Employers are required by law to provide you with PPE if you work in an area with prolonged noise. If you’re concerned, you can request that the decibel levels be tested, as over a certain amount will make you eligible for ear plugs or even ear mufflers.

Gig venues and nightclubs are also legally bound to provide protection, and most bar staff and security guards will have free ear plugs. Make sure you squeeze these before putting them in your ear, so that they expand to the shape of your ear.

Hearing specialists Amplifon offer free hearing tests across the UK. If you’re concerned about your hearing, drop in and have a chat with an expert, to ensure you’re doing everything you can to protect your ears.

If you enjoy dining out often, but find it can put a dent in your budget, it might be worth joining a diners’ club. These clubs give you access to a huge number of discounts, special offers and last-minute bookings, and are ideal for those living in the city. Sydney-based diners’ club Lunchalot provides just such a service, offering Australian city-dwellers the opportunity to try the vast range of top quality food available in the region.

There are also other ways to cut down your spending while you’re out. Consider sharing a starter and your sides to instantly cut your course prices in half, and look out for restaurants that allow you to bring you own wine – even with a corkage fee this can work out much cheaper than buying by the glass.

Knitwear

Knitted pieces will last out the winter and enjoy a spring outing too this year, with key pieces in grey wools becoming a popular way to inject a subtle texture to your outfit. Alternatively, aim for chunky-knit accessories for a statement piece, and skip the cashmere in favour of half-and-half sythentic wool with a bright print for a scarf that will add just as much to your look. The best thing about knitwear is that you can make it yourself, allowing you to stay on-trend and learn a new hobby!

Flora and fauna

Prints, prints, prints: expect to see lots of nature-themed outfits this spring, from animal print motifs to floral designs and even subversions of the classic bird print with cats and foxes. Owls are still big, and getting bigger; this bizarre trend is taking street fashion by storm, so don’t miss out! Marisota offer a range of floral tops and dresses at an amazing price, ideal for updating your wardrobe in a flash.

8-bit chic

Space invaders, neon colours and Gameboy motifs are all on-trend at the moment as retro style takes on a decidedly geeky trend. Avoid going overboard by looking through charity shops and car boots for genuine vintage accessories, rather than going overboard online.

Conversation

Your hearing may have deteriorated if you find it hard to hold a conversation in a busy place, like a restaurant, or if you tend to watch people’s lips while they speak. You might frequently need to ask people to repeat themselves, or even miss out on jokes because you didn’t catch the whole punchline. Children’s voices can be difficult to distinguish, as higher pitches are harder to hear, especially when your hearing is affected. Of particular frustration is if it is affecting your work – if you need to ask colleagues about the details of a conversation or meeting you attended, you may be straining too much to hear conversations.

Surroundings

If you have trouble working out where noises and sounds are coming from, this is usually a good indicator of some hearing problem. A good trick to try is to close your eyes, and focus on what you can hear – do you think you would be able to distinguish where you are from what you can hear around you? You might also be finding it difficult to hear the telephone or the doorbell – and family members might start turning your TV down when they enter the room!

If you are concerned about your hearing, head to your local hearing centre and have a hearing test – it’s easy, non-intrusive, and could change the way you live your everyday life!

When placing your aquarium, put it somewhere away from noise or vibration – keep it out of places like the kitchen or next to the television, and instead put it where it can be enjoyed but where the fish won’t be disturbed or distressed by lights and loud noises. You’ll also want to avoid anywhere near a radiator, as this will cause the water temperature to fluctuate too much, and keep it out of prolonged natural light, as this can affect the natural algae that contributes to the tank’s ecosystem.

To keep your tank clean, you’ll want to pick up an aquarium filter like those available from Pets at Home. Before filling the tank, wipe it with a clean cloth, and then add your sand or gravel and any decorations. It’s best to put plants in while the tank is about 50 per cent full, to keep them from being too damaged by the move. Finally, fill your tank and add some water treatment – it’s advisable to avoid adding your fish until your aquarium has had a few weeks to establish itself.

There are plenty of ways you can find cheaper ways to go to the cinema, meaning that you can still head out on a date or with family, but without breaking the bank! Orange Wednesdays are a popular option for many, offering half price tickets once a week in exchange for topping up an Orange SIM card. This doesn’t always work out as the best value, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you plan on going a lot, or if you’re thinking of changing to a new phone provider. Another option is to look into independent and local cinemas. You might find that they’re a week or so behind on showings, but there’s always a great atmosphere, and some promise comfy seats and a great screen for half the price of the larger cinema chains!

Loud noises are the number one cause of hearing loss – it’s the advent of new music technologies that are causing so many younger concert-goers to report the first symptoms of permanent hearing trouble. Always wear ear plugs at concerts and anywhere else you might expect to be exposed to prolonged loud noises. If you are regularly in high-hazard noise areas, for example on a construction site or airport, you should look into specially-designed headgear that covers your ears fully.

If you are concerned about your hearing, notice any sudden changes or pains in your ear, see a specialist as soon as you can – Amplifon offer free hearing checks, and have offices across the UK. These tests will check your ability to hear speech and background noise to see how your hearing is. It’s altogether likely that you may need a hearing aid at some point in your life, but in the meantime there are plenty of things you can do to ensure your hearing stays at peak condition for the near future.

A new infographic published on Yahoo Finance seeks to answer this and other questions about moving away once you finish working – and the results offer a promising look into the financial implications of moving abroad. The most popular destinations are all far hotter than the UK – seems that most retirees are seeking a long-overdue extended holiday in the sun! – while many are built around entirely different cultures, such as the large-scale lifestyle or America or the laid-back attitude of Jamaica. Our main interest though was the cost – here’s a breakdown of some of the main findings:

-          Low property prices in Portugal, Barbados, the USA, Thailand and Jamaica were cited as major benefits of moving, suggesting that a number of expats move to get away from higher housing costs.

-          Low-cost or free healthcare was seen as another huge advantage, as especially in later life it’s useful to have a good system in place. Top choices for healthcare were Barbados, Australia and Greece.

-          An existing ex-pat community was an essential requirement to make the shortlist, an unsurprising find considering that many of us prefer to spend our free time among friends. Spain and Portugal have some of the largest communities, while close-knit groups can also be found in Malta and Australia.

The rise of the new “Smart TV“, the home equivalent to a smartphone, means that you can have one device in your living room or bedroom that acts as television, media centre, internet browser and even games console, all in stunning high definition and without the need for boxes and wires cluttering up your living space. Smart TVs allow you to stream content over the web using apps such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer, check social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and even install your own apps and games. The high quality screens also allow you to plug existing consoles in, so if you don’t want to part with your Xbox 360 just yet, you can still enjoy it in crisp high resolution.

Our top choice for a home Smart TV is the Samsung UE46ES500, but do some research, and see how much you could save by bringing your whole media centre together in one device!

To keep the wind out without overdoing it, light windbreakers and padded jackets are the order of the day (dare you try a gilet, perhaps?). If, like many Brits you are having to reign in your spending and be more careful about how you spend your cash these days, try to think about the most versatile styles. Flashy jackets which are on-trend at the moment may not stay that way for long, but you’ll want to use a good light jacket in the spring as well, so you’ll make the most of your purchase if you stick to classic styles and neutral colours with longevity. For men with larger frames not catered for in most high street stores, sites like Jacamo have plenty of good options.

Along with a lightweight jacket there are other men’s staples that you should have available at all times; blue jeans, cotton t-shirts, black loafers – these will be the cornerstone of your wardrobe. Once you have these versatile items, you’ll be able to build lots of different looks from them.

Research from Shopsmart suggests that women spend an average of $148 (£92) on a “splurge” handbag purchase, and despite having an average of ten each, half of ladies find it difficult to shop for a bag. A separate study by Skipton Building Society highlighted how some women tend to prioritise saving for handbags.

If you want to cut back on your spending on handbags, the first step is to buy fewer of them! This means selecting bags which are as versatile as possible; size, colour, durability and finish should all be considered with respect to how many different outfits they will suit – the more different ways you can employ one handbag, the fewer alternatives you will need spare.

This may involve being careful with trends. Designers labels will always be a hit, but less expensive brands such as Paul’s Boutique may require a bit more caution. With labels such as this, try and keep the designs discrete – a showy bag will be an unpopular back if the popularity of a brand fades.

The price of eye care has dropped dramatically over the last few years, as modern manufacturing methods and the accessibility of the internet have driven down the cost of glasses, with some websites offering them for as little as £10. Contact lenses are seeing a similar decrease in prices, as their popularity makes room for deals and offers. However, there are still some who see laser eye surgery as the only wallet-friendly way to ensure lasting vision.

The most obvious benefit is the one-off payment – while laser eye surgery can incur a large initial cost, there is little to no after-care cost needed, as many companies such as Ultralase include it in the overall price. The constant need to purchase contacts or to replace glasses frames can add up to hundreds of pounds over the year, with the added inconvenience and cost of needing a change in prescription or having glasses break.

Laser eye surgery is a permanent fix, eliminating the need to worry about unexpected costs. It is for this reason that it is still one of the top surgeries carried out in the UK, providing peace of mind and perfect vision for millions each year.

Many are finding that, with non-surgical treatment such as those offered by leading UK experts MYA, the need for skin products is drastically reduced. Procedures such as skin peels and dermal fillers can leave the skin looking and feeling refreshed, avoiding the need for expensive lotions and potions, and guaranteed to last longer!

There are also a number of ways you can save money on hair care, ensuring you can still enjoy that luxury salon experience on a budget. If you have a favourite shampoo, keep buying it – but make it last longer by emulsifying a small amount. Just place a little of it in the palm of your hands, and rub together to lather up and make that shampoo stretch! Get a salon-finish by using a metal hairbrush while drying – as it heats up, the brush will give your hair a great shine, and allow you to style it more easily. Who needs a hairdresser?

Preventative measures are usually the easiest. Small pets such as chinchillas and rabbits are prone to gnawing things; ensure they are kept in a cage and not allowed to run around unsupervised. Always make sure the bottoms of cages are solid, not wire, to prevent arthritis. Dogs and cats are fairly good at keeping themselves healthy, but you may need to encourage dogs to exercise! Watch your pets’ diet; if you’re still considering a pet, bear in mind that more unusual options can be the most cost effective – a giant snail, for example, is quite happy to live on vegetable scraps from your kitchen!

As with anything in life, you can never be too prepared. Arrange a back-up plan for if your pet does get sick – an insurance plan such as that offered by Pets at Home will cover you for sickness and loss support, making sure you can have your pet taken care of, and have access to assistance if it should become lost. This should make sure that you are at least covered for any eventuality.

So is there another way?

Simply put, yes! The benefits to shopping online are almost endless. No crowds, no queuing, no rummaging through hangers for that one size you know isn’t there, and very often, no heart-stopping price tag when you do find something you like! Online stores don’t have to pay the same overheads that their bricks-and-mortar counterparts do, and they’re able to transfer that saving onto their customers. Shopping online also means you have the freedom to go for a more niche market that caters specifically to your size, and more importantly, your tastes. Plus-size fashion giant Simply Be UK offer on-trend clothes up to a size 32, while bloggers and self-appointed “fatshionistas” across the web offer custom-made pieces and patterns, bringing plus-size fashion into the spotlight and turning the high street’s aversion to larger sizes into a positive for plus-sized women everywhere!

According to the information published here only Norway pipped the UK on price, with an average expenditure of £159.56 each month compared to £129.60 in the UK. If you are already the proud owner of a diesel car and want to try and cut back on the amount you are spending on fuel the obvious thing to do is to make far fewer car journeys. There are a few other things you can do to help though, try these three top tips to get you going further for less:

1)Changing your driving style costs nothing but could save you lots of cash. Brake in good time, don’t brake sharply at traffic lights and don’t let your engine labour or sit at traffic lights with the clutch pushed down.

2)Check your tyre pressures – if they are too low this will create drag and increase your fuel use.

3)Switch off your aircon when you aren’t using it as this can reduce your fuel consumption.

If you have a petrol engine you cna keep up with the latest petrol prices here.

Speaking to the publication, Peter Gettins, of broker London & Country, said that buy-to-let was an “attractive prospect” but warned potential investors that they needed to do their research before joining the market.

“[P]rospective landlords need to go in with their eyes open and understand all the costs and risks. Even in a period of high demand, it’s important to understand the local market.”

