Persimmon's tips for a frugal 2009

Now that the Christmas party season has passed and the festivities of New Year are over people from across Yorkshire will be kick-starting resolutions to stay in and save money in 2009.

With most people feeling the pinch of the credit-crunch, leading local housebuilder Persimmon Homes has issued some top tips to make staying in the new going out in 2009.

Karen Harrowell, sales director for Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, explains: "Saving money is often at the top of the priority list for lots of people in January and the current economic climate makes it more important this year than in any other.

"Our tips are easy to follow and will help people make the most of staying at home."

Persimmon's Staying-in Tips

1. Host a film night. Invite a group of friends over and ask everyone to bring a film of their choice and a bag of popcorn.

2. Start up a book-sharing club. It's a cheaper alternative to buying new copies and gives you the chance to catch-up with friends without the cost of a night out.

3. Begin your very own ‘come-dine with me' competition. Invite a group of friends/family to join in and start planning your meals.

4. For birthday's/special events try one of the at home parties such as The Body Shop or Wine Tasting parties.

5. Create your own cocktail bar. Dig out a selection of different drinks recipes and choose an evening to invite people round to sample them.

6. Arrange a games night. The old favourites like scrabble and monopoly are still a fun way to pass the time. In fact recent statistics have shown that in the past 12 months sales of Trivial Pursuit have tripled, Monopoly sales are up 13 per cent and Scrabble is 23 times more popular now than it was in 2007.

7. Buy an at home exercise DVD and start keeping fit without spending money every month on gym membership.

8. Try learning to bake. Not only will you be very popular at work and at home but a home-made cake can make a great Birthday present.

9. Take up a new hobby. There are hundreds of products out there to help you learn new talents from dance DVD's to CD's teaching you a new language. Or why not try your hand at knitting?

10. Beat the credit crunch and the cost of drinking at the pub and invest in a homebrew kit. Not only will it give you something to do at home you'll save pounds in the long run by brewing your own wines and ales.

Karen concludes: "The number of people choosing to stay in is on the increase at the moment so people won't be alone if they do decide to entertain at home. Hopefully our tips will spark off some good ideas to make staying in as much fun as going out."

For further information, log on to Persimmonhomes.com.