大象传媒

This week our new business discussion programme - In the Balance - reveals the secrets of successful budgeting from getting the cheapest clothes to the cheapest meals.

But if balancing the household budget is so simple, why doesn't it work for whole economies?

We discuss the paradox of austerity - is it strangling economies or rescuing them?

And in these hard times, when should you retire?

Our resident management consultant turned stand up comedian, Colm O'Regan, kicks off the series.

Join Justin Rowlatt and his guests: former Trade Union leader John Monks, Economist Paola Subacchi and Irish opposition politician Dara Calleary.