If you are considering generating an extra income through property investment, or changing careers altogether and becoming a full-time landlord you can find information about the processes involved and your responsibilities with the National Landlords Association. As the leading association for private residential landlords in the UK they are well placed to provide advice about all the basics. See here for more.

One suggestion made by the think tank was that private landlords who offer long-term tenancies at a reasonable rate to young people and families should be rewarded with tax breaks. It is hoped this could help provide more stable housing solutions for those who could otherwise find themselves in difficult situations.

Jack Dromey, the shadow housing minister, said: “One of the biggest consequences of the housing crisis is the rise of ‘generation rent’ as young people face a squeeze on their wages, increasingly unaffordable rents and greater difficulty saving for a deposit.”

Should such breaks be introduced, ethically-minded landlords who want to help the community as well as finding good tenants, could be in a better financial position to add to their portfolios. They may also free up money to spend on protecting themselves and their tenants with buy-to-let insurance and to make repairs or improvements to their properties.

Abbey’s lips have been the subject of controversy of late, with many suggesting she might have been dabbling with non-surgical fillers in order to boost their profile. The WAG seems to be taking the claims in her stride though and even made a joke of the rumours on Twitter when she posted a photo of herself with a pair of fake lips over her mouth with the caption: “I swear I haven’t had my lips done!”

For those not in the know, fillers are commonly used to plump out thin lips in order to make them appear more prominent. They are also used to smooth out lines and wrinkles in the face, which is sometimes used in conjunction with Botox to produce what can be called a ‘liquid facelift’.

Whether Abbey has had fillers or not remains to be seen, but there are plenty of celebs who have not been so coy about their use of the non-surgical procedure, including Katie Price and Amy Childs.

According to reports, the character Blue Ear was created in response to a plea from an American mother from New Hampshire, whose four-year-old son had started to refuse to wear his hearing aid on the basis none of his action heroes had one. The child had always referred to the aid as his ‘blue ear’ due to its function and colouring and it was this name that was used for the new Marvel character, specially created for the child.

Nelson Ribeiro, who co-created the character for Marvel, said: “The Blue Ear, along with the other superheroes of Inter-C.O.M., who are all special needs children, have banded together to use their newfound powers to fight crime and teach the world that no matter who you are, everyone has a hero inside of them”.

He also explained that the powerful hearing aid worn by the character, allows him to hear “an ant hiccup on the other side of the country”.

A 2005 survey estimated that one in 20 Americans are deaf or hard of hearing, with over half of those being 65 years or older.

1)   You could consider becoming a landlord yourself and renting your property out on a short or long term lease. Of course, this won’t allow you to use the accommodation yourself, if you’d like to have this option you may want to investigate employing the help of a holiday let firm who could promote the property on your behalf, and you’d still be able to have your own holidays there!

2)   If selling really is a necessity, you may want to consider redecorating the property or adding features such as a new kitchen or bathroom to make it more appealing to potential buyers. Even making your property more attractive when viewers come round can make a difference, take a look at this article for tips.

3)   If a buyer is not forthcoming on the open market, you may want to investigate the option of selling to a property buyer. These firms will usually buy any home for less than market value, but can help you achieve a sale more quickly.

So, if you are considering joining the Queen in Corgi ownership, what do you need to know? Well, first of all, just like all pet ownership, you should always be sure you can afford to look after a pet adequately before taking on the responsibility. Taking out a pet insurance policy may help you in this task and there’s also a host of information online that you can use as a resource to learn all about the breed. Here are the basics to help you weigh up if a corgi is for you:

1)   Corgis are herding dogs and have a lot of energy so despite their short legs they do need good walks. Ideally twenty to thirty minutes in the morning with a longer afternoon walk and a quick trip out before bedtime to use the toilet, too.

2)   According to reports in the press last year the Queen is very particular about the food her dogs eat, though Corgis don’t have any peculiar dietary requirements and can be fed dried or wet foods (or a mix of both) found in most pet shops.

3)   A Corgi will live for around 9-15 years, so purchasing one is a major commitment. To help give them a long healthy life, try to keep their weight under control as weigh gain can lead to other conditions developing.

1)   Take style tips from one of the more stylish royals. After the last big royal event it’s probable that your muse is more likely to be Kate Middleton than Princess Eugene, with this in mind, you may want to check out the blog whatkatewore, which documents what the lady of the moment where’s to all of her public appearances.

2)   Think red, white and blue. The simplest way to display your patriotism is by opting for an outfit in Union Jack colours. Unless you are really going for full out fancy dress it’s probably best to choose a tasteful evening dress in red, white OR blue,  rather than following in the footsteps of Geri Halliwell in her Ginger Spice days (see here) you’ll find that choosing one or at the most two flag shades is a little more tasteful.

3)   If you want a truly unique and out there dress and can’t see what’s wrong with channelling Ginger Spice, it’s time to get crafting. The Union Jack dress worn by Geri to the Brit Awards in 1997 was apparently fashioned out of a tea towel by her sister – now that’s a novel way you could get some extra use out of a commemorative Jubilee tea towel…

It’s actually quite tricky to be accepted for admittance into Australia due to their working visa policies. The country has traditionally worked on a points system in order to help fill gaps in their workforce. The good news is Australia has recently announced a boost to its immigration quota! According to recent news reports there will now be an extra 5000 spaces available each year in order to help shortfalls in certain sectors of the economy.

If you’ve never been to Australia, you’ll undoubtedly want to take a trip there before pondering a big move! To make sure you get the most from your visit check out some advice from regular visitors such as Kate Gerraway, who wrote this article for the MailOnline.

If your social group are sporty types, why not organise your own mini Olympics, complete with sporting gear as worn by the athletes?  If your crowd is less athletic and more arm chair, try holding a Wii Olympics instead – it can still provide a great fun atmosphere and get things moving. Get everyone motivated by making your own medals and carrying out a mini awards ceremony at the end of the night.

To really keep your party on theme – and keep costs down – why not ask everyone to bring some themed food and drinks with them? This could be anything from food shaped into javelins, rowing boats and basketballs, through to foods from all of the nations taking part in the Olympics. This article has some great ideas.

1) Consider alternative options if you have problems selling

The property market isn’t what it once was and if you have problems selling your existing home then it could scupper your ability to bag your dream property in the big move. If you are up against it timewise, consider seeking the help of a property buying firm, or look into the possibility of letting out your property and becoming a landlord.

2) Make sure you know your new area

Do plenty of research before you choose where you want to live in your new city, as well as looking at the catchment areas for schools you may want to check out the level of crime in different zones to see if you could potentially be moving into a hotspot.

3) Barter for the best deal

You will be relying on many companies to get you moving – starting of course with a removal firm and potentially including other service firms such as cleaners. Make sure you obtain a range of quotes from competing firms to bag yourself the best deal.

This of course means there is plenty of opportunity for those who are considering entering the market as a landlord and for potemtial for those who already own rental properties to expand their portfolio further in order to meet demand. But, what kind of tenants should they be aiming to attract, and why?

The massive growth in the private rental sector is in part due to the widening demographic who are now renting. Where previously young professionals may have found themselves on the property ladder by their early thirties, many are now choosing to rent instead. This gives potential landlords even greater choice over who they tailor their properties to. Though some may buy and renovate a property without their target audience in mind, it’s worth having a specific demographic to target. This way you can make choices such as how you decorate and furnish right through to what kind of landlord insurance you are likely to need more easily.

In times gone by the student market may have been seen as a more reliable demographic; university towns and cities will always have students who need to rent. However, with number of young professionals looking to rent booming and this demographic often looking to locate in similar areas, landlords may be wise to target both markets. This may mean decorating and furnishing in a manner that adequately straddles the needs of both groups, but it could also help to maximise rental yield.

If you are a landlord and want to keep up to date with the latest rental news, see: here

Cars

Many individuals don’t have the option of buying new when it comes to cars if they aren’t prepared to buy using credit and this can drive their decision making. But, there are other reasons people buy second hand. Looking at a reliable and popular car model like a Vauxhall Astra – which is the tenth most popular car in the UK, you can buy a second hand model for upwards of a grand. In comparison, you’d be looking at spending up to £15,000 on a brand new one straight off the garage forecourt. Insurance for a second hand car is also likely to be far cheaper. Weighing in on the opposing side is the fact that new cars are covered by a warranty, so if anything needs repaired you won’t need to foot the bill. In addition, many new cars feature lower or zero emission engines that result in paying lower road tax rates or not having to pay road tax at all.

Clothes

While buying on eBay or in charity shops may allow you to grab a bargain, buying second hand doesn’t always equal cheap when it comes to clothes. In recent years the vintage look has become very fashionable and many shops and online sites have monopolised on this, causing the price of second hand clothing to rise. Don’t let this put you off entirely though, with a bit of nouse you can still find bargains on the racks and if you have a talent for spotting them, you could even try selling them on at a profit.

Mobile phones

Keeping up with the Jones’s costs dear when it comes to mobile phones and many people allow themselves to be tied into long-term contracts with service providers in order to get their hands on the latest models for free. It’s far cheaper to buy a second hand mobile or even an older model and take your pick of rolling tariffs. And of course, if you’d like a little cash towards your purchase you can always sell your old mobile to one of the many online mobile phone buyers.

1)Look after your health

Keeping yourself in a good state of health can be an expensive affair as you get older. The cost of items such as glasses and hearing aids can add up and if you lose some of your mobility you may find you have to shell out more on taxis and buses in your later years. Though some health problems are hard to avoid, actively protecting your wellbeing through regular, sight and hearing checks as well as physical exercise is in your best interests. It needn’t be expensive either; firms such as Amplifon offer free hearing tests. For more information on how to plan a healthy retirement, see: here.

2)Pay off your debts

It’s easy to delay paying off debts in order to enjoy a better quality of life now, but tackling the money you owe as early as possible will allow you to start saving more towards you future and could help you to retire earlier.

3)Plan for the future you want

If you intend to use your retirement years to travel or get involved in activities you’ve always wanted to try, then you’ll need the money to pay for it. Be proactive and research how much your plans are likely to cost and start setting money by in addition to your pension to help you realise your plans.

USA Today looked into recent trends regarding the policies taken out by individuals up and down the nation, discovering that regular check-ups and surgeries for most dog or cat owners came in at around $650 (£400) in vet bills last year, according to a very recent survey by the American Pet Products Association.

The news provider also found that the number of pet insurance providers had grown by a whopping ten times since the end of the last decade, mainly because people want to save money in any way they can. Until 1997, there was only one pet insurance provider in all of the US: Veterinary Pet Insurance.

Jeanne Salvatore, spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute, told the publication? “It’s definitely a niche insurance product, and we’re seeing a general rise in these specialty insurance products. The one thing you need to do with all specialty insurance is look at how much it costs and what you would get back.”

In fact, one US surgeon has even gone as far as to suggest that to get the best results from facial surgery, injectables may be used in conjunction with them. In a written response to a question in the Palm Beach Post Health Section, Dr Anita Mandal explained that she often uses facial fillers to support the facelifts she carries out on her patients.

She said: “It is very common for patients in my practice to have Botox and fillers with facial surgery. For optimal results, I usually don’t perform fillers on the same day as surgery.”

Although the surgeon said that she does not conduct both surgical and non-surgical procedures on the same day, she does carry them out within weeks of each other.

According to the most up to date figures from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a total of 1.9 million soft tissue filler procedures were carried out by ASPS members in 2011. Some of these are likely to have been using Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Radiesse and Sculptra, which Dr Mandal said were the most popular choices among her patients.

Of course, individuals and businesses can do their bit in welcoming those from afar by offering appealing and convenient accommodation for guests. If you have a second home, you may want to consider offering your property for let through specialists such as Rent My Cottage.

A host of celebrities, including Jamie Oliver, Matt Smith and Dame Judi Dench are involved with the campaign, which hopes to tap into the enthusiasm generated by this year’s London Olympic Games and Royal Jubilee.

If you fancy inviting some long last relatives or old university friends over for a visit – you may want to take advantage of the 10 GREAT Reasons app, or other tools on the VisitBritain website. These will help you create personal invites for your global network in order to persuade them to pop over and absorb some Great British culture.

Tourism Minister John Penrose said of the campaign: “This is an innovative and personal way of encouraging more visitors to the UK and comes at a time when we want to ensure Britain is top of everyone’s holiday wish list.”

Never lie about your circumstances

If you think it’s easy to lie about circumstances relating to your pet, you are wrong – insurance form is, quite simply, fraud. Insurance can be invalidated and, in the worst situation, criminal prosecution can be levelled against you. Ensure you disclose every part of your pet’s medical history, or you could be in for a very tough time.

Microchipping is worth consideration

It’s worth considering microchipping a pet. During the procedure, a chip is inserted under a pet’s fur before being registered. A scanner reading allows a pet to be returned to its owner if it gets lost. The average cost for this is £20 to £30 per pet, though insurers give discounts on premiums if a pet is been fitted with one, so you could get immediate returns.

Don’t forget yearly injections

Make sure that your furry friend has proper vaccinations, getting the certificates to prove it. If you’re not bothered or forget to keep them up to date, it could mean you invalidate your insurance.

Fashion-conscious men should seek out navy blue and deep burgundy items to team with dark grey outfits, ready for the coming autumn season. You can find these colours on the high street for a slice of the designer price, such as this burgundy hoody http://www.bankfashion.co.uk/men/brand/jack-and-jones/ amongst other well-tailored yet wallet friendly men’s clothing at BANK Fashion.

In Mugler’s collection, organic materials and fabrics were given a plastic, rubber or lacquered coating for a glossy finish and most of the pieces had a metallic high shine, reflecting the outer space-inspired style, although this aspect of the clothing is a statement on the catwalk, it is unlikely to filter through to everyday wear.

Renowned as Lady Gaga’s stylist, Nicola Formichetti – creative director of the French fashion house – wanted to explore the idea of male heroes, using padding and tailoring giving the models a “superhuman” aspect in their appearance and proportions.

Formichetti explained: “It is that exaggerated, heroic silhouette, hyper-masculine and formal that we were interested in, and how it transforms men.”

According to FTA analysis, tread depth, cuts and objects in the tread accounted for nearly 60 per cent of all defects found – and are easy problems to identify with regular checks and maintenance. “Tyre care plays a huge part in a vehicle’s road safety performance, for example underinflation will affect vehicle handling and braking performance while increasing fuel consumption and tyre wear,” said Alan Osborne, the organisation’s director of vehicle inspections.

He went on to say that tyre defects can go on to cause other potential costs, such as test failures, roadside checks and potentially greater targeting by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency, all of which could prove a major headache for fleet managers looking to save money. The FTA advised drivers to be particularly mindful of their tread depth during the winter weather, as worn tyres lead to a higher rate of accidents through skidding.

The findings, which could encourage families struggling with mortgage payments to use buyers like Gateway Homes to downsize to a smaller house, revealed that seven in ten people expect to put their Christmas bills on a credit card this year. Meanwhile, one-fifth of those borrowing more said they planned to use their December wages to fund their spending, leaving them without the means to meet their existing debt repayments.

Tim Moss, head of loans and debt at Moneysupermarket.com, said: “This year has been incredibly tough for consumers, with the rising cost of living really hitting the nation’s wallets hard.

“So really, it comes as no shock that such a high number of people will be taking on debt this festive season, particularly as Christmas is a time when people generally increase their spending.”

In Mintel’s flagship report British Lifestyles 2011, it was revealed that almost six in ten (58 per cent) Brits earning £50,000 and over report to be “satisfied” with their life, while just four in ten (43 per cent) of those earning under £15,000 said the same. However, with New Year just around the corner there has never been a better time to get your finances in order to enter 2012 with a fresh start.

Of course, the primary trick up the sleeves of frugal individuals is budgeting. There are basic current accounts out there, such as those available at Secure Trust Bank, to help you keep on top of your income and outgoings. Set yourself a realistic budget after assessing your monthly income and spending and resist from deviating away from this budget, no matter how tempting it may be over the festive period.

Head of Finance at Mintel Toby Clark said of the figures: “There have always been sections of society who do better than others, but when times are tough it becomes harder to gloss over those differences.”

According to Mr Weisinger, reading in dim light is only possible when there is enough light around for the cones in the eyes to pick up a signal. We only really use the cones in the centre of our vision, and readers can test this for themselves by looking directly up at the stars on a clear night – they can only be seen by looking slightly to the side of them, as cones are designed for close-up vision only.

“Of course, eyestrain – the feeling of tired or aching eyes and headache – may indicate that you need glasses, or perhaps the glasses you’re wearing may need an update,” the expert went on to say.

“If you are concerned about the health of your eyes, see your optometrist for a check up.”

Mufflers and scarves are the perfect example of practical accessories that can give dull winter clothes a funky or quirky edge, and all on the cheap. While plain black mufflers will go with anything, think about making these extras the focal point of your outfit: you can get them in a wide range of colours, from electric blue to shocking pink. Why not match up your gloves, mufflers and scarf?

Meanwhile, think about what you’re carrying around with you in your bag. Falling temperatures mean less moisture in the air, so your skin will dry out faster – a good chapstick and moisturiser are essential if you don’t want to crack up, and you can’t beat a pack of tissues to handle those unexpected sneezes.

Firstly, promotional items by Ideasbynet.com can give a constant companion to potential clients in the form of a pen, folder or even a cap or T-shirt. The best thing is that, particularly with the likes of pens, they act as a mobile billboard that can pass through the hands of dozens of people. So long as it’s a good quality choice, you can guarantee your brand will be in circulation for a long time.

If you plan to offer discounts to customers, don’t go overboard – be unpredictable. How great would it be for a customer if they called you up and you said that you would drop your prices by ten per cent for no reason? The buzz that could generate for this act of kindness is the sort of thing that would spread online and by word of mouth.

Finally, one of the most important things about having a brand is giving it the story it deserves. Consider how the rise to fame of Richard Branson and Alan Sugar has affected their businesses; by personifying a company, you get more of a response from clients because they prefer dealing with people over faceless organisations.

What’s more these rugby tops are now readily available and affordable in a range of larger sizes for taller and bigger-built men, such as those at Jacamo. Shopping online allows you to browse rugby tops at your own leisure all from the comfort of your own home and to compare product features and prices, which ensures that you gain access some of the best rugby tops deals around. Big Menswear at jacamo.co.uk, for example, comes in sizes up to 5XL.

Another great thing about shopping online is that some of the inconveniences of shopping on the high street are cut out. For example, there is no push sales staff or the uncomfortable experience of small and stuffy changing rooms. You can decide on your purchases at your own leisure try items on at home. If you aren’t happy with the product, you can then return it if you wish.

Finally, another great thing about rugby tops is that they are versatile – they can be worn both on and off the pitch – so it makes sense to invest in a good quality rugby top, which tend to last longer than their cheaper and poorer quality counterparts.

MYA Space offers a forum for individuals to share their stories and experiences and meet other individuals in the same position by joining a network. Perhaps one of the best things about MYA Space is that it’s free and adds another string to the bow of patient support both pre and post-surgery.

By joining an online ‘community’ members can discuss certain topics with each other and even share photos of their post-cosmetic surgery results. It offers members the chance to get interactive with live chats and the opportunity to have their cosmetic surgery questions answered by some of the top experts in the field, or to go to the ‘Ask an Expert’ section to pose a plastic surgery question to a panel of industry experts.

There is also an informative, easy-to-use summary section, which allows users to view a broken-down and simplified version of all the cosmetic surgery procedures offered by MYA. MYA are set to be adding more features to MYA Space over the next coming months so watch this space.

There are a number of benefits to using a letting agency for this purpose in addition to financial ones. However, before making your decision it is important to consult a guide to the holiday home process to establish whether it is feasible, or in fact that you want to go ahead with renting out your property for this purpose. For example, owning a holiday home simultaneously makes you a landlord with responsibilities that you may have never had before.

If you are looking to sell your property but are struggling to do so given the economic climate, renting out your home as a holiday home may be a feasible option. Doing so can assist you with moving and renting a new property – perhaps that dream home you have always wanted – and generate you some cash until you find a suitable buyer.

1)When taking out pet insurance always conduct plenty of research, covering both what is included in the policy as well as the price. You may find there are limits on the amount that can be awarded for certain ailments so take a note of these.

2)It’s a case of the sooner the better when it comes to putting a policy in place. Often pet insurance takes a few weeks to kick in. You don’t want your new puppy or kitten to become injured before this happens as it could be costly, so make sure you get on the case of research before they arrive.

3)Buying online, or for a few pets at once can net you savings, as can having your pet micro-chipped. If you can’t find any details from your potential insurers offering this, don’t be afraid to ask.

A run of catastrophes in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the United States has led to a remarkable number of insurance pay-outs that run into billions of pounds. The first half of 2011 therefore became the costliest six-month period in the 323-year history of the insurance market, the Guardian reported; these have gone on to protect the livelihoods of business leaders and their employees alike – not to mention clients and customers.

Lloyd’s chief executive Richard Ward said 2011 could be the second-worst year on record for the insurance industry after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He continued: “If we see more catastrophes come through it could well be [the second worst year ever]. Things will get more and more challenging. We’re faced with a pretty dire economic environment. Everyone is talking about sovereign debt default and a double-dip recession. It doesn’t make happy reading. The economic environment is, of course, affecting all our clients.”

While it may seem like an obvious point, it’s worth checking once more to see if you have a valid passport. Make sure you have a signed and valid passport and a visa if necessary. Also fill in the emergency information page, just in case things go awry.

Get yourself travel insurance, too. While you may like to think you’re invincible, accidents or illnesses can hit you at any time. While you’re at it, take precautions that will help you avoid infectious diseases. Wash your hands plenty of times with soap and warm water and practice communicable virus etiquette – cover your mouth and nose with your arm, not your hand, to stop spreading the flu or colds. Bear in mind that infectious diseases are transmitted via insects in many locations, and plan your jabs or tablets accordingly.

Finally, make copies of everything. This includes your passport, insurance policy, visas and credit card numbers. One copy should be carried away from your cards, while another should be left with someone at home.

First of all, don’t let seller excuses get the better of you. In the past, dealers have been known to pull all manner of stunts to get you to pay more, and have been known to bust out some very silly excuses such as their requirement to get written permission from head office to offer a discount on a car. This is very much wrong, given that nearly all companies will give a discount or two to serious buyers.

Have a solid idea of the car, or type of car, you would like. Try to nail down the exact model you want before you shop around as this helps you compare deals. You must stay flexible, though, as you may be able to pick up a bargain from stock. So long as the car meets all your needs, you will be completely fine.

Last but not least, be sure to make your purchase at the right time. One thing thousands of buyers overlook is the fact that most carmakers offer bonuses to dealers based on quarterly sales; shop around at the end of quarters – late December or late March, for example – as dealers will want to meet targets even more.

Still, it must be stressed that contact lenses may be used to sell more eye products. The possibility of increased sales by opticians in Europe was recently identified in a recent survey discussed by the Academy of Eyecare Excellence, which asserted that contact lenses can build store loyalty for opticians because most contact lens wearers buy glasses from the same outlet where they get lenses.

The report continued: “They also visit the store up to three times as often as a solus spectacle wearer – this provides an ideal opportunity for informing them about the latest developments,” Opticians can yet grow their share of profits further, given that pharmacies continue to rival them by selling contact lenses too.

Just avoid the whole situation by getting laser eye surgery – you’ll lead a happier life free from these aids.

If you are thinking of setting up your own consultancy business, the first point-of-call should be to invest in consultancy insurance from an experienced and reputable provider such as Markel. As with any company, it is important that any business investments that you make are protected from the offset. Failure to take out a suitable insurance policy may result in significant financial loss to your business and reputational damage.

Before you start researching your insurance provider options, however, it is essential that you understand the ground rules of how to become a consultant. For example, you must have sufficient experience, skills, and knowledge in your chosen field of expertise. From here, you can base how you will advertise your level of expertise – this, of course, must be realistic. For some fields you may also need at least one advanced academic degree or certification before you can become a consultant.  Finally, you must be able to demonstrate your ability to recognise problems and create swift and effective solutions to these problems.

When it comes to selecting a savings account in particular, it pays to be shrewd and look for something that suits your needs. Although interest rates have risen slightly, they do remain low, so consider if you can tap into higher rates by selecting an account that does not allow you to instantly access your cash. This includes regular savings accounts, or fixed terms Isas where you are likely to be penalised for making withdrawals. With this in mind, your main consideration when saving should be whether you are saving toward a long term goal or whether you are saving towards a rainy day. Should you need to retrieve your funds quickly when a rainy day arrives, this may mean sacrificing a few percentage points when it comes to interest accumulated along the way.

