Budget announcements can see people feeling that they have come out worse off. However, this time it seems to be different.

If you’re approaching the age when you need to start planning for retirement or investing in over 50s life cover, this Budget should provide you with a glimmer of hope for your finances.

Here are the main ways that the Budget 2014 will affect your pension:

Compulsory annuities scrapped

For a long time it has been compulsory for pensioners to exchange their fund for an annuity. However, with annuity rates at rock bottom and many other options available on the market, there have been calls to relax the rules.

The Chancellor went a step further and decided to scrap them altogether. It is now the responsibility of each person to use their pension fund wisely. It will still be possible to draw up to 25% of it tax-free, but the rest is up to you.

Annuities will still provide a guaranteed income for life, but from April 2015 they will no longer be compulsory.

Relaxed restrictions

As it will take time to introduce new laws around the new pensions, the Chancellor has made it easier for people to manage their existing pensions. These changes will come into play on 27^th March 2014, so there’s no time to hang around.

The biggest changes include changes to the limits of pension pots being cashed in. You will now be able to cash in up to £10,000, revised up from £2,000, regardless of other pension provision.

Pensions with a total value of up to £30,000 – up from £18,000 – can also be cashed in. Pensioners can choose to cash in or drawn down any pension pot if they have guaranteed pensions of just £12,000, rather than £20,000.

Introduction of NISAs

Anyone drawing their 25% tax-free lump sum will be pleased to hear that the cash ISA allowance has gone up again. While it tends to increase by a few hundred pounds each year, the Chancellor has tripled it to £15,000.up to £15,000 cash and earn tax-free interest on the whole lot.

The Family and Childcare Trust’s annual report has found that the average cost of having one child in part-time nursery and another in an after-school club is a little over £7,500 a year¹.

It also reveals that families with two year old children requiring full-time childcare are paying around £11,700 a year. These figures are well in excess of the average annualUKmortgage payment, which stood at £7,207 in 2012.

The cost of childcare inBritainhas soared by 27% since 2009 despite stagnant wages. This increasing cost is worrying for parents, who are being forced to make the decision between going to work and staying at home.

The high cost of childcare highlights the importance of having a suitable life insurance policy in place.

All children inEngland,WalesandScotlandcurrently receive free part-time early education – usually two hours per day - during the term once they turn three. In England this is equates to 570 free hours a year, but most parents are still contributing large portions of their income to childcare.

Chief executive of the Family and Childcare Trust, Anand Shukla, said that free education should be extended to two-year-olds. However, others are opposed to the taxpayer subsidising a “voluntary decision”.

The average cost of childcare for OCED countries is 11.8% of net income. The only country to spend more on childcare than parents in theUKwasSwitzerland, where it accounted for more than a quarter (26.6%) of their salary in 2012.

The report, which is based on local authority and family information services, said:

“Children are losing out on vital early education and families remain trapped in poverty because they cannot make work pay.”

Sources:

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-26373725

As well as revealing a passion for fashion in women aged over 50, the research from Kantar Worldpanel showed that spending on clothing, footwear and accessories in this group made up 41% of the total market. This means the elegance displayed by women over 50 in the UK actually translates to economic growth.

When it comes to what women over 50 want from their shop, value for money was key, with 42% of fashion spend in this group being earmarked for discount items.

Dresses also proved to be a key staple in the wardrobe of women over 50 with the share of the dress market occupied by this group rising from 9% in 2009 to 12% in 2013.

However, while over 50s women were prepared to splash their spending in some areas, the research shows that they spent more on outer clothing (rather than underwear) and accessories (mainly handbags).

Commenting on the figures, Kantar Worldpanel’s head of fashion Ian Mitchell, said:

“The older you are, the more care and consideration you take in buying items.”

And when it comes to how much this groups spends, on average the 50+ woman spends £272 in six months with 17% of this figure made up of online purchases.

While the figures from the research show that that there is a gulf in fashion spending between ‘Silver fashionistas’, as they have been dubbed, and those under 50 (£9.47bn), Mitchell goes on to argue that the fashion lines between different age groups are becoming increasingly blurred.

“Women in their 40s and 50s on either side of the divide are not too different,” he said.

“Perhaps there are differences in lifestage or circumstances but in terms of attitude and how they define themselves, there isn’t a sudden change.”

Sources

1. http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/trends/trending-topics/consumer-behaviour/how-women-aged-over-50-shop-for-fashion/4009487.article

A survey of 2,000 adults conducted by Skipton Building Society revealed that as well as acquiring wisdom as we age, we also acquire a healthier bank balance with over 55s reaping the greatest financial rewards.

The research revealed that while those in this age group normally earn less than those in younger age groups, the lack of financial commitments affords over 55s more financial freedom.

To illustrate this fact, the study revealed that while the average annual take home salary for over 55s (£20,587.82) is seven thousand pounds less than people aged 35 to 44, the former also have less loan debt to repay.

While over 55s spend £150.37 on loans each month, this is a higher £199.52 for those aged between 35 and 44.

As well as having more disposable income to hand as a result of reduced outgoings including childcare and mortgage repayments, over 55s also seem to have a better handle on managing their finances.

Just 29% of over 55s questioned as part of the survey revealed that they struggled financially towards the end of the month, against 52% of those aged between 18 and 24.

Older respondents also seemed to have a better knowledge of their current finances, with just a third checking their bank balance before heading to a social event compared to 55% of under 25s.

Commenting on the figures, Ian Cornelius, Commercial Director at Skipton Building Society said: “After having worked all their lives, struggled to bring up families, but paid their mortgage and planned for a pension, the 55s and over are reaping their rewards. It’s a lesson to young people who think ‘We won’t be able to do that’. But they can!

“These people aged 55 and over are examples of how the financial wheel turns. There is no reason why those younger people who keep on top of their mortgage payments, save whatever they can and get that company pension started will not reach their ‘Richest Year’ eventually!”

But now it seems that over 50s have joined in on the action, with this group keen to leave behind all the trappings of their home life in favour of pursuing their travel dreams.

And what have this group of intrepid over 50s been dubbed? Well the short answer, is ‘escaping nesters’. And with retirement freeing up much needed time for this group, it comes as no surprise that they want to make the most of their new found freedom.

According to a survey carried out by All Leisure Group and Travelsphere 60%¹ of the over 50s surveyed were keen to jump on the ‘empty nester’ bandwagon.

The overwhelming majority (90%) of those questioned also felt that visiting their dream holiday destinations while they are fit and healthy made logical sense. For more than 40% of those questioned the fact that their children had left the nest had also given them the incentive they needed to realise their travel dreams.

And when it came to which destinations ticked the boxes for the over 50s, locations with stunning natural scenery seemed to hit the mark. New Zealand topped the list, followed by the Canadian Rockies, Norway Northern Lights, Galapagos Islands, Alaska and Japan.

Commenting on the survey findings, a spokesperson for All Leisure Group, said: “This survey has thrown up some very interesting findings.

“The majority of over 50s feel it is now their turn to enjoy and indulge themselves.”

A recent survey conducted by Wanderlust magazinealso seemed to confirm the fact that over 50s are reigniting their passion for travel. It found that one in four² adventure travellers is retired. Explaining why this could be the case Lyn Hughes, editor-in-chief of Wanderlust, said:

“Over-50s are at the forefront of adventure travel at the moment. While the stereotype of an adventure traveller might be a young backpacker, older travellers are the people with the time, money and curiosity about the world to travel to new frontiers.”

Sources:

1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2548038/Forget-nesters-50s-escaping-nesters-finally-feel-ready-leave-responsibilities-travel-world.html#ixzz2t7uZv6Lx
2. http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/over-50-overseas-and-underinsured-older-travellers-cause-the-most-trouble-for-the-foreign-office-9084131.html

The move is designed to create large numbers of childcare places, helping mothers secure part-time employment and preventing the children of less affluent families falling behind their peers.

Childcare minister Liz Truss is also in the process of writing to local authorities to request that nurseries remain open for longer during the working day.

Some school nurseries already offer care to children under three, but at present they have to register with Ofsted before taking in two-year-olds.

Speaking toThe Daily Telegraph, Truss said that this “red tape” would be removed by legislation in September, giving parents more flexibility and allowing children who are falling behind their peers the chance to catch up before starting school.

She said: “Many parents would prefer longer days rather than five short bursts during the week. If you're working part-time, you could have two sessions of seven and a half hours, or three sessions of five hours. It gives much more flexibility.

“Schools have excellent facilities. It is age appropriate, so what you are doing with two-year-olds in terms of singing, reading stories, playing with paint is very different from what you do with a seven-year-old.

“If you have a really high-quality school nursery, children who are behind can catch up with their peers by the time they start school.”

Rising cost of childcare

According to government statistics, 40% of all two-year-olds will be eligible for 15 hours of free care a week.

Figures collated by the Centre of Economic and Business Research earlier this year showed that childcare and babysitting costs had accounted for the biggest annual rise in the past 12 months in terms of the various costs associated with raising a child.

Research by LV= revealed that mothers believe they need to earn an average of £26,000 a year to make the return to work financially worth their while, and The Daycare Trust put the average cost of childcare at £405 a day.

If you require any advice on your personal finances, from childcare to life insurance, it may be worth getting in touch with the Money Advice Service.

Sources:

1. http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/feb/04/schools-should-open-doors-to-two-year-olds

Figures from the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) revealed that some 5.2 million people¹ aged over 60 are carrying out voluntary work in hospitals and the homes of fellow pensioners on a regular basis.

The RVS stated that Britain will become increasingly dependent on this “grey army” of fit and able retirees to provide services which were once part of the welfare state.

Plugging a growing gap

According to the Health and Social Care Information Centre, local authorities slashed spending on adult social care by around 2% in real terms between 2012 and 2013 despite the rising need for this type of care.

RVS spokesman Steve Smith said: “Local authorities have cut back on social care in the last few years and we know that austerity is here for a few years to come.”

Moreover, the number of people aged over 80 is expected to almost treble by 2030, dramatically stepping up demand for the services the voluntary sector can provide.

In addition, with relatives increasingly moving away from their parents and grandparents to find work, the older generation is less able to rely on informal care from families.

An aging population, families living further apart and social care spending cuts highlights the importance of preparing for old age, perhaps including care options, over 50s cover and pension schemes.

Mr Smith added: “Older people are going to be an increasing part of [the voluntary sector], by providing meals on wheels, day centres or other services that would have been provided by the welfare state in the past.”

Reduced hospital admissions rate

As well as plugging the gap in social care, volunteering on such a large scale reduces the rate of hospital admissions, easing the pressure on the NHS.

Mr Smith noted there is a 15% re-admission rate within 28 days of discharge among the over-75s – but a project undertaken in Leicester showed that a basic level of support such as making sure food and heating was available at home can halve the rate in six weeks.

If you need advice on money matters as you get older, concerning care or anything else, it may be worth getting in touch with the Money Advice Service.

Source:

1. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/elderhealth/10596052/Grey-army-of-5-million-volunteers-plugging-gaps-in-social-care.html

But while many of us think that surfing the net may only eat into a fraction of our day, recent research has revealed that we are spending an increasing amount of time online and that our browsing habit may mean that our lives are passing us by in a veritable haze of emails, mouse clicks and social network updates.

In fact one in every 12 minutes* during our waking hours is spent online, and as a nation we spent 37bn hours online in 2012! Here are just some of the ways that our time online is eating into our everyday life.

Online videos – 9 minutes of every hour

If we’ve got a spare few minutes during the day what harm could there be in watching the latest funny cat video? Well that’s what we say to justify the first click, but after we’ve seen three dogs barking out a barely recognisable tune and one cat chase its own tail, we begin to wonder how we got there in the first place.

Social networking sites – 13 minutes of every hour

Everyone wants to have their finger on the pulse at all times, and social networks are the place to go if you want to catch up on the latest news from your nearest and dearest. From a shock engagement to a Christmas party invite, most people feel that if they’re not logged in, then they’ll be missing out. Social networking sites are also the perfect place to announce our latest achievements and inspire envy in our nearest, dearest and people we barely know.

Online Shopping – 5 minutes of every hour

Rather than a waste of time online shopping is seen as the ultimate time saver for some. However, just a BOGOF offers can send us off course in-store, they can also do the same online. And without a basket in our hands, and the size of our car boot not part of the ‘how much can I buy equation?’ we may soon be tempted to give in to our shopping spree tendencies.

How much of your life do you spend online? Have you bought anything from insurance to insulation on the net?

Sources

*http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/28/are-we-missing-out-on-life-by-spending-too-much-time-on-the-internet-4160916/

But now scientific experts have revealed that while we can’t stop the ageing process altogether, the latest medical advances mean that we’ll have a spring in our step for that much longer.

Instead of fears that we’ll have to give up the things we love as we journey into our twilight years, scientific researchers have argued that we can tick off items off our ‘bucket lists’ until the latter part of our life, thanks to wonders of modern medicine and their ability to ensure that conditions such as heart disease are no longer as debilitating.

Professor David Cutler of Harvard University said: “With the exception of the year or two just before death, people are healthier than they used to be. 

“Effectively, the period of time in which we're in poor health is being compressed until just before the end of life. 

“So where we used to see people who are very, very sick for the final six or seven years of their life, that's now far less common.”

According to the Office for National Statistics men are now expected to live until  they are 78.8, while women will fly the flag for the so-called ‘generation lightbulb’ – with our lights burning bright until the very last moments - until they are 82.8*.

So it seems that when it comes to doing the things we’ve always wanted to do, using the ‘I’m too old’ excuse simply doesn’t wash anymore. From climbing Kilimanjaro to turning a hobby into a business, it seems that it is never too late to achieve our dreams.

However, to ensure that you are protected should the worst happen you may want to consider over 50s cover.

Sources

*http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/418201/Why-we-re-living-to-a-healthier-old-age

Research from Trades Union Congress (TUC) has revealed that around 40%* of women over 50 are keen to cut down their working hours to enable them to care for children, grandchildren and parents.

The TUC argued that the need for quality flexible, part-time work opportunities was becoming even greater for the over 50s, with this group keen to find a balance between their working and home lives, without giving up their career ambitions.

In fact workers who care for someone have the legal right** to put in a request to their employers for flexible working.

Here are just some of the ways that over 50s can work to create a flexible work schedule that allows room for their caring responsibilities.

Working from home

Working from home is becoming more commonplace, especially in roles that are largely computer based. As a result, you may want to see if your company will allow you to work a portion of your week remotely, giving you the chance to re-direct time that would have been spent commuting to spending time with family and friends.

Compressed week

Requesting a compressed work week is another way that over 50s can inject some flexibility into their working lives. This would see you spreading your weekly work hours over four days, instead of five, giving you an extra day off a week. Although this will mean longer working hours on the days that you are in the office, a three-day weekend will give you the opportunity to fully relax and unwind and carry out tasks you weren’t able to complete during the week.

Flexitime

Flexi-time arrangements normally allow workers to begin their working day between 7am and 10am, and end it between 4pm and 7pm, providing that they work the core hours between 10pm and 4pm. If you work anytime beyond your normal working hours, then you will then accumulate credit that can be taken as time off.

Taking out over 50s life cover can help to further protect your financial future.

Sources

*http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/130619

**https://www.gov.uk/flexible-working/overview

For those Brits looking to up their happiness quota in 2013 and beyond it seems that heading on a direct course for Harrogate is our best bet, with the popular spa town recently taking top spot in a ranking of the top 10 Happiest Places to live in the UK*.

Harrogate’s sense of community, impressive Victorian architecture, and wealth of shops and eateries are said to be just some of the some of the reasons why residents of the North Yorkshire town are always happy to raise a smile.

Stockport in Greater Manchester followed in second place with councillors praising features including the town’s historic market, excellent transport links and high quality education.

The top ten was completed by Ipswich, Exeter, St Albans, Kingston upon Thames, Bath, Worcester, Bromley and Truro.

London featured heavily on the list of Britain's unhappiest places to live, taking up five spots in the top ten, with East London in 1st place.

As a result it may come as little surprise that Northerners are generally happier than Southeners, with the former coming out on top in areas including neighbourliness, safety, amenities, cost and the spaciousness of homes.

Commenting on the findings, Rightmove director Miles Shipside said: “Harrogate’s position demonstrates the complex web of factors that makes for a happy place to live.

“As a nation obsessed with  property, our homes represent far more than simple bricks and mortar.

“What elevates a house to a home is an often complicated relationship of the physical property itself, the emotional sense of well-being it provides and how safe and socially rooted we feel.”

For many Brits, moving home can form a key milestone in their life, and it’s important to consider taking out life insurance to ensure that your dependants are able to repay any outstanding mortgage debt associated with your new property should the worst happen.

Sources

* http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2013/mar/27/harrogate-happiest-town-live-uk-rightmove  

The research found that this is the age people begin ignoring the negatives and focusing on the positives. This new optimistic outlook can be applied to many areas of your life, fashion being just one.

With people in the 50+ age bracket feeling more comfortable with the way they look than they ever were in their youth, this newfound confidence can only work to your advantage.

Dame Helen Mirren, 67

Yet to make a fashion faux-pas, Dame Helen Mirren never fails to dazzle, whether she is soaking up the sun on the beach or attending a red carpet event. Not one for fading into the background, she isn’t afraid to make bold fashion choices, which includes wearing red and exhibiting stunning platinum white hair. The way she dresses displays her enduring power and sex appeal – this is one lady who will certainly not be bowing meekly out of the fashion limelight.

Barack Obama, 51

Looking smart is part and parcel of being US President, but Obama goes above and beyond in this particular call to duty. Whether he opts for his favoured day look (black suit, white shirt, blue tie), classic tailored coats or casual rolled-up shirtsleeves, he never fails to look sharp. While it is his wife Michelle, 49, who often makes the headlines for her impeccable fashion sense, her husband is by no means in her shade.

The Queen, 86

She may be nearing ninety years of age, but Her Majesty is not letting age stand in her way when it comes to appearance. Her familiar formula is one block colour from top to toe, with a brooch or string of pearls as an added extra. She knows what looks good, and sticks to it, ensuring she is fabulous and polished on a daily basis.

Protect your loved ones as well as your fashion rights as you get older with over 50s life cover.

However, with a number of life insurance policies on the market, it can be difficult for consumers to identify which criteria they should use to find the best policy for their needs as well as the actions they should take to maximise their gains from a life insurance policy.

Here are just some of the dos and don’ts to consider when taking out life insurance.

Dos

• Do ensure that the size of the lump sum your dependents will receive upon your death meets your total outgoings including mortgages and loans. If it doesn’t you may have to adjust the size of your monthly premium.

• Do review your life insurance policy at regular intervals to account for any change in your circumstances, such as the birth of a child or a salary increase, to ensure that your policy is up-to-date.

• Do put your life insurance policy in a trust to ensure that your life insurance policy payout won’t be subject to inheritance tax.

Don’ts

• Don’t take out a life insurance policy with your mortgage lender, without first identifying if getting a separate policy would be a cheaper option.

• Don’t forget to factor potential future costs such as home improvements and university fees, when considering the size of your lump sum.

• Don’t forget that a joint policy may not necessarily present a better deal compared to two separate policies. However, it is important to consider that if one policy holder dies in joint policy, the remaining policy holder will get to keep the policy – potentially equating to double the payout.

Putting life insurance in place can help to give you peace of mind that your financial future is protected.

1. What money do you have?

Financial assets such as properties and savings will usually become shared during a marriage. You therefore need to have a clear idea of what money you have and what it is tied up in before proposing. It is also important that you establish what expendable income or savings you have as this will probably be used to pay for the wedding.

2. What debts do you have?

Just as financial assets are shared, so are debts. What outstanding payments and debt you have will therefore affect the financial health of your marriage. You should always make sure your debts are in-hand before proposing as you don’t want your big day to become another outstanding payment.

3. How much do you earn?

This is the fundamental question people should ask before proposing. It is important that both parties are aware of the income of the other as this will influence their married life by determining whether they can buy their own home, etc.

4. How much are you worth?

A recent study, produced by gocompare.com, revealed that individuals would be willing to sell their partners for £1million or even half that amount! It is important you obtain a life insurance quote as this will help to offer your prospective spouse financial protection in the unfortunate event of your death.

5. How much will it cost?

Of course, before you propose you need to have an estimate of how much the wedding will cost. Weddings can be extremely expensive and you will need to make sure that you and your finances are in a position to meet these costs head-on.

Here are just a few notable figures who have reached the half century that you wouldn’t necessarily have known about. They all have the comfort of knowing that they could qualify for Over 50s Life Cover if things ever went sour with their respective careers.

Tim Westwood

Radio 1 DJ and pioneer of all things ‘hip-hop’ in the UK, Mr. Westwood (famous for his infamous ‘Westwood parties’) currently stands at the ripe old age of 54. You’d never think that the voice of MTV’s Pimp My ride is actually a 54 year old, single man who is the son of a bishop and actually grew up in Lowestoft.

Michael J Fox

This is one actor who does not need to travel back in time to relive his youth. The Back to the Future and Teen Wolf actor, who only turned 50 recently, semi-retired from his career after contracting Parkinson’s disease in the early 1990s. 

Ralph Macchio

Having turned 50 just last week, the original Karate Kid has not kicked the bucket just yet! Ralph Macchio is most famous for his lead role in the 1984 film, but has also enjoyed a sustained career with cameos in various American sitcoms and television programmes.

Eddie Murphy

The actor/comedian celebrated his 50th birthday earlier this year after almost 20 years in the film industry. Famous for his roles in Beverly Hills Cop, The Nutty Professor and more recently Shrek, the actor’s career shows no sign of slowing down at the moment.

Michelle Pfeiffer

The award winning American actress, aged 53, landed her first film role in the largely forgettable Grease 2. Since then, she has gone on to become a household name as a result of worldwide hits such as Scarface, Batman Returns, Tequila Sunrise and, more recently, Hairspray.

It ensures that any outstanding payments on loans or credit cards are taken care of if you are no longer able to earn.

One of the benefits of income protection is that you will be financially protected in terms of your outgoing loans or credit debts in case of redundancy. The latest debt statistics show that 1,644 people are made redundant on a daily basis in the UK.

According to Credit Action, 867,000 people had been officially unemployed for more than 12 months at the end of October.With next week’s official unemployment figures expected to rise, now could be a good time to consider applying for income protection.

Do your homework

Over the last year there has been some bad press surrounding income protection. This is down to the way it was sold by many high street banks and lenders. Lenders who mis-sold payment protection insurance, which is sometimes known as income protection insurance, have been heavily criticised and fined by the Financial Services Authority.

In the majority of cases though, income protection and mortgage payment protection are useful financial products. However, if you are considering taking out an insurance policy, be sure to check your eligibility for it before committing to anything.

Do you really need it?

It is important to note that income protection is a short term insurance policy of 12 months, rather than a long-term policy. Typically, it is only available for those aged over 18 and under the statutory retirement age.

To be eligible for the majority of policies you must be working full time or at least 16 hours a week. If you are a student or a pensioner, taking out this type of insurance would be invalid. There is also a wide scope of requirements and cover for those who are self-employed. 

However, a recent investigation by The Times highlighted the fact that many funeral plans were not offering ‘value for money’. The money that has been saved for a funeral is often linked to expensive funeral directors and homes.

This makes the process more expensive than necessary and family members are not given any money that has been saved once the relative passes away.

It is vital to ensure that the elderly are not swindled out of their savings in a bid to pay for their final farewell. There is a wide range of funeral services that you may want to consider before purchasing a plan.

Can relatives receive your cash?

Whilst you may have been putting money away for several years, you may have, in actual fact, put more aside than needed for your funeral. Instead of the additional funds being sent to overpriced funeral directors and homes, your relatives could receive a cash lump sum.

Asda offers a possible extra 10% with the Funeral Benefit option with Dignity. This option also allows you to choose the funeral director you want from a choice of 567 funeral directors across the country.

Affordability

The cost of dying is increasing and research from insurers AXA found that that the average funeral cost is over £7,000. The research found that death-related costs including funerals, probate, headstones and flowers amount to £7,248, representing a 20% increase since 2007. 

This figure has increased by £400 in the last year alone. With this in mind, it is vital that you ensure you are getting the best quality and value for your money.

Funeral director

Many funeral plans have been criticised for choosing expensive funeral directors. One way you can ensure value for money is by investigating the funeral director of choice on the funeral plan.

Flexible planning

The flexibility of the Funeral Benefit option means that if your initial cash   lump sum is greater than the cost of the funeral then the difference will be paid into your estate. This means that you will never pay in more than you get out.

Take your time and choose the option which you think is right for you. This way you can make sure your loved one gets the send off they deserve.

A number of people find the idea of having their remains buried unappealing, leading them to prefer the option of having their ashes scattered, but what are some of the top places where people want their remains to be left?

1. Natural landmarks

Perhaps the most common place where people wish to have their ashes scattered is beside natural landmarks. They offer people the chance to become immersed with picturesque scenery for the rest of eternity. Perhaps one of the biggest attractions of being scattered in these areas is the freedom and total exertion into nature that accompanies it.

The white cliffs of Beachy head in Eastbourne, East Sussex is an increasingly popular venue within the UK for the scattering of ashes.

2. At sea

Another common and traditional choice for many people is to have their ashes scattered over seas or other bodies of water. The attraction of this sort of memorial is that the remains will not stay in one place and, therefore, individuals will not expect their family members to “dwell” on a particular place or site.

3. Favourite places

A more intimate setting for scattering ashes, a number of people prefer their remains to be left in their favourite place. This could be a local park or woodland area and some people even go as far as to scatter their loved one’s ashes on rides in theme parks and other attractions.

This option will provide friends and family members with a site to visit in order to pay their respects, whilst removing the sense of morbidity which is often associated with graveyards and cemeteries. An Over 50s Life Cover plan can help to ease some of the burden involved with this situation.

This type of Life insurance policy provides financial assistance to the bereaved relations of the deceased and can often give them the funds needed to give the individual the send-off they requested and deserved.

Below is a brief look at the three oldest living people on Earth right now.

Besse Berry Cooper

Born on the 26th of August, 1896 in Sullivan County (Tennessee, US), this American centenarian is now 115 years old.

She was the third of eight children and graduated from East Tennessee State Normal School in 1916 and then worked as a schoolteacher. By the time the US entered into World War I in 1917 she had moved to Georgia. In 1924, she married Luther Cooper and was widowed in 1963.

At the time of her 115th birthday, Cooper had four children, 12 grandchildren, and many more great- and great-great-grandchildren.

Chiyono Hasegawa

Born on the 20th of November, 1896, Hasegawa has been the oldest person in Japan since the 2nd of May 2010 when Kama Chinen - the oldest person in the country at that time - died.

Although she is in a wheelchair, Hasegawa enjoys relatively good health and communication skills.

Dina Manfredini

Manfredini is only one year younger than Cooper and Hasegawa. This 114 year-old Italian-American centenarian was born on the 4th of April, 1897. Today, she is the second oldest living person in America, and the oldest living Italian-born individual.

After being born in Italy and living there for 23 years, she then moved to Iowa in 1920 with her husband Riccardo Manfredini, who died in 1965. They had four children, three of whom are still alive today. In addition to this, Manfredini also has seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.

Over 50s Life Cover

Thankfully, you can now leave your loved ones a cash lump sum which can help with unpaid bills, funeral costs and generally making life easier to deal with financially.

Over 50s Life Cover will ensure that, in the unfortunate event of your death, your family will not have to deal with a large financial burden on their own.

This period saw a boom in the number of births in Britain, as couples quickly began to settle down after the war.

The Baby Boomers have had a significant impact on the world in which we live.

Below we take a look at five ways the Baby Boomer generation has changed the financial landscape in the UK.

The first teenagers

Cliff Richard and Elvis Presley may have been replaced by Rihanna and The Black Eyed Peas; the juke-box replaced by the iPod; TV by YouTube; but the Baby Boomers were undoubtedly the first generation to experience what we would still recognise today as teenage years.

With the rise of consumerism and disposable incomes, the Baby Boomers set the template of what later generations would rebel against, love and hate. Before the Baby Boomers it was a swift move from childhood into adulthood.

The first consumers

The Baby Boomers taught us all how to shop. The first generation in history on mass to have the benefits of increased income, more leisure time and plenty of enticing ways to spend their disposable cash, the Baby Boomers as a generation are model consumers, certainly when compared to the inter-war generation who experienced the economic Depression of the 1930s.

Property

Although as a nation we have always been obsessed with property ownership, the Baby Boomers have taken property ownership to new heights. This is the generation who were lucky enough to benefit from right-to-buy schemes of council property under Margaret Thatcher; spiralling house price inflation; and the emergence of private buy-to-let Landlords.

The Baby Boomers like property and as a generation have done much to push up prices by increasing demand on our already low supply of housing stock, making it difficult for younger generations to get a foot on the ladder.

Innovation

Has there been a more innovative generation than the Baby Boomers? The first teenagers continue to be rebels into pension-hood, fuelling innovation wherever they go.

In areas such as music, the Boomers can boast the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Elton John among their number – as well as all the other stars of sixties pop culture; Hollywood stars such as Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.

In technology and business, the likes of Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Sir Richard Branson and Sir James Dyson are all Boomers; and in the political field boomers include the likes of Tony Blair, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Pensions

Baby Boomers have benefitted from private company pension schemes and final salary schemes like no generation before or since. For most workers in their thirties or forties to think about retiring on full or even half pay at the age of 60 or 65 in the future is simply unimaginable. Many Baby Boomers achieved this feat.

If you are a part of the baby boomers generation and want to make sure you leave something behind for the next generation, Over 50s Life Cover could be an option.

Allergies and asthma

Some of the most common complaints which are heard during the festive season are those concerning allergies and asthma. As more than 5 million people are being treated for asthma in the UK this Christmas, the side-effects could be unpleasant for many of us.

Heart attacks and strokes

With the stress of present buying and financial worries weighing on our mind, it is no wonder that a number of people suffer from heart attacks or strokes over the festive period. December and January are said to be the deadliest months for heart disease, with the stress and rich meals increasing the health risks.

Food and drink

For many people, food and drink also spell disaster over Christmas. Not only can rich meals lead to an increased chance of heart attacks and strokes, but they can also prompt people to undertake crash or “fad” diets. These can have serious effects on the individual involved and are a major health risk at Christmas.

Depression

The Christmas blues are nothing new and many people find themselves feeling low during the winter months. The colder weather and darker days combine to create the perfect environment for depression and the stress of the festivities can also take their toll on the emotional health of people.

Cancer

In 2008, over 309,000 people were diagnosed with Cancer, making it a serious health risk. As one of the most prevalent illnesses throughout the modern world, there is never a good time to be diagnosed with Cancer.

With celebrations on the horizon, the last thing anyone wants to think about is their finances or the decline of their health.  Life insurance policies are the easiest way for people to ensure peace of mind in both of these areas, allowing them to sit back and enjoy the festive period in peace.

Below is a selection of excuses, compiled  by CareerBuilder from a survey of 5,000 workers and employers, which range from  the standard to the downright ludicrous;

The Hangover ‘bug’: Many of us may have,  at some stage in our lives, overindulged on a ‘school night’ before waking up  the next day and realising just what a toll the previous night’s events have  taken.

This is usually a product of failing to realise that you are not as  young (or as tough) as you used to be, and is unlikely to go down well unless  you have a particularly sympathetic boss.

When animals attack: One employee  claimed a cow had broken into her house and, consequently, she obviously could  not leave the situation to go to work. It is certainly original and probably  falls under the category of being so strange that it is hard for an employer  not to believe it is true.

‘Man flu’: The infamous disease which  seems to render males incapable of performing even the most basic of tasks. The  plausibility of this would have probably depended on whether the employee’s  immediate superior was male or female.

Keep your hair on: One report from the  survey saw an employee admit to calling in sick because of a hair transplant  which had ‘gone bad’. Again, this type of excuse is very specific, although it  would take a very insensitive boss to fail to show any sympathy for such a  uniquely embarrassing situation.

Don’t be such a chicken: The report from  one respondent that they could not come to work because their mother had been  attacked by a chicken doesn’t really need any additional comments! Genius!

Unfortunately though, a number of us will  genuinely be sick or suffer from an accident or fall that could keep us off  work for longer than a day or two. To ensure your income is protected during these  times you could consider income  protection cover that covers you for sickness and unemployment.

But even though they are often referred to as ‘the Christmas holidays’, the vast majority of us still have to work during this period. And it can be quite hard to get into the festive spirit when you are waking up in the dark and arriving home when it’s even darker.

As the Christmas cheer spreads through our homes, on to the streets and even into our work, the festive feeling can be easy to catch.

But not all of us are quite so susceptible. Here are five ways to tell if you secretly hate Christmas, even if you don’t know it yourself.....yet.

Your desk looks the same

Does your desk look the same on 20th of December as it does on 20th of July? Do you still just have the one or two photos of loved ones, while everyone around you is surrounded by a splurge of red and green?

Some people love the visual celebration of Christmas, and look forward to decorating their home, themselves, and their desk with as much as they can get away with. But if you shy away from this kind of overt Christmas cheer, you could be a Grinch in the making.

You don’t look forward to the Christmas party

For many people, the office Christmas party is one of the highlights of the working year. It is a chance to let your hair down, get drunk, and maybe even tell the boss what you really think of them.

In a seemingly anti-festive move, many companies make attendance at the Christmas party compulsory, but that doesn’t mean you have to look forward to it.

You opt out of the secret Santa

Everyone buys one gift, everyone gets one gift. Secret Santa is a simple way to bring some Christmas cheer to the office.

But if you are willing to sacrifice getting a low-value, often novelty gift just so you don’t have to do any more Christmas shopping than is absolutely necessary, you could be a secret Scrooge.

Because there is often a limit on what you can spend, secret Santa is more about getting into the Christmas spirit than getting a good gift.

You don’t do Christmas cards at work

It can be difficult enough having to give cards to friends and family, even neighbours seem to expect something nowadays. So if you are refusing to let the card-giving spill over into work, even if you’re getting cards from your colleagues, you might be a Christmas hater.

You don’t reference Christmas in emails

As the big day draws closer, the ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Seasons Greetings’ email sign-off begins to crop up more and more.

It starts with the odd internal email between colleagues. Before long though, clients are wishing you a merry Christmas too. If you don’t like being constantly reminded about the festive season, it might be time to accept the fact that you’ve become a modern-day Scrooge!

Even if the office Christmas season is getting you down during December, you may still like your job for the other 11 months of the year. By investing in income protection cover, you can protect yourself against the possibility of illness or disability preventing you from earning.

They can learn how to save up for something they really want, how to budget, and how to generally become more financially responsible – something that can come in very handy a few years down the line.

But what do kids really spend their money on? Whether they save their pennies for weeks on end, or rush out at the first opportunity, here are the top five things kids splash their cash on.

Sweets

Believe it or not, you can still get chewy delights of sugary goodness for as little as one penny, even in these tough economic times.

So it is no wonder that kids regularly spend their pocket money on a big bag of cola bottles, strawberry laces and foam shrimps. It’s a solid investment – you can get a pretty large bag-full for under a pound.

Magazines

The children’s magazine industry is big business, with hundreds of titles available for boys and girls of all ages. While they can cost a little extra, they often come with a free gift so children are happy to save up for a couple of weeks to get their hands on a copy.

The Dr Who magazine is currently the most popular children’s title. This is one of the highest selling magazines in the whole market, cashing in on Britain’s current obsession with the Time Lord.

Toys

It often seems like children only want to play with something that requires a battery these days – from handheld games consoles to mobile phones and laptops.

But as long as there are small, simple plastic toys, or the sought-after products in children’s TV adverts, there will always be a toy market.

Toys don’t have to be expensive either; even the smallest and cheapest toy can ignite a child’s imagination.

Ringtones

Gone are the days when only the richest kids got to show off their new phones in the playground. Now it seems like every child has a better phone than most adults. Advances in technology mean ringtones are not just bleeps and tones – they are real songs.

Status is everything at school, and what better way to show off to your friends than with a ringtone of the latest chart hit. Since most ringtones cost under a pound, the majority of kids can save up pretty quickly to get the latest tune.

Games

With all this modern technology out there, kids are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment. The way many children choose to spend their time is by playing digital games.

This can be on their smartphone, on their Wi-Fi connected iPod or on their home computer. And with a whole host of free gaming titles out there, you’d think that no money needs to change hands.

But many games now offer the chance for kids to pay money to help them progress through the game. And since every child wants to beat their friends, they are more than happy to hand over their pocket money.

If you want to be sure that your children can continue to enjoy the things they like best after you have gone, Life insurance is a simple way to do this.

Taking out Life Insurance can help, if you want to be sure that your children can continue to enjoy the things they like best after you have gone. 

However, if you are not lucky enough to have children with specific tastes, do not panic. The Toy Retailers Association (TRA) have released their list of the top 12 Christmas toys for 2011.

We have selected five of the bets to have a look at;

Doggie Doo

A plastic dog which produces plasticine may not sound like the most conventional Christmas gift, but it is certainly becoming popular throughout the world. The idea is that the child has to scoop up the ‘poo’ every time. Well, at least future pet owners will be well versed in taking care of their dogs!

Fijit Friends

Interactive technical toys are particularly popular this year, with many of the top 12 TRA list including cool gadgets and interesting features. One of these is undoubtedly Fijit Friends, an interactive robot which comes in four different colours and doubles as a bedroom light.The robot recognises over 30 keywords and responds with over 150 phrases.

Milky the Bunny

Another toy tipped to be on every child’s wish list this year is the very unusual Milky the Bunny. It’s the loveable interactive girls’ toy, which responds with a range of emotions. For example, if you tickle the bunny’s feet they will wiggle. Its eyes and ears also move and it chews on the big orange carrot which is part of the range.

Bakugan Dragonoid Collossus

Tipped to be the number one Christmas toy for boys, the Bakugan Dragonoid Collossus is a little monster worrier which can be transformed into a truly awesome device by connecting the ‘Lego-like’ pieces.

Dance Star Mickey

Dance Star Mickey is a robotic toy which walks, talks and moonwalks to six different songs.  Suitable for 2 years old and upwards, it encourages children to both dance and sing.

Whatever gift you give this Christmas, it could be worth making sure that your family is financially secure to enjoy many other similar occasions for years to come. With this in mind, it could be worth taking out Life insurance to financially protect your future.

To make sure your little ones have the best possible holiday, here are five things which just HAVE to be done during the festivities:

Decorate the home

Decