This is how I run my house

[Bagpuss]

For the last few years M4 has been increasing rapidly. If it had been targeted a few years earlier then the debt bubble would not have ballooned as much.

Though I do accept that any inflation measure targeted starts to misbehave. A bit like quantum mechanics really.

When you start following one mantra like some kind of social experiment it only ever seems to end in failure IMHO. Monetarism couldn't save the banks in the end. But then it could be argued interest rates weren't properly used, soon enough (too low for too long).

Because we have a government in power which doesn't understand economics (Gordon Brown's degree is in history, his doctorate is in "the labour party and politics in Scotland". His economic and financial qualifications are...um....)

You don't really think that Gordon makes decisions off his own back? The country is run by senior civil servants, some remain despite changes in Government.

[Scotchpie]

This is how I run my house:

I give it all to my wife and she gives me a little to live off (and not a penny more).

Result: Always in the black.

[Mich the Tester]

This is how I run my house:

I give it all my wife and she gives me a little to live off.

Always in the black.

Yes, as long as she doesn't go around securing loans against your house and your income. I'm not suggesting your wife does, but this kind of thing happens.

[lilelvis2000]

It was run fine by Maggie. Its just that those following her were/are numpties.

I disagree. Those following her were so enthralled by the amount of cash flowing around the City that they forgot anything else existed.

[lilelvis2000]

This is how I run my house:

I give it all to my wife and she gives me a little to live off (and not a penny more).

Result: Always in the black.

WHS: except we're always in the red.

[d000hg]

I watched a program recently which talked about the UK being the first country to adopt the concept of national debt, and that this was how we were able to afford a massive navy hundreds of years ago, possibly related to Napolean but I wasn't listening closely. Apparently the Dutch were leading the world in banking prior t us stealing their ideas and improving them, or something.

I think it's pretty naive to think we should live in a world without debt.

[Cyberman]

Basically, Labour have not got a clue how to do good housekeeping or to keep taxes down, but we have to keep relearning that every 20 years or so. It's called democracy.

[BrilloPad]

I watched a program recently which talked about the UK being the first country to adopt the concept of national debt, and that this was how we were able to afford a massive navy hundreds of years ago, possibly related to Napolean but I wasn't listening closely. Apparently the Dutch were leading the world in banking prior t us stealing their ideas and improving them, or something.

I think it's pretty naive to think we should live in a world without debt.

Secured debt (such as mortgage) is not too bad (unless you buy at a really stupid time like now).

Anyone who borrows at usurpury interest rates (store cards, loan sharks) wants their head examined.

[BrilloPad]

I disagree. Those following her were so enthralled by the amount of cash flowing around the City that they forgot anything else existed.

She made sure we only spent what we earned. And gave the service sector a good leg up.

[Doggy Styles]

If you're in debt but paying it back, you're temporarily poor.

If you're in debt and not paying it back, you're permanently poor.

If you're in debt and continually increasing it, hand the purse strings to someone else.