While the world seems to be naturally getting louder, it is now estimated that over half of all hearing-impaired people are under age 65. According to audiologists speaking to the LeHigh Valley Express Times, hearing loss is due to the wide range of items in handbags and back pockets. iPods are now more popular than ever, while mobile phones have gone from accessory to necessity.

Speaking to the newspaper, Doris Rapisardi, a supervising clinical audiologist at Hunterdon Medical Center, said: “People are losing their hearing two-and-a-half times faster than their parents and grandparents, due largely to sustained overexposure to loud sound. There appears to have been a slight increase (in hearing loss) in adults and children who are using iPods, cell phones and MP3s improperly – at high levels for a period of hours.”

She added that many clients do not realise how hobbies could affect hearing, whether it’s a loud concert, sporting event or woodworking.

The choice of outsole has a very important effect on the ability of a player. This is because a good boot must give support, stability, grip and traction, otherwise skills will suffer and physical damage may occur.

Soft ground requires screw-in studs or blades. Firmer ground is better-suited to moulded studs or short blades. Hard ground football boots can work between natural and Astroturf surfaces and embrace low-profile rubber studs for durability, traction and stability.

Astroturf boots or trainers provide a durable rubber outsole and sometimes have tiny studs or patterns. They are also used as a back-up for hard surfaces, though can lack traction on natural pitches. Indoor football boots are basically a standard comfortable trainer, giving flat rubber outsoles and embracing a herringbone pattern.

Forwards and wingers who desire acceleration should go for blades with soft leather uppers, while central midfielders should choose a classic boot that provides accuracy for crossing and shooting from distance. Defenders and goalkeepers must prioritise grip, providing firmer stances and extra traction in big tackles or collisions.

People who are planning on selling their home will of course want the highest value possible on this asset therefore it is worth making some simple changes to your home which will help boost your house value. Here are our top five ways to push this value as high as possible, even on a budget:

An updated kitchen – As the hub of the home, an updated kitchen can be a huge attraction to buyers, especially those with a family. Ensure that all worktops, cabinets and flooring are up to scratch and appliances are in working order.

Modern bathrooms – A new, fresh-looking bathroom is extremely appealing to buyers. Why not go all out with a spa or whirlpool tub for that added wow-factor.

Natural materials – In this increasingly environmentally-conscious world, natural materials are incredibly popular, such as ceramic tiles, hardwood floors and granite.

Create curb appeal – You want to make a good impression as soon as the prospective buyer pulls up at your door so ensure that the exterior of your home is clean, redecorated where necessary and that your garden is in order.

Maximise space and storage – Space is the most important factor in a home for many buyers so be sure to declutter your home before you have it valued to create the illusion of more space and install space-saving “clever storage” where you can.

For more information on house prices visit http://www.ft.com/

The key to successful sale shopping is to choose items that will not go out of fashion, fit you well and ultimately will provide a function in your wardrobe. Basics are a great thing to buy in the sale because you know you are going to use them and you can then use the money you have saved to splash on other trend-driven items.  For men who are taller or larger than average sale shopping can often be unfruitful and in some cases may conclude in committing the number one sin of buying something which is ill-fitting just because it is cheap. With this in mind we have picked out three sale items from the High and Mighty sale which we think are good value and will transcend the seasons.

Chinos are a great summer staple; they can be dressed up with a shirt, or paired with a polo shirt or T Shirt for a trip to the pub. This light blue pair would work well with a check lumberjack shirt or a crisp white T-Shirt.

Buying a lightweight jacket such as this Henri Lloyd tall hooded jacket is a smart move in a sale. This one has a water repellent finish and fold-away hood making it perfect for any spring showers and its classic colour means it will stay in style year-after-year.

A suit jacket is a must-have for any man so if you can pick up a plain suit jacket in a sale you can make considerable savings on an item that you are likely to wear to special occasions over and over again. This simple single breasted style is a steal at £70.00 and will look equally as stylish with a good pair of jeans as it would the matching trousers.

One of the best ways to do it at a cheap price is to try over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies from http://www.lloydspharmacy.com/. These include skin patches or gum and release nicotine into your body at low levels. While prices vary based on brand, nicotine strength and buying in bulk, it is often worth spending a lot in order to coax yourself into committing to the lifestyle choice. Generally speaking, gum and patches are more wallet-friendly than an inhaler or pills.

Luckily, there are plenty of free support groups around the UK, while the NHS also operates a quit smoking helpline. On top of this, there is the option to take the free NHS Quit Kit. While it only a one-off option, it gives people a starter pack of nicotine replacement items alongside little treats to keep your mind off that all-encompassing desire for a cigarette.

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, is perfect at combating cravings. A 2007 study published in journal Addiction says that five minutes of moderate exercise will reduce cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Look into walking, jogging and stair-climbing as great ways to help yourself out of a nicotine-desiring hole.

Finally, the cheapest option is to simply go cold turkey. Reduce the amount of cigarettes you smoke by one every day or just pick a day and stop smoking completely. Lots of water and juice will help cope with withdrawal symptoms, while toothpicks, straws and vegetable sticks are good to chew on to curb the need for tobacco.

Whichever way you choose, commit to it in a safe way. Never give up on giving up – the health benefits are phenomenal.

Be shape aware. Pick out shirts and dresses with an A-Line pattern as these will accentuate your waist and can also help minimise a bustier cleavage. Look for shirts and dresses with an A-line pattern, there are some nice examples on http://www.bonmarche.co.uk/. When choosing trousers avoid extremes – baggy and super tight trousers will both draw attention to larger legs, so instead opt for tailored options which are well cut and hang so they do not cling to your leg.

Don’t enter a colour void. While colours like black and navy can be slimming, life can get a little boring when you dress dark all the time. Try autumn colours such as dark green or berry shades when it’s cold and experiment with shades of red or blue in the summer. If you are attached to black, why not introduce some colour through a subtle printed fabric?

We are often told that horizontal stripes make us appear larger and while this is not always the case it is a safe rule to avoid bulky horizontal stripes. Floral prints should be worn small rather than brassy and loud. Similarly other patterns or geometric designs should be of a medium size rather than dominating. Some people believe opting for larger patterns can make a plus-size lady seem more in proportion, but often the patterns look garish or simply draw attention to areas we are trying to conceal.

For more plus size dressing tips, see: http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/06/06/vogue-italia-cover-features-three-plus-size-models/

Funding Education, experts in the field of cutting cost of learning, recently presented a guide at http://www.fundingeducation.co.uk/budget-accommodation-tips-university.html. It recommended that people look at online property websites, advertisements in local papers and use word of mouth to find little gems in their area. One of the best ways to find a place is to consult final-year students – perhaps friends who have done it all before – that have been happy with their landlord.

However, it is probably worth avoiding accommodation specifically marketed at students. While often good for people on a strict budget or travelling from overseas to study in the country, these organisations can sometimes only exclusively offer large blocks of flats or studio units at high prices. While this suits many foreign students, home students on a budget may struggle to pay for these offerings.

Another very important thing is to be flexible with expectations as an open mind can lead to life in a wonderful – yet perhaps unusual – offering through property management groups or landlords that put tenants in buildings such as disused offices, stately homes and even listed buildings.

Ultimately, when searching for student accommodation, be prepared to join a bigger group. By looking in higher numbers, the chances of finding affordable and attractive houses complete with space and plenty of facilities are higher. Four to six people work well if house hunting on a budget, due to the price of communal areas such as kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms being shared.

Visiting a site like http://www.jacamo.co.uk/ will present all manner of ways to bring your father up to date with the latest fashions. No longer will he be the laughing stock of the family – getting rid of those t-shirts from 20 years ago in favour of a nice Sergio Tacchini polo shirt will have him matching the fashion of tennis world number one Novak Djokovic, while Nike will have daddy decked out like Rafael Nadal. With so many brands on offer, sporty clothing is not all – Ben Sherman, Timberland, Hamnett and Sonneti all provide fantastic smart fashions, whatever his size.

There are plenty of other frugal ways to approach Father’s Day, too. If your dad takes lunch to work every day, why not treat him to a week of special lunches? Baking up special desserts, making him the best sandwiches of his life and including notes are all great ways to perk up his day and remind him for long after the day that he’s a top bloke. Focus on healthy things, too – the NHS has a number of recommendations for young ones that can carry over to help daddikins stay fitter for longer at http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/childhealth6-15/Pages/Lighterlunchboxes.aspx.

A little bit of elbow grease doesn’t go amiss with dads, either. Why not grab a handful of supplies from around the house and get washing, polishing and vacuuming his car? On top of this, consider the luxury service treatment; it’s one day of the year, after all, so consider matching whims such as meal-making, washing the pots and letting him do what he likes. That’s what any hard-working father wants, and on this day they’re entitled to deserve it.

The primary reason for hearing loss is age, but other factors can cause it such as genetics and damage to ears through excessive noise. Hearing aids are particularly useful in improving the hearing and speech comprehension of people who have difficulties that result from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear, called hair cells (so-called “sensorineural hearing loss”).

A hearing aid works by magnifying sound vibrations entering the ear. Surviving hair cells detect the larger vibrations and convert them into neural signals that are passed along to the brain. The greater the damage to a person’s hair cells, the more severe the hearing loss, and the greater the hearing aid amplification needed to make up the difference. If the damage is too substantial, hearing aids can be ineffective.

Those who think they may be suffering from hearing loss should visit their physician to find out if they can benefit from a hearing aid. In the UK, hearing aids can be obtained from the NHS and the private sector. The NHS offer free-of-charge hearing aids of a reasonable standard; however the technology is usually between two and three years behind what is available in the private sector, such as those offered by http://www.amplifon.co.uk/.

For more information visit: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/hearingaid.htm.

If you sign up to an IVA, you will be bound by the agreement and expected to contribute one affordable monthly payment towards your debt, which continues for the length of the IVA. At the end of the arrangement, any outstanding debts are written off – the amount written off will depend on your circumstances and can be as much as 60-70 per cent of the debt.

An IVA procedure is a formal version of a debt relief order or DRO and begins with a formal proposal to your creditors to pay part or all of your debts. Any interest or debt charges will be frozen and creditors will be prohibited from demanding additional payments. An added benefit is that any assets, such as your home and car, are usually protected.

Unlike bankruptcy, an IVA doesn’t affect your personal status, your employment status, or the ability to hold public office. An IVA is suitable if you have unsecured debts of at least £15,000 owed to two or more creditors. You will also need to be able to afford a monthly payment of a minimum of £200 and no further credit agreements may be entered into for the period of the agreement. It is worth bearing in mind that the IVA will be noted on your credit file for up to six years and you may have to declare it on any future mortgage or credit applications, even after it is no longer visible on your credit record.

If you are ever faced with the prospect of bankruptcy, be sure to explore all other alternatives of relieving your debts such as an IVA. To go through an IVA procedure you must apply to the court and be aided by an insolvency practitioner, and you must be prepared to give details about your situation and any unsecured debts you have.

For more information visit http://www.moneydebtandcredit.com/.

A report from retail consultants Trevor Wood Associates shows that the likes of Poundland, Greggs, Card Factory and Peacocks are showing the fastest tenancy growth in the market since 2008.

The report monitors 500 shopping centres shows that discount retailers are spreading from high steet to shopping centres. According to the growth statistics Poundland is leading the way with 56 per cent growth in tenancies within shopping centres, they are followed by the world’s largest fastfood chain Subway. Bakers Greggs and cut price greetings specialists the Card Factory also make the top ten.

The experts claim that discount retailers in general are benefitting from the collapse of Woolworths in 2008, with many taking up tenancies in former Woolworths’ stores.

Trevor Wood, senior partner at Trevor Wood Associates told the Guardian:  ”Because of changes in the market in the last few years, opportunities presented themselves and [budget chains] grabbed them with both hands. A few years ago, it would have been more difficult to find a shop. If Woolworths was still around, would all these variety stores have risen so much?”

The growing popularity of discount stores in the UK is in no small part due to shoppers adopting some thriftier spending habits. A survey by budget homewares store Homesense, published in February, found that 82 per cent of people now regard themselves as thrifty shoppers.

E.surv found that the average LTV for all purchases was 61 per cent, and total mortgage approvals rose 1.8 per cent in April to 48,435 from 47,577 in March. 27 per cent of all mortgage approvals last month were for properties costing less than £125,000.

Richard Sexton, business development director of e.surv, said: “[First-time buyers] are realising that with renting so expensive homeownership is the more attractive option, especially with lenders now keener to offer fixed-rate deals.

