Retailer John Lewis is apparently trying to prevent people from developing debt problems by reprinting a thrift and debt help guide from yesteryear.

Dozens of useful tips and debt advice have been compiled by staff at department store John Lewis into a booklet called “Make Do And Mend”. This was the title used by the wartime government nearly 70 years ago with its own money-saving advice pamphlet, and is intended to help people budget better and avoid debt problems.

The booklet from wartime Britain containing tips and ways for better debt management includes information such as how to prolong the life of items around the house, and ways to save money and beat the recession.

A spokesperson for the John Lewis group said the booklet, taps into a desire by British families to return to a more sustainable way of life, by getting the full use out of products and gadgets rather than dumping them in the bin and buying new.

They said: “The British have always been famous for having a spirit of ‘make do and mend’.
‘Wartime housewives became experts at stretching their scarce resources.

“Fast-forward 65 years, and we now understand that resources aren’t infinite, and it is once more a matter of pride to be economical and practical.”

Ivan Cooper, Chairman at leading debt management firm Chiltern said: “If this booklet helps those suffering with their debts to avoid building up debt problems, then it must be a good thing.

“In the times around the great wars, people had more of a save to spend attitude, which if more followed that principle these days there would be fewer in need of debt help.”

For people who are struggling with their unsecured balances – overdrafts, store cards, personal loans and credit card debts for example – they could benefit from seeking some impartial debt advice.

Often debt problems can be avoided by speaking to a professional for debt help, and a solution can be recommended that could help you to get out of debt quicker.

For immediate debt advice, or for more information on a range of debt help solutions (such as Debt Management Plans, IVAs and Trust Deeds), please call the number at the top of this page.