Free and low cost things to do in Europe

Don't assume you can't afford to go on holiday before you look at our feature on budget breaks.

With America now more expensive thanks to (at the time of writing) a strengthening dollar. European countries are becoming more appealing as holiday or short break destinations. With the recession still in full swing and looking like it will continue for at least another two year.read more

Undercover Una investigates charity shops

Beat the Recession's ace reporter Undercover Una visited four charity shops to see what she could get for €50.

None of the charity shops were forewarned in case they would put out their best stock for her visit. The shops were all in Phibsboro on Dublin 's northside, Enable Ireland, Oxfam, Irish Cancer Society and Vincent's. So who fared best? what were the best finds? And which shop scored the highest...Read more

Ways to make money during a recession

From offering your skills for hire online to flogging unwanted items and promoting Me.inc. Ten ways to make money in the recession.

1. Your old tat could be someone else’s treasure. Aunt Jemima’s handknitted tea cosy might not be your bag but someone else could love it. If you don't have time to do a garage sale or a car boot, you could try to sell your unwanted items online. ... Read more

Is your money safe in Irish banks or abroad?

Financial reporter Dan Morgan asks why Ireland's credit rating has fallen so spectacularly

Back in the bad old times which apparently now have become the good old times, people who didn’t realise they were living in the good old times and had a fear that the Irish economy, or the British economy or whatever wonderful economy they lived in might collapse started to buy sovereigns and kruggerands and any other gold they thought might give them security. . Read More