Cash, Cars and Babes

I don't see the point in dreaming about stuff you can't have, such as winning the jackpot on the lottery, or marrying a millionnaire. But apparently, a lot of us do. For four hours a day apparently!

Half of the people asked said that they daydreamed at work, about stuff like winning the lottery, owning a bigger house or a fast car and also travelling the world.

There's no harm in daydreaming about things like travel and cars and things - because they can be achieved. But winning the lottery? That'll never happen!

There are plans for broadband to be distributed via satellite, which should solve problems for people living in blackspot areas. The new service, by BeyondDLS, plans to offer speeds up to 2mbps and would start at about £19.99 a month and will be available nationwide.

It's not that fast on the grand scale of things, but would provide homes who are unable to have normal broadband, to gain access to the Internet, so it's certainly better than nothing.

We have been urged to reduce our outgoings, just in case of any unwanted events which may happen because of the credit crunch. It's been predicted that some businesses may ask their employees to take a pay cut in order to maintain their job security - this inevitably means that there will be less money coming into the home - so, if you reduce your outgoings now, or at least try to, you won't have to struggle so much just in case the pay cuts affect you.

Setting monthly budgets could also be a good idea - I know I do that, and it helps enormously.

The deadline for paper tax returns was the 31st October 2008, but people still have time to file their returns electronically, with the deadline for online returns being the 31st January 2009. So not long left really for those who haven't done it yet.

To fle them electronically, you need a pin code, which you need to request via the HMRC website - in the self assessment section. But they send the pin by post - which can take a week - limiting how long you really have to get your returns in on time. So get it done, as soon as you can.

I've always relied on confused.com to find my car insurance quotes - I have never had any problems, and they always provided me with the best and cheapest options.

There's a lot of competition in the market at the minute when it comes to comparing car insurance, and gives everybody the opportunity to search as many quotes a possible.

And, the general consensus is that the easier the application form, the better. Which is why confused.com have improved their existing site - All you have to do is fill in 4 pages of information, which is then saved. That's the only information you will have to fill in. They do the rest of the work for you. And people seem to be giving their new site positive feedback. May be worth checking out if your insurance is due for renewal. Could save you hundreds.

If the government wants to see any sort of revival in consumer confidence, they need to reduce income tax. According to fool.co.uk, lots of lenders won't be passing on the interest rate cuts which we saw last week, which means consumers will be less likely to benefit from the move.

Reducing taxes will have an immediate impact on household revenue and will boost consumer confidence and hopefully act to mprove the economy!

Norwich Union are set to change their name, to Aviva.

The name combines 40 different trading names from around the world, but Norwich Union's products and services will remain the same.

It seems that a lot of UK consumers are cutting down on how much they eat, according to Domino's Pizza. A lot of us are cutting back on the amount of healthy pricey food, and opting instead, for the cheaper ranges. The big supermarkets, Tesco and Asda, have introduced a new £1 range of food stuffs, highlighting the importance of cheaper, affordable food.

But will it affect the health of our nation? At a time where obesity is proving to be a bit of a problem, people could do with eating healthy, not opting for the cheaper, less healthy alternatives.

An online pawnbroker, borro.com, have said that they will waiver interest on all of their new short term loans, which are taken out before the end of the month.

Their average loan lasts for 3 months, which means that, with interest rates of between 3 and 6%, interest is basically reduced by a third.

Why are they doing it? It is part of an attempt on their behalf, of bringing the pawnbroker into the 21st century, hoping that they can introduce the pawnbroking option as a viable alternative to the contemporary lending routes.

Why not take a look at what Argos are offering, with up to 50% off? The end of catalogue sale is now on, and includes hundreds of items with 50% reductions.

The sale is on until 16 January. Get looking! Or just hang on til their new catalogue is out and see what new stuff they have to offer. Unfortunately, there won't be 50% off, but still...

If you take a look at Littlewoods Direct, you may find something of interest in their 70% off online sale. The sale includes 70% off clothing as well as toys; 50% off furniture, home and electrical and also 40% off applicances.

Have a butchers - you never know if you may find something.