We just replaced a couple of free-standing heaters with a wall panel, hooked up to our hot water meter (hydro heat in Tassie) a bit over 3 months ago.
The change in our bill was dramatic.
Also, even though my wife's blood seems to run a little cooler than mine, I try to knock a few degrees off the heating and put on jumpers.
Now, if only I knew how to turn off my computer...

I think, at least in Australia, the problem is the high, average personal debt.
Many people have bitten off more than they can chew (borrow/afford). It never used to be this way, and I think the banks had a lot to do with it.
I have a fairly meagre wage, supporting a family of 4, but we manage because we budget realistically and analyse our financial position regularly, making adjustments when necessary.
I see a lot of people (working in hospitality) who spend without thought of what's coming, then sacrifice everything just to pay a bill that drops in their letterbox.

I'm all for spending still - we all need to live, but be sensible about it.
I'll be buying a new roadie, but not until mid-2012 after I've saved $30-$50 every week.

72% people must be happy with that.

Happy Birthday Stu! Let me guess... you received a new pair of crocs?? ;o)

Happy (belated) Birthday Stu. I went to the beach for you and had a cookie.

Ha! He'll do it wherever, as long as there's someone who will argue back.

There are three types of truth... lies, damn lies and statistics

It's not just the media! I, like many students, like to manipulate statistics to support my assignments..

"64% of the time, it works, everytime" - Some guy on Anchorman

;)

89.5623 % of all statistics are made up on the spot and have no merit whatsoever.

Careful Norm I have learnt from experience that the fence can have splinters!:)

I'm slightly left of centre right when it comes to politics.

Facilition is cheaper and easier than rehab, you can lead a horse to water but you will drown it if you hold its head under! I'm sure telling a drunk to clean up the act is a useless request, helping one to do so who is "choosing" to try him or herself is a worthy endeavor.

Thanks for sharing with the group Patrick. I'm a strong believer in income management for everyone on benefits, regardless of colour or creed. We need to move away from the idea that welfare payments are a basic right. Welfare payments are a privilege, which many people around the world are denied.

We are extremely lucky to have welfare in this country, and very lucky to have health systems too. There are other countries who do it better and we should learn from them, but there's a lot of places a lot worse off.

You step into tricky territory when you start to take too much control though. It is very subjective as to what 'luxury' is...just look at the GST. Everyone should have a basic wage and be doing work they are good at. There are so many jobs to be done and an awful lot of volunteer workers and a huge disparity in wages between the workers and the executive.

As for drugs and alcohol...I agree the community should not have to pay for someone's addiction. But should be addressing the causes of addiction: hoplessness, education, abuse etc and be directing funds there. I'm not against work for the dole, but the welfare should then be commensurate with a wage, not scraping through at the poverty line and should be available to those who are homeless not just those with a fixed address..

I live in a community where there are no alcohol restrictions and sadly no desire to implement alcohol restrictions or income management. About 80% of the community are welfare dependant and it's like ground hog week... get paid, get drunk, get into a fight, get arrested, get paid, get drunk etc, etc.
I'm a horrible, bitter, twisted and cynical Police man, but some people are getting very rich whilst this situation remains unchanged

And the kids are the ones that suffer most.

thats alright