With words like 'Credit Crunch' and 'Recession' being talked about in homes across the UK it's hard to forget that the offshoot of a global recession has implications for individual households. Interest rates are down, salaries are capped and in general there's a need to budget about what we can spend our available money on. It's all about saving, value and getting by on your money as best you can.
First to go are the luxuries - holidays, new cars, beauty treatments - even meals out. These once regular treats are being replaced with cost savings and 'make do at home' budgets instead.
But whilst you can understand these things being seen as non essential household purchases, let's face it - we all deserve to pamper ourselves a little at home after a tough week. I mean, what's the point if we can't? We may as well fast track to powdered egg, shared baths and no flushing - which takes the fun out of household life entirely.
There may however be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. A prepaid debit card provider has introduced a new campaign to help mums across Britain when they're saving for life's little luxuries whilst also using their monthly budget more frugally. 'The Eclipse Challenge', so named because it was launched this month by Eclipse Card, asks mums to look at how much they spend on home essentials in any given month. These include household utilities like water and electricity, food, clothes, healthcare and bills (including phone and television - we aren't in the dark ages just yet!).
Once these are added, the challenge is to research each bill, budget or tariff online until you can save a total of 25%. Trust us - it is do-able with a few hours spent making calls or going online. It's amazing some of the deals available now retailers and suppliers are more desperate for your consumer pound.
Now for the fun bit - mums then put 10% into household savings or bonds - so ensuring there's an ever increasing pot should your personal circumstances change or your husband - heaven forbid - lose his job. And after that, you have 15% remaining - which you put on your Eclipse Prepaid MasterCard. This is then your 'fun & frolics' account - you can take the kids for a day out, have a romantic dinner with the hubby or save up for your summer holiday. The Eclipse Card is a prepaid MasterCard so can be used at over 26 million locations nationwide and because it's prepaid, you can't go overdrawn. You save the money through clever budgeting then spend it to add a bit of sun to an otherwise bleak financial climate. http://www.eclipsecard.co.uk/eclipse_card/Responsible_budgeting
Eclipse Card are even launching The Eclipse Lounge whereby canny mums can look for deals through approved third parties, making it easier to budget and reach the goal of 25% savings within the

target 3 months. Who says it has to be all doom and gloom - for mums and households around the UK they just have to step up to the savings challenge to prove that's not the case. For more information visit http://www.eclipsecard.co.uk/eclipse_card/general_benefits