.

Programme 10

Friday 24th July

Research released in the last few weeks has estimated that parents spent €60,000 on education for each of their children. That's a massive investment when you think about it. The message is, as it has been in relation to everything so far on the programme - is shop cleverly.

Programme 11

Friday 31st July

On this week's programme we look at growing herbs, bill management, weddings on a budget, taking care of your shoes, we have a budget family recipe for seafood chowder and Spraoi festival director TV Honan talks about the Arts in recession times and the Spraoi festival which takes place in Waterford this weekend.

Programme 12

Friday 7th August

On this week's programme Noeleen Dooley suggests some drinks and remedies in preparation for harvest and the onset of cold weather, the budget family recipe is for lasagne, Michael Culloty of MABS talks about credit rating and Justine Dwyer (who has never owned a pair of wellies) joins Michael Kelly for a crash course in home-farming (with hilarious results!)