Once they were all about bags of designer gear from Cricket and lavish nights out, but now the Wags have apparently reined in their spending. Earlier this week it emerged that – in common with half the rest of the country – Coleen and Wayne Rooney have been using half-price vouchers at a local Italian restaurant, and today Stephen Gerrard's other half, Alex Curran, reveals she has been watching her outgoings. She told Closer magazine she now does her nails herself – sometimes using £2 nail varnish – and only visits a hairdresser twice a week. "I think people – especially Wags – are becoming more conscious of spending money now," she added.
Of course, being conscious of spending money isn't the same as not spending it, and Curran is fairly sketchy on the details of her money-saving efforts. But it wouldn't be surprising if footballers and their wives were thinking twice before embarking on lavish shopping sprees. When Coleen was spotted on a yacht recently she was criticised by some for showing off her wealth, and according to "a source" quoted in the News of the World, Wayne's boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, has told his players not to splash their cash during the credit crunch.
Kevin Pietersen made similar comments before the England cricket team's brush with millionnaire-dom late last year, and even some non-celebrities are apparently hiding their more extravagant purchases, with online designer store NET-A-PORTER offering its customers a "discreet packaging" option. The national mood seems to be against conspicuous spending, but is it really more tasteless to see rich people spending money now than it was when times are good? Are you more offended by seeing them laden with shopping bags, or by the suggestion that, despite a weekly household income that exceeds most people's annual salaries, they might have money worries?
