Hey, we're not the only market that's currently on a downward spiral. Sure, we may have caused a world-wide economic crisis, but at least America is now in good company (we wouldn't want to be the only country living in Shantytowns, now would we?)

The problem? Unlike America, what with our McDonalds and Salvation Armys and two-for-one PBR nights, people across the pond are still mere neophytes when it comes to trying to pinch pennies. Especially if they happen to be Queen Elizabeth, who finally got the carrier pigeon memo that said she might have to reduce spending.

According to British news outlets, she told staffers to turn off the lights in vacant rooms of Buckingham Palace and reuse leftovers from banquets. During October's state visit to Slovakia and Slovenia, the queen had dressmakers use fabric she received 20 years ago. Even more dire, she's asked family members, including spendthrift Princes Harry and William, to follow suit.

Sorry, Queeny. Turning off a couple lights in the palace isn't going to stop your country from going broke. Getting rid of some of those staffers whose job it is to turn of the lights might help though. Though please don't ask William and Harry to stop throwing money around at posh clubs…the penniless prince routine is so Russia, circa 1860.