“First-time buyers are the lifeblood of the market – their purchases unlock the rest of the property chain – so these signs of life at the bottom of the market will be welcomed by the higher echelons of the property ladder.”

However, Matt Griffith, founder of first-time buyer website PricedOut, pointed out that the 61 per cent LTV average was still very low in historical terms: “The vast bulk of the market remains focused on those with very substantial levels of equity, not first-time buyers.

“The increase in lower value properties on the market may be a general indication of a falling market, rather than first-time buyer activity. It also doesn’t indicate who is buying these properties – there have been recent signs that lenders are favouring buy-to-let over first-time buyers, who also have a high footprint in these lower segments in the market.”

According to PwC’s research, employees take an average of ten unscheduled days of absence every year. This compares to the much lower figures of 5.5 in the US and 4.5 in Asia. The UK average stands as slightly worse than Western Europe overall, which collectively recorded a typical figure of 9.7 days. Sick days are accountable for 80 per cent of absence from the workplace; jury service and compassionate leave combine to make up the remainder.

Richard Phelps, HR consulting partner at PwC, said absenteeism can switch from short-term spells of leave into lengthy periods, should employees or even their bosses handle the situation with poor foresight. He continued: “The line between ‘sickie’ and ‘sickness’ can be blurred, with disenchantment at work sometimes exacerbating medical conditions or preventing a speedy return. While sometimes absence from work is unavoidable, once people see colleagues frequently taking unscheduled leave, absence becomes less of a dilemma and more of a right. Breaking the cycle can be hard.”

These lovable felines are a lifelong commitment and in the majority of cases they lead a very happy and long life (living 15 years and beyond), without too many problems. They usually end up becoming a significant and adored member of the family. A kitten is extremely playful and entertaining to watch and as it develops into an older cat it will tend to become extremely independent. Most don’t follow you around the home, waiting on your attention and getting under your feet.

Although cats need love and affection, they don’t require as much attention as some other pets. For example, you don’t have to walk a cat (which saves you time and money, as there is no need to purchase leads). As long as they are given sufficient food and water and regular worming/flea checks they will remain happy. However, compared to dogs, cats don’t require as many vet visits for routine shots, which can become quite expensive. Bear in mind that it is still worth investing in pet insurance to prevent any unexpected veterinary costs.

Cats are clean animals and tend to take care of themselves, spending a large amount of time grooming each day. They are also very bright animals so they will quickly pick up what they should and shouldn’t do, based on the praise you give them. Indoor cats will have to be trained to use a litter box but most of them learn very quickly so you won’t have to deal with cleaning up such messes around your home. After this, all you have to do is ensure that the cat litter is changed on a regular basis. Food and litter are very cheap to buy and because cats are relatively small animals they eat less food than some other pets, which makes it even cheaper.

For everything you could need to prepare your home for the arrival of your new cat, visit http://www.petsathome.com/. If you would like more information on felines and their upkeep, visit http://ezinearticles.com/?Cats-Make-Great-Pets-If-You-Understand-Them&id=63182.

According to the free diet magazine www.justslimming.com, weight loss programmes like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, although endorsed by celebrities, require a monthly commitment both in cost and product loyalty. According to the Jenny Craig site, the full plan includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and your personal, one to one consultation for just £9.90/day equating to about £515 a year. While the programme encourages healthier eating by controlling portions, you are required to buy the food, making it difficult to stray for the regimen during the holiday season. Weight Watchers may be less in cost but the programme is also designed around eating their meals and snacks.

For the past seven years, the Atkins Diet has increased its popularity and credibility as the ”low carb” diet that delivers results. Although controversial in its methods, the Atkins Diet has proven to be one of the most effective ways of dieting, according to Weight Watchers on the NHS, but what about good old Doctor Atkins?, an article published in July on the Telegraph website. So how does it work?

The diet works by eliminating excess carbohydrates, which ”causes your body to burn some of the carbs for energy and stores the excess carbs as fat.” You are not counting calories, but are limited, in the first two weeks, to 20g of carbs a day. The plan encourages you to eat more protein and fat, like meat and fish. So it must be expensive, right?

Not necessarily. The Atkins UK website, http://uk.atkins.com/, has great information on how to get started, the products available at local retailers, and even recipes for those meals at home. As explained on the Atkins UK site, ”These four phases, induction, on-going weight loss, pre-maintenance, and lifetime maintenance, allow you to easily tailor your program based on your very individual goals.”

The main difference between the Atkins Diet and the other popular diets is you do not have to buy their products to follow the programme properly. All the Atkins Diet teaches you is to ”eat the right foods and change your body from a carb-burning to a fat-burning machine. Sticking to basic foods instead of using pre-packaged ones will certainly keep your food expenses more in line with what you might normally spend. Fresh vegetables and meats will generally cost less in the long run than packaged ones.’

Regardless of the negatives, the Atkins Diet has proven to be a success for the people who have tried it. You have nothing to lose except bad habits and pounds!

Needless to say, a good many ladies are patiently waiting to get Christmas over and done with so they can begin their search for plus size clothing on the Net!  There are several very good reasons why internet shopping is on the increase…

• Value

We all know how much cheaper plus size clothes are online any of the time, so when these items have been reduced even further, it really is a win-win situation for shoppers!

You may find some bargains in the high street stores… however; you will find far more if you are shopping for your plus size clothes on the Net.

• Convenience

Let’s face it, even though we enjoy looking around for plus size clothing, it doesn’t always fit in with everyday life.  So many other things get in the way and there often just isn’t time to go bargain hunting around the big stores in the city centre.

However, shopping online for your plus size clothes is so much easier and you can do it all at a time that is convenient for you!

• Faster

How often have you been trying to find something in particular and you’ve had to trudge around numerous stores?  This is a really time-consuming business and it will frequently end in disappointment!

It’s so much easier to track down your items of plus size clothing online.  Most suppliers will have easy to navigate websites and your search will take a fraction of the time.

Suppliers such as http://www.simplybe.co.uk have a great selection of plus size clothes and they are famed for their everyday prices.  When you are looking for bargains in the January sales, this website should be one of the very first places you visit!

True, there may be thousands of different plus size clothing suppliers to choose from on the Net, but that does not mean you have to visit every site!  There are some really informative articles online that tell you exactly how to find the stylish plus size clothes you are after; and this applies both to men and women.

You are quite likely to find yourself a really nice plus size jacket for less than £50 if you are prepared to take your time….

• Try typing ‘Plus Size Women’s Jackets’ into the ‘Shopping Results’ page on Google.

• Have a look for plus size clothing suppliers who have a sale on…  You may find a plus size jacket in exactly the style you are after!

• Why not try using a price comparison website?  This could save you visiting lots of different suppliers.

• Have a look for money-off coupons for the company you are planning to buy from.  Use websites like ‘247 Malls’ or ‘MonkeyBargains’ because they have an alphabetical search bar.

• Try searching for a plus size women’s jacket on eBay.  But always make a point of checking a seller’s feedback rating before you buy…

• Some plus size clothing merchants will reward you with money-off vouchers when you buy from them.  These can be used for future purchases!

• Suppliers who sell on and offline may give you the option of picking up your items at one of their stores… and this will mean you do not have postage to pay for!

If you are looking for a plus size jacket, then why not try visiting http://www.Jacamo.co.uk?  They have a superb choice of garments for a seriously competitive price!

The January sales are an ideal time for picking up certain items of clothing and party dresses are a fine example.  You can find yourself something for an absolute steal which you simply wouldn’t be able to afford at any other time of the year!

• Price Comparison Websites

If you are looking for a certain type of party dress, then try using a price comparison site.  These won’t always bring you the results you are after, but they are certainly worth a try.

Price comparison websites can also save a lot of time because you can get oodles of information on one single page!

• Coupons

Okay, so you have found yourself the perfect plus size party dress in the January sales and you are all ready to place your order.  But wait!  You may be able to get it for an even lower price…

Some online suppliers issue promotional money-off coupons and these can be used when you get to their checkout page.  Try going onto Google and typing in the trader’s name with the word ‘coupon’ after it.  You may just be surprised…

• Do Some Research

If you find the plus size dress you want on a website you have never heard of then do some checking up!  Most online suppliers are 100% genuine, but there are always the odd exceptions…  For example, what is this company’s customer service like?  And do they accept returns?

You will soon know if it is a supplier to avoid simply by reading about what other customers have to say.  If all you find are bad experiences then resume your search elsewhere!

There are some excellent suppliers of plus size clothes for women on the Net.  When you shop with someone like http://www.Plussize-dresses.com, you are sure to find plenty of bargains… and not just in the January sales either!!

However, there are certain things we can do to make our homes safer…

• Fitting more secure locks to our doors and windows is always a good idea.

• Many intruders will be deterred if we install exterior lighting around our home’s perimeter.

• A house alarm is a must and they are normally really simple to install.

But the wisest home security investment of all, for any homeowner, is a CCTV system!   Just think about how many crimes are solved in modern day society because of CCTV footage.  It is a well known fact that Closed Circuit Television systems help to bring numerous criminals to justice and any police officer will tell you that they also prevent crime!

Think of it this way; if you were a burglar and you were trying to decide which property to rob, then would you choose one which had video cameras on the wall???  CCTV systems will deter even the most determined of criminals simply because they are clearly visible!

Now, if you enquire about a CCTV system with a professional company, you are probably talking about a cost of £1,000!  However, don’t let this put you off…  suppliers like Maplin.co.uk have a great choice of CCTV systems for a fraction of this price and you don’t have to be a genius to fit them either.  The majority of these kits are suitable for anyone who has a basic knowledge of DIY, so that means no additional installation costs!

If you want to step-up your home security, then have a look at the CCTV systems at http://www.maplin.co.uk/.  Not only will they make your home safer, but they will also give you great peace of mind!

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If you thought that door handles were limited to brass or stainless steel, then you obviously haven’t looked around very much!  There are some stunning designs out there are they are made from a myriad of materials.  Glass, wood, acrylic, alloy, porcelain; or sometimes a mish-mash of several different substances!

Certain things in life are worth paying a bit extra for and door handles are most certainly one of these.  When you stop and think just how many times our doors are opened and closed, you will realise exactly how must strain is placed on a handle.  This is why it is so important for it to be constructed from top quality materials.  You may be able to find a style of handle that you like for a far lower price, but just how well-made will it be?  And it isn’t just to do with its outer appearance either; the small components within a handle are what do the actual work!

Buying a slightly more expensive handle for a door is far more cost effective than fitting a ‘cheap and cheerful’ one every couple of years.  All in all, low price door handles are a great example of false economy!  Besides, why scrimp on quality?  The door handles in our homes do a huge amount of work and we should always make a point of fitting the best ones we can find.

And at a top supplier like http://www.doorchic.co.uk/ you will get exactly what you are looking for; quality, style and craftsmanship for a genuinely realistic price!

Here are just a few good reasons why places such as Brighouse are a better place to live -

• Less Crime

There is always a risk of crime, wherever you have a property. However, you are likely to see far less of it if you live in a small town like Brighouse.

And the great news is that you will find plenty of properties to choose from in this area when you visit a website like http://www.pickardproperties.co.uk/!

• Less Traffic, Less Pollution

Don’t you just hate breathing in all of those horrible exhaust fumes when you are walking along the street in Bradford?  There is far less traffic in Brighouse making it a much healthier place to live!

And there is also the safety aspect to consider; fewer cars on the street will mean less chance of accidents!

• Just as Many Facilities

Just because you decide to move away from a big city, it does not mean that you will have nowhere to shop!

Most small towns will have a great variety of stores and you will also get a far better standard of service as well…  Because the shops in Brighouse are less busy, shopkeepers will have more time to talk to their customers!

• A Greater Sense of Community

Living in a large city like Bradford will often feel pretty anonymous.  In fact, most people are lucky if you even know their next door neighbours these days!

However, towns like Brighouse will have quite a strong sense of community and this can make it a far nicer place to live.

If you are tired of big city problems, then why not take a look at some of the properties at http://www.pickardproperties.co.uk/brighouse-property.php?  This could be a very wise ‘move’ indeed!

