It has been a busy time in the news recently with the earthquake that hit Haiti, and also new security issues at airports since someone tried to set off a bomb on a flight to Detroit in America.
From a financial standpoint both of these incidents has huge implications.

Source: Busy Times

I have written about warning signs people experience that may show they are headed for a financial fall, but what I read recently is a huge sign: using

As I write this today I am at home, working, watching the snow and avoiding the roadways.
Why you may ask, but as many of you already know, it is a bit treacherous out there driving as we have had freezing temperatures, ice and now snow and I can see from mine the queues on the [...]

We all are a bit materialistic to some extent and like to surround ourselves with the trappings that we are told we all need and want.
Told by the shops, adverts, etc, that we need such and such item or we see everyone else has this and we want it as well.

Source: The Real Cost

Happy New Year!
So now 2010 is officially here, our heads and stomachs have settled and it is time to get back to the reality of the world, and the reality of our personal finances.

Source: A New Year

Last year the Government reduced the VAT from 17.5% to 15% to induce shoppers to buy and spend more.
Source: VAT

To all of those that may regularly read the comments, articles, blogs and nonsense that gets posted here over the year(s):
Have a very happy, festive, holiday time of year.
Best wishes to all, good health and great happiness.
Cheers!

Source: Holiday Wishes

Maybe it is the time of the year, or the time of life, but I have had a large number of queries from people with UK