Question Author
Hi DT, fortunately we are not struggling (anymore, but have done) and it has instilled a sense of frugality with me. Even if we become minted I am never going to be so thoughtless about money ever again. I hardly throw anything away, the kids eat loads of fruit and veg, drink fruit juice like it is going out of fashion and have desert. You can, with a bit of thought, eat a good meal without spending a fortune and it also gives you a sort of sen of pride (although the chicken factory shop does help a lot - you can sometimes get a large, free range chicken for £1.50).