The truth is that a property is a very expense thing to maintain.  Few homes will go for very long before they require a certain amount of work and this is when you could begin wishing that you had a landlord to foot the bill!  Many homeowners will say that paying rent for a property is simply ‘dead money’, but that depends on how you look at it…

These same homeowners have probably never had an expensive repair job to contend with… as yet.  If they had, then they would be fully aware of the big financial merits attached to renting!  Leaky roofs, burst water pipes and faulty boilers are all common problems in properties and they are normally costly jobs to have put right. Most homeowners will be unable to carry out this type of repair work by themselves, so it will mean having to pay for expert services… and that is when it starts getting expensive!

This is why a growing number of people are renting flats in Leeds and other major cities.  Not only will these tenants have no worries about paying for routine repairs, but they will also be much closer to the office!  If anything ever does go wrong, then you will simply have to notify your letting agency.  There will be no workmen to contact and you won’t be sat around waiting for a big scary repair bill to drop through the letterbox.  In fact, the most expensive item that you will ever need to replace will be the occasional light bulb!

If you are looking for a property to rent, then http://www.cityliving.co.uk/ have a superb selection to choose from.  They have an excellent reputation and take a great deal of pride in offering their tenants the very best rented accommodation.

Ultralase eye surgery can sometimes be found at a lower price abroad; however, it is important to be aware that not all clinics will use the same high standards of technology.  Some experts recommend patients to undergo their treatment in the UK as other countries can lack adequate knowledge or medical training that is required by law in the United Kingdom.

Anyone who does choose to go overseas for their Ultralase eye surgery should be aware that problems can still occur after the operation is complete; if all has not gone strictly to plan, then you may find yourself requiring a fair amount of aftercare.  This is why it is advisable to undergo the procedure in the UK…  If you do, and it is necessary to have any enhancement surgery after the operation, it will more than likely be covered by the aftercare costs!

Another factor to bear in mind is that the sunlight can be exceptionally bright in many foreign climates… and if you have just had Ultralase eye surgery then this can cause you a great deal of discomfort!  Sure, you can always invest in a pair of sunglasses, but won’t you already have enough to contend with?  Besides, the whole point of the procedure is not having to wear any glasses!!

So, even thought the initial procedure may be cheaper overseas, the follow-up treatment can actually end up making the whole business much more expensive (not to mention stressful)!  All in all, it is far easier and much more cost effective to have your Ultralase eye surgery in the UK.  Why go to all of the time and expense of travelling abroad for your surgery when there are well trained and well respected clinics such as http://www.ultralase.com/vites/treatment-choices right here in the UK?

So how can you tell which insurers are the best ones? A very good question!  And knowing the answer to this will result in you getting an optimal amount of protection for a realistic price…  So, as you can imagine, it is well worth doing a little research when you are taking out an insurance policy!  And this applies to any type of cover; for your home, pet, car or holiday!

Here are two ways of finding one of the better companies to deal with –

• Shop Online!!!

Not only will you find the lowest prices on the internet, but you will also find plenty of information.  A short space of time spent on the Net can be very rewarding indeed…

You will see exactly what level of cover each policy offers and you will be aware of any clauses or exclusions which will invalidate a claim.

• Ask Around!!!

Which insurance company do your friends and family use?  We may be living in a high-tech age, but word of mouth is still the best form of advertising!  And in the world of insurance, reputation means a great deal!

Perhaps someone you know has had to make a claim on their insurance in the past?  If so, they will be able to tell you exactly what type of service they received.

Talking to a few different people can give you a pretty good idea of which insurers to have a closer look at… or any to avoid!

One of the best insurers to deal with are http://www.autonetinsurance.co.uk.  They are well known for their low prices and they really do offer customers a level of service that is second to none!

Renting your own ‘holiday cottage’ can provide you with a welcome extra income.  Although, exactly how much money it generates will be dependent on several factors…

• The Location of Your Property

Where your property is situated will have a huge bearing on the amount of rent you will be able to charge.

For example, a 2 bedroom home in North Wales is likely to bring in £6,000 every year, whilst a similar property in Yorkshire is likely to generate an annual income of £7,500.

• How Often You Rent Out Your Property

You will need to decide on exactly how many weeks of the year you are going to rent your property and how much of the time you want to keep it for your own use.

It may be more lucrative to rent it out as much as possible, but don’t forget that you will need time to carry out any routine maintenance.

• The Level of Comfort in Your Property

The more creature comforts you have fitted inside your property the better.  Holidaymakers will normally be prepared to pay a little extra if there are additional facilities to make their stay more enjoyable.

Consider installing some extra features that your visitors will find appealing such as a power shower, a spa bath or maybe even a four poster bed! And who knows, they may want to return another year!!

• The Size of Your Property

This is another really important factor that will have a big effect on how much profit you will make.  Obviously, the more people you are able to accommodate in your holiday property, the more money you going to get.

If your property has 2 bedrooms them it may earn you around £8,000 per annum.  However, if it were to have 4 bedrooms then this figure could be more within the region of £12,500!

Anyone who is interested in letting out their property should contact an agency such as http://www.rentmycottage.com.  They will provide you with all of the information you need and will advertise your holiday cottage in all of the best places!

Prices are steadily increasing and it is becoming much more expensive to go abroad.  Airlines are now allowing their passengers to take far less luggage on a flight and there are also substantial charges for anyone carrying any extra weight.  Some companies are also introducing a fee for such facilities as toilets and there is even talk of ‘standing room only’ on certain flights!

It’s no wonder then, why so many holidaymakers are now choosing to take their break in the UK instead.  There will be no airport parking to pay for, no costly plane tickets to buy and you will not have the expense of renewing your passport!  Besides, there are so many different locations to consider visiting without even having to leave the country.

And when it comes to booking accommodation in the UK, more and more families are choosing to stay in holiday cottages.  These can be found in virtually any part of England, Wales or Scotland, and they are a far more cost effective way of having a holiday!

A lot of us will have forgotten just how many wonderful holiday destinations there are on our very own doorstep.  However, the fact is that you don’t need to go overseas to find stunning scenery, beautiful beaches or great family days out!  The UK has some fantastic areas to visit and there will certainly be no shortage of things to see or do.

So why pay through the nose to go abroad when you can have just as good a holiday in the UK instead?  And if you are saving your money by staying in a holiday cottage, you will have more to spend on luxuries during your time away!  Companies like http://www.easycottages.com have a great selection of properties to choose from and many of these are in some of the UK’s most sought-after locations!

(Mind you, it’s also worth remembering that Florida is a fantastic place to visit whatever you are looking for…)

Now relaxation itself can take on many forms… and that is exactly what makes Florida the ideal location!  The bottom line is that ‘The Sunshine State’ can provide everything for everyone; however they like to relax.  This may mean wandering around one of the National Parks, stretching out on an idyllic beach or visiting the immense Universal Studios…

• The Florida Keys

Sit back, close your eyes and imagine this;

Palm trees swaying gently in a warm breeze, a beautiful clear blue ocean lapping across a wonderful golden beach and a delicious chilled fruit drink close to hand.

Got that?  If so, then you have a pretty good idea of what the Florida Keys are like to visit.  You can probably see why they are such a popular destination!

• Golf

If golf is your preferred way of relaxing, then Florida is a must!

There are courses for every standard of player in Florida and it is home to some of the most famous fairways in the world such as the Jim McLean Signature Course, Seminole, Black Diamond Ranch and the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.

• The Everglades

The Everglades really is one of Florida’s most beautiful areas of all.  And visitors will find that it has so many relaxing activities to consider…

There are hiking trails to explore, fishing lakes to enjoy, boat trips to take and camping areas to stay in.

All in all, anyone looking for a relaxing holiday destination will find that Florida ticks every box.  And if you are booking your trip with someone like http://www.florida4less.co.uk, then it will not cost you the earth either.  They have a great choice of Florida holidays at a price to suit any pocket!

The secret to successful mosaics is to make sure you use the right size and tile colour for the space you are working with. For example, if you’re tiling a shower or bathroom, natural tile colours and sizes that resemble stones in a waterfall can work really well, and you can enhance the look with complementary shower curtains, natural soaps and exotic plants.

Mosaics can work well on kitchen work surfaces as not only do they look great, they also provide a functional and easy to clean splashback for your cooker and sink. You can choose tiles that enhance the colours or designs of your kitchen cupboards, or for a more modern and expressive look, choose larger tiles to create a textural and visually impactful pattern on the wall.

Mosaic flooring is an ideal choice for a wide variety of rooms and the technique can really freshen up the space available without being overwhelming. Multiple colours can be used to create patterns that give the room texture, and another widely used technique is to continue the floor mosaic part way up the walls for an unusual yet striking effect.

But the real benefit of mosaic tiling is that it gives you an opportunity to really use your imagination when it comes to patterns, shapes, colours, and layouts and to create something daring, bold, and unique.

To learn more about how to use mosaic tiling in your home, visit http://www.thetiledepot.co.uk/

There are a few important things to consider when setting up a guest bedroom, starting with the room itself. Are you converting an existing room to a bedroom? Are you turning a corner of your living room into a space that can double as a sleeping area? Are you building an extension just so you can have an extra bedroom? Either way, it’s important to get the colours, lighting, and mood of the room just right so that your guests can enjoy a good night’s sleep in a stylish and comfortable space. Remember that if you’re creating a dual purpose room, that any colours and furnishings you use work just as well during the day as they do at night.

But the most important piece of furniture in a guest bedroom is the bed itself, and this is where you need to weight up how often the room or space will be used against how much floor area you have to spare. For example, if the room or space will only be used occasionally, you can sacrifice some sleeping comfort for floor space by picking up a pull out bed that doubles as comfy seat. This type of bed can convert from a stylish armchair or sofa in seconds which is also ideal if you have unexpected overnight guests.

If you’re converting a room into a guest bedroom and you don’t need to worry about saving space or using the room for anything else, you can really push the boat out by purchasing either a double bed or two single beds, or even bunk beds depending on who is likely to use the room. And if the room is going to be a permanent bedroom, it also gives you the chance to really make the most of the decor, with matching bed linen, rugs, curtains and more!

To find our more about the kinds of beds available for guest bedrooms, visit http://www.storagebedsdirect.co.uk/

One thing to remember is that it’s important to know what kind of improvements to invest in if you want to see the maximum return on your money. Get it wrong and you could end up reducing the value of your home, or worse, you could have a home that is really difficult to sell. With that in mind, improvements like swimming pools and lavishly landscaped gardens may improve your quality of life, but unless your home is in the right kind of neighbourhood, they won’t increase its worth.

Alternatively, you could consider a loft conversion, a new cellar, an extension or garage, a new bathroom, or something as simple as updating your double glazing or central heating. However, an almost guaranteed way to make your home more attractive to potential future buyers while improving your quality of life at the same time is to invest as much as you can afford in your kitchen – especially if you can only afford to give one room a makeover. Often the heart of the home, you should really consider a full professional redesign if your kitchen is especially outdated.

More affordable ways to improve your kitchen include fitting new cupboard doors and handles, installing tile splashbacks, replacing tired blinds and other furnishings, painting the walls, and laying a new floor. And if your budget stretches a little further, you could even go so far as to replace your appliances to get the modern, clean and co-ordinated look that buyers really go for.

To find out more about adding value to your home, visit http://www.sncollection.co.uk/

You might not know it, but there are some definitely dos and donts when it comes to decorating a baby’s or toddler’s room and the most obvious is to not theme the room. Why? Because theming can become quite expensive if the theme stretches to bed linen, curtains and other soft furnishings, and as your baby grows they’ll eventually want something different. Another don’t is to let younger children make the final decision when it comes to decorating their rooms as they’re known for changing their minds at the drop of a hat. What you can do instead is listen to what they want and guide them to a decision that suits you both.

Definite dos include building as much storage into the room as possible to keep all those toys and clutter at bay, choosing furniture that can grow with your child, and making sure the room not only offers somewhere to play but that it also provides a comfy, safe and warm place to sleep.

Which brings us to our last point – safety must come first so window locks and electrical socket covers are essential, as is fixing heavy furniture to the walls and floor, and removing any trip hazards and other dangers. Your child will thank you for it!

To read more about decorating your child’s room, visit http://www.roller-blinds-direct.co.uk/

A great place to find inspiration are the pages of your favorite home décor magazines and websites, where their designers have already done the hard work. Hopefully, this will inspire your makeover and offer you an endless supply of the kind of ideas, tips and tricks that will help you achieve the look and feel you’re after.

The basics are the same, whatever room you’re transforming. In fact, any room can be given a fresh look with just a new coat of paint and some complementary decorative accents such as a patterned wallpaper or contrasting colour on one wall, some stylish window treatments such as bold coloured curtains on designer curtain poles, modern blinds, or even something as simple as some wooden trim around window frames and other structural edges.

Removing clutter is a quick and easy way to update a room and bring the focus away from the mess and back on to the décor. Although a carefully considered selection of thrifty accessories and other decorative items like candles, mirrors, wall art, fabric and photographs can help to create a designer look and feel, a particular mood, or a whole new living environment without the it being too hard on your wallet.

To find out more about creating a designer look on a low budget, visit http://www.polesdirect.com/

Arguments against spending money on surgery mainly revolve around the cost itself. It is a very expensive procedure which is not covered under health insurance, and most patients end up paying for more than one treatment – sometimes because of an addiction to improving their appearance, and sometimes to repair the damage done by the first. Another valid argument is that surgery isn’t really necessary – it’s essentially a luxury expense that most people can do without, and a lot of people believe that spending money on luxuries only leads to stress caused by debt, rather than happiness.

On the other hand, cosmetic surgery can also be cost-effective in some cases. For example, weight reduction surgery can help extremely obese people to lose weight, and therefore spend less on healthcare. Serious self esteem issues can often be resolved by surgery which can have financial benefits, and it has been suggested that looking younger and healthier can improve your chances in the job market!

But the real question is whether it’s possible to reduce the cost of plastic surgery once you’ve decided to go through with it? It’s certainly possible with a little bit of thought and a creative strategy, and solutions range from medical tourism that involves travel to countries where procedures are cheaper, to taking out a low or no interest plastic surgery loan instead of using a credit card or remortgaging your property. Shopping around is also important as some providers are cheaper than others, but the most effective way to lower the cost – and enjoy the results sooner – is to ensure you have the minimum amount of surgery you actually need!

To find out more about the costs of plastic surgery, visit http://www.mya.co.uk/

The chances are you don’t have one of those huge designer kitchens that you see in magazines, and you likely don’t have a glamorous studio kitchen that you see on TV either. You’re more likely to have one like this, which is why these practical suggestions for visual effects that can transform your kitchen will probably work best for you.

A great way to freshen up tired kitchen furniture is to simply replace door handles and cupboard handles with modern designer hardware that you can pick up from DIY stores on your high street, and even online. There are a huge range of styles and designs to choose from, and you will always find something to match and complement the look you are aiming for.

If you’d like to add a splash of colour to your kitchen, how about some tile mosaic splashbacks above your work surfaces? Cheap tableware, dishes and plates come in all kinds of colours and designs, too, and you can often find matching tablecloths, placemats, blinds and even flowers for a totally co-ordinated look.

If your budget can stretch a little further, picking up matching appliances that are all silver or all white can add to your kitchen’s modern clean lines, while mismatched appliances and a range of colours and brass or copper utentils and other items can create a more rustic and homely environment.

But whatever look your choose for your kitchen, finding great ideas that can help you to really make a meal of your budget is easier than you think.

To find out more classy kitchens on a budget, visit http://www.handleworld.co.uk/

There are loads of techniques you can put to use in any room, with the most effective being a feature wall. If your room already has a neutral colour scheme a feature wall can introduce excitement , personality and a real focal point without overpowering the existing decor. It’s an opportunity to experiment with colour and moods, and if you’re the kind of person who likes to redecorate often, it’s a great way to completely define the look of a room with much less effort than decorating the entire space.

Accessories like artwork, mirrors, rugs and other soft furnishing, and even large flower displays can also provide much-needed focal points in a large space, and can also make a smaller room seem much bigger than it actually is. Glass and chrome furniture create modern, clean and minimalistic lines without sacrificing practicality, while sconces, pillar candles, vases and sculptures can create a more classic feel.

But one of the most overlooked methods of making a room look more elegant involves sprucing  up window furniture. Fabric shades and roman blinds offer privacy, light control and plenty of style without breaking the bank, and it’s easy to customise your window decorations with extra fabric, trim, or valances to complement and add to the mood that your room has already created.

To find out more about how window blinds can make any room seem more sophisticated, visit http://www.directblinds.co.uk/

How? Because with just a little bit of creativity, just the right amount of know-how, and our tips, tricks and suggestions, you can have a home like those featured at http://www.periodliving.co.uk/ for much less than you think.

The first thing people might notice – and touch – in your home are your door knobs, and you can make a great first impression by replacing your knobs with over designed reproduction or authentic glass ones – sources online, or from second hand or antique stores. Displaying a special set of collectables was also popular in Victorian times, and can also make a big first impact if you use an authentic-looking glass cabinet or intricately designed étagère full of pictures and treasures in your hallway or living area.

Other money-saving tips include patterned wallpaper or even stenciled paper for a similar but much cheaper effect, layered rugs under tables and in front of fireplaces, and tassels on door knobs, curtain tiebacks, chairs, and even lamps.

Decorative ironwork is also essential in recreating that sought-after period look, and one of the areas of your home where this look can work exceptionally well is your curtain poles. You can find authentic poles with a real Victorian feel to them at architectural salvage yards and antique shops. However if your budget is tight it’s often well worth looking online for cheap designer iron curtain poles and you’re almost guaranteed to find something stylish that not only suits your home, but your pocket too!

Find out more about creating a period look with iron curtain poles by visiting http://www.curtainpolesdirect.co.uk/

It doesn’t matter how big or how small your room is – there are plenty of tips and tricks online for using storage, colours, furniture and accessories that can make your lounge or living room look much bigger, more stylish, and a lot more pleasant to be in.

It’s a good idea to start off with the small things such as door handles. They’re cheap, simple and easy to replace and there are a huge range of styles and designs to choose from at high street DIY stores and even online. Soft furnishing accessories like slipcovers and cushions can update drab seating, and different lighting techniques and candles can create lots of different moods all in the same room.

Walls can be given a facelift by painting or papering with coloured and patterned wallpapers, or by hanging prints, photographs or even fabric to create a striking feature piece and an entire new look. A large mirror on one wall can also make a room look much bigger than it is. Give a similar treatment to windows with new blinds, curtains or window valances, and bring your flooring up to date with brightly coloured or funky patterned rugs.

Finally, the quickest, easiest and most definitely the cheapest way to freshen a living room is to remove clutter to restore the clean lines and visual harmony your room – and your eyes – deserve.

For more ways to improve your  lounge decor, visit http://www.handlesdirect.co.uk/

These exit strategies should be planned early, arguably as part of the initial business plan. Consideration to the exit should be given not only because it may determine how the business is structured, but also because it helps understand that succession and exit planning is a tailored process that requires planning, periodic reassessment and is rarely a single event.

Knowing when to walk away from your business is one of the hardest issues to face. For many, the heart still rules the head when it should be the other way around. Often a successful exit strategy needs input form a source outside of the company.

Top tips for getting the right advice

1. Ask your bank manager, accountant or business colleagues to recommend corporate finance specialists with the appropriate expertise to suit your type and size of business.
2. Try to find advisers who are the right size for your deal. There is no point in hiring people who specialise in selling £20 million IT companies if yours is a £2 million automotive component business.
3. Invite 2 or 3 firms to pitch for your business. Ask them who they have advised and ensure that they have the right contacts in your sector.
4. Only hire them if you think you can work with them. You need to feel comfortable with the individual(s) as you could be working closely with them for a considerable period of time and may need their shoulder to lean on if the situation becomes difficult.
5. Make sure that you are speaking the same language. Many specialists are so focused on the technicalities of what they do that they forget that in this area you are essentially a layman. If they can’t communicate clearly with you so that you fully understand the process, don’t hire them.
6. Ensure that you fully understand and agree the basis of fees to be charged by corporate finance advisers. Fees will normally consist of an up-front retainer with a success related element payable on completion of the site.

With the correct corporate finance adviser on-board from the offset it should be able to maximise the benefits of your exit plan and minimise the tax issues and red tape, leading to a more financially secure retirement, a pain free hand over of the family business or the necessary capital to invest in your next entrepreneurial venture.

For more information on the corporate finance services provided by PKF please visit http://www.pkf.co.uk/pkf/services/corporate_finance/home

The current economic climate is bad news for most businesses – and the problems don’t stop at the difficulty of sourcing corporate finance. Historically it has been shown that, as growth falls, so is there a rise in the incidence of fraud.

The collapse of the sub-prime market in the US, and he resulting impact on the British banking industry, is notorious enough to have popularised a new phrase in he language: ‘credit crunch’. This crunch has slowed own or even reversed the rapid growth in house prices experienced by the UK in recent years, and mortgage enders have become increasingly cautious about whom they lend to, and how much. Added to this is the rise in global oil prices and diminishing confidence in the economy as a whole. As a result, inflation is increasing at a rate unlikely to be matched by wages. The Bank of England has cut interest rates, but these savings have not been passed on to borrowers by banks and building societies, who are trying to recoup their losses. Such torrid conditions, unfortunately, provide an ideal environment for the growth of fraud.

The big picture

The economic cycle in the UK has traditionally been one of boom and bust.

GDP in the UK grew rapidly in the late 1980s as house prices increased and consumer confidence was high. However this growth was unsustainable and in the early 1990s a major correction occurred in the housing market, leading to a fall in prices and leaving many home owners faced with negative equity. This led to a recession, with the GDP not growing again until 1993. During this period of recession a number of previously unrecognised frauds were uncovered: the collapse of BCCI and the plundering of pension funds by Robert Maxwell being the largest.

This resurgence of growth was impeded in 1995 by the fraudulent trading of Nick Leeson which resulted in the collapse of Barings Bank. Despite this, the economy did start a cautious recovery in the late 1990s, mainly due to the growth of the internet and dotcom companies. Yet, paradoxically, the huge influx of these companies onto the market led to investor confidence decreasing at the end of the millennium, with many of the dotcoms failing, resulting in another decline in the economy. Lo and behold, another round of corporate frauds emerged: Worldcom, Equitable Life and Enron, dragging its auditors Arthur Andersen down with it.

Such patterns can hardly be coincidence. It is often said that the recipe for fraud is threefold: personal and organisational pressures + opportunities + belief that the fraud will go undetected. When the economy is rosy, the first of these ingredients is less likely to be present. But when individuals in organisations come under pressure to perform against unreasonable odds – such as in an economic downturn – then the foundations are laid for potential fraud. It is also the case that fraud is more likely to be detected in such a downturn, as more attention is paid to internal controls and allocation of revenue is more closely monitored.

It remains to be seen whether the current ‘market correction’ will be as severe as the 1990s downturn. Still it is likely that, as belts begin to tighten, more large scale corporate frauds will emerge. This in turn will impact on the economy as consumer confidence decreases in their wake.

The impact

CIFAS, the UK’s fraud prevention service which compiles statistics from its member organisations, has shown the number of identified fraud cases is growing each year:

Amongst the largest categories of fraud identified by CIFAS are false identity and false impersonation, where personal data is obtained and then used by the fraudster to their own advantage. The main reason for the increase in this type of fraud is undoubtedly the rise of online shopping, where the purchaser is absent; but it is probable that the credit crunch will indirectly exacerbate this type of fraud, as more consumers buy online to take advantage of cost savings.

Although it is the large corporate scandals which hit the headlines, many smaller organisations also suffer fraud, and instances of this are likely to rise during times of economic pressure. Fraud is usually perpetrated by employees who find themselves in financial difficulty and have the opportunity to remove funds from their employer, believing that their actions will go undetected. With the potential increase in unserviceable debt caused by the credit crunch, there is a greater risk that hitherto honest employees, if provided with an opportunity, may feel under pressure to defraud their employer in order to meet their liabilities.

A climate for fraud to flourish A credit crunch is not a new phenomenon. It is, rather, a natural part of the economic cycle. During these periods of slowdown, large scale corporate frauds tend to emerge, shaking consumer confidence and weakening the markets further. As inflation rises faster than pay-scales, there is increased incentive for employees to defraud their employers in order to make ends meet. In the internet age, with more information publicly available, it is also easier for career fraudsters to ply their trade, thus leading to an overall increase in fraud across the board. How many of these frauds come to light depends on the vigilance of organisations, and their attitude to litigation will affect how such frauds are treated. Is an example to be made of the fraudster to act as a deterrent to others, or is it something to be investigated internally and kept quiet to avoid publicity? It is almost certain that fraud is on the increase, and the current economic environment only heightens the risks for all categories. Companies may find that their systems of internal controls are tested to their limits in the months and years to come.

To find our more about fraud risk management contact partner David Dearman: david.dearman@uk.pkf.com

Although the Honourable East India Company, founded in 1600, is often recognised as the first modern business entity, it may have been the Ancient Egyptians who first created organisations that were recognisably similar to modern businesses. The building of the pyramids is perhaps the ultimate example of what can be achieved with operational structures and processes that are fit for purpose.

However, as businesses evolved into their modern forms, it became necessary to structure a company in a suitable manner not only operationally but financially, to take account of the many legal and financial reporting requirements. Throughout the twentieth century, different management schools of thought debated the best way to manage and structure a business operationally, while the financial structure of businesses remained relatively simple.

The concept of financial restructuring was generally only considered an occasional activity for major corporate bodies, until the M&A boom of the 1980s saw the widespread growth of ‘financial gimmickry’ to improve a business’s situation. Since then, and particularly in the last ten years, there has been extraordinary growth in the variety of complex and inventive debt and equity instruments available. Such instruments, combined with high levels of market liquidity, provided opportunities for all sizes of business to undergo regular financial restructurings, each one often resulting in a more complex balance sheet than the last.

Heads in the sand

The ease with which many businesses have been able to obtain new money to rectify difficulties in their balance sheets and cashflow has led to problems. Rarely did they, or the other parties involved, examine why the need for the financial restructuring had occurred. To use a building analogy, some businesses were re-plastering the walls to hide the subsidence cracks.

The need for financial restructuring is often just a symptom of wider problems that can stem from operational issues. Hence many businesses have found themselves doing it repeatedly, only to find themselves requiring more money. Suddenly, this money is less easy to get hold of. It is to be hoped that the shortage of easy money will now force such businesses to take their heads out of the sand and think operationally. Unfortunately, many are now finding that, although previous refinancings may have afforded them ample time and options for restructuring the operational side of the business, they now have far less room to manoeuvre.

A three-sided problem

Sadly, all parties – management, lenders, advisers – must share the blame for this predicament. Management have found it too easy to accept ready cash to fill a financial hole and continue spending on big expansion plans, some of which may have been entered into without ensuring the business was operationally sound. At the same time, lenders often set targets for their front line sales and customer relationship staff based primarily on selling new lending and other products. Problems arose from ever more relaxed lending criteria, with little incentive to monitor customers that were struggling to repay. Advisers, meanwhile, could earn substantial fees advising on balance sheet restructurings and refinancings, and were able to satisfy clients without pushing the much harder sell of examining and advising on the day-to-day running of the business.

Although financial restructurings and refinancings will continue to be necessary, it is essential that, as they occur, any underlying issues on the operational side of the business are also addressed.

Example: Roped together

Two associated companies share common ownership and management, but are not a part of the same corporate group. One company operates within the transport industry and has proved very profitable with a negligible amount of debt.

The second company is in construction, in particular the building of houses using pre-fabricated walls, roofs and floors. This company was not so successful and has invested heavily in new technology and products funded wholly through debt. Having already gone through a number of refinancings, this medium sized business was (like many companies at the present time) highly leveraged, with multiple levels of debt and all of its tangible assets financed.

The senior bank was becoming concerned that upcoming repayments would not be met as the company was failing to meet its forecasts. Another financial restructuring was needed – but this time no further debt could be raised and the equity was not an attractive proposition.

As a result, a plan was conceived for the associated company to borrow in order to lend to the construction company. This solved the immediate financial concerns, but clearly the construction company had underlying operational issues which had led to an unsustainable level of cash consumption. Like so many businesses that turnaround advisers come across, it was too turnover focused and had seemingly forgotten the need for profit and value creation. Management tried to justify this as a ‘development phase’.

A comprehensive review of the business led to the consolidation of two factory premises into one, management changes, the initial suspension of all R&D activity, and a comprehensive costing review which resulted in hard-nosed negotiations with both supplier and customers to improve both cashflow and profit margins.

Without such measures, particularly with a worsening outlook for the industry sector, the company would almost certainly have failed and dragged the associated company down with it. Such measures could have been implemented much earlier if any of the parties involved had recognised the need to address operational issues alongside implementing any financial restructuring. This would have avoided the need for the associated company to risk its own business by borrowing heavily to support the construction company.

Turnaround solutions

The process of operational restructuring and turnaround can be adapted to any given set of circumstances to focus on a specific area, or examine the business in its entirety. It often consists of four main stages:

• Emergency stabilisation
• Diagnostic
• Reporting and structuring
• Implementation and monitoring

Both the first and fourth phases are likely to involve financial restructuring.

Financial restructuring should be a tool used to fit the operational needs of a business, which should in turn be focused on profitability and value creation. It should not be used as a stand-alone remedy to mask the underlying causes of a business’s failure to operate efficiently and effectively. It only treats a financial symptom of such failure.

A financial restructuring can often be the first, essential step on the road to securing a business’s long-term future. But it can only be successful if it complements the operational side of the business that is itself structured to be fit for purpose. There is certainly no shame in seeking advice on operational issues within a business. If businesses are to survive hard times, it is up to all stakeholders, including lenders and advisers, to encourage a culture in which operational restructuring and turnaround can thrive as financial restructuring has done in the recent past.

For a confidential discussion of any corporate recovery and insolvency issues, please contact partner Philip Long, head of Corporate Recovery and Insolvency: philip.long@uk.pkf.com or tel 020 7065 0330.

Customers who open a Plus account before July 13th will receive six per cent AER (5.84 per cent gross variable) on balances as high as £2,500.

To qualify for the account customers need to deposit at least £1,000 a month and after 12 months the bank will offer a competitive four per cent AER.

Those without the £1,000 a month required to qualify will have to make do with a standard current account, which offers 0.1 per cent AER.

Catherine McGrath, director of current accounts, Lloyds TSB, said: “While many of our competitors are cutting the interest they pay to customers on their current accounts, were bucking the trend offering one of the best deals on the market.”

“By upping the interest we pay on our Plus accounts everyone will be able to make the most of their current account balance.”

Alliance & Leicesters Premier Direct current account and Abbeys Preferred In Credit Option account offer more interest than Lloyds new Plus account, but they both expect a minimum monthly deposit to qualify.

Plan Insure states that that due to the credit crunch fewer people are willing to part with the extra money it costs each month to have a life insurance plan in place.

“It doesnt surprise me that, because of the difficulties people are facing, this problem has become more severe. But it is a risky strategy, for all sorts of reasons,” Simon Firmin, life and pensions adviser for the company, says.

He adds that life cover is “vital” as without it people will struggle to cope with potential difficulties.

Mr Firmin continued to say that there is also an increasing number of borrowers opting for basic life cover rather than full protection.

Recent research from My Mortgage Direct found that only one in five borrowers are signing up for life assurance along with their new mortgage deal, with many citing financial difficulties as the reason they have not taken out cover.

In related news, the Times has reported that an increasing number of homeowners are opting to take mortgage holidays as they are having trouble making their repayments.

Economists had not been expecting a cut, despite the need to boost the economy and stop the restrictions on mortgage lending, due to the recent jump in inflation.

Henk Potts, equity strategist at Barclays Stockbrokers, said: “The Monetary Policy Committee finds itself in the middle of a difficult balancing act, involving rising inflation on one side and slowing economic growth on the other.

“There is no doubt that UK economic growth is moderating.”

In a further blow to homeowners or those looking to take out a mortgage, the interest rate announcement came as Halifax revealed house prices have fallen by 2.4 per cent in May.

The average house price is now £184,111.

It was the second biggest fall on record, with house prices declining by 2.5 per cent in March this year.

James Jones, the consumer education manager at Experian, said that as loans are becoming increasingly difficult to get hold of, consumers need to take steps to maximise their chance of having an application accepted.

He added that lenders often rely on credit histories to help decide whether or not they accept somebodys application, which is why he advises that people should check their information is up-to-date.

Mr Jones added that lenders are also using credit histories to help determine what rates of interest they should charge people.

“Clever consumers are checking their credit reports to make sure that all the information is correct,” he concluded.

Recent research from CreditExpert.co.uk highlighted that many would-be borrowers are not confident that they would be given a loan.

Some 23 per cent of those polled said they would expect to be turned down for a loan of £1,000, while 42 per cent were unsure they could secure £10,000 worth of credit.

Your Mortgage has stated that despite the tightening of the mortgage market in the past six months it is still worth hunting for a good deal.

Pauline McCallion, editor of the online resource, said that, as the cost of living is currently increasing, “it makes sense to try and cut costs where you can”.

However, she added that there are limitations on the market at the moment, with some lenders only accepting applications from certain types of customer and a number of building societies just lending to their members.

The British Bankers Association recently reported that the number of people switching mortgage deals increased by 24 per cent to 74,722 in April this year.

In related news, the Financial Services Authority claims that 1.4 million people are due to come off fixed-rate deals this year and could be searching for another mortgage.

A study by CreditExpert.co.uk has revealed that, although 96 per cent of respondents initially claimed to be familiar their finances, further probing proved that they were not.

It was also noted that only one in four people know how much they have left to pay back on their loans, while a fifth admit to only planning their finances every six months.

Jim Hodgkins, managing director for CreditExpert.co.uk, said that it was “alarming” people knew so little about the state of their finances, adding: “Keeping track of your commitments and planning for the future are always important.”

Other findings which emerged from the research included that people are not confident about applying for loans, with 23 per cent of those questioned expecting to be turned down for a loan of £1,000 and 42 per cent believing they would be refused £10,000.

In related news, MoneyExpert.com has revealed that some 38 per cent of people with debts are concerned about their ability to pay back their loans.

A report from Hometrack asserts that 28.3 per cent of would-be homeowners are unable to afford a property in their locality.

First-time buyers in London and the south-west are in the worst position, with 41 per cent and 40 per cent respectively being unable to get on the ladder.

The company attributes these problems to growing house prices in previous years and rising costs in other areas such as food and utilities which have seen the average mortgage cost for first-time buyers grow by 12 per cent over the past year.

People who want to a buy a property are now spending an average of 34.5 per cent of their salaries on mortgage repayments.

Richard Donnell, director of research at Hometrack, said that while mortgage rates for first-time buyers have increased, changes to the availability of mortgages has had the greatest impact on their ability to buy.

In related news, the Bank of England has revealed that mortgage approvals for April fell to a 15-year low.

The Times reports that a number of major lenders have noted a rise in borrowers taking such a break, which enables them to skip payments for up to a year.

Sue Anderson, of the Council of Mortgage Lenders, told the newspaper that this is a clear sign people are struggling with their day-to-day expenses.

Bradford and Bingley added that an increasing number of borrowers have fallen into arrears and are restructuring their finances to cope with this.

According to the publication, debt charities have also noted this emerging trend, with Chris Tapp of Credit Action saying that they expect it to continue over the coming months.

This follows news from Citigroup that 250,000 homeowners are in negative equity, with the figure forecast to reach one million by the end of 2009.

Research conducted by Moneyfacts.co.uk highlights that since the beginning of the year there have been numerous increases to the rates and charges that people pay for using their credit cards.

It notes that in the past five months alone there have been 22 purchase rate increases, 15 cash rate increases and more than 30 increases to fees such as balance transfer fees and cash withdrawal fees.

The financial website asserts that credit card providers are tightening their criteria, making it difficult for anyone with a less than perfect credit rating to get a competitive deal.

“However, for those with an exemplary credit record there are still good deals to be had,” it adds.

The company advises that when looking to apply for new plastic consumers should think about how they use the card and opt for one which is suitable for their needs.

Recent research from the Fair Investment Company highlighted that people are increasingly opting for credit cards which offer financial incentives rather than ones which look attractive or make donations to charity.

Moneyexpert.coms survey shows that 38 per cent of respondents are worried that they will not be able to pay their loans and credit card bills, a rise of five percent compared to three months ago.

It also emerged that eight per cent of those with debt are “very concerned” about their financial situation.

Of those questioned during the survey, 23 per cent admitted to taking on more debt in the past three months, to help them cope with rising fuel and food prices.

Speaking about the results, Sean Gardner, director of the financial website, said: “These latest figures add up to a collective cry for help as Britains enormous debt mountain looms larger than ever.”

He added that anybody struggling to repay their loans or bills should seek immediate help to avoid getting into more difficulty.

Meanwhile, the Financial Services Authority has advised people to stay on top of their mortgage payments and is launching a new campaign to help people stabilise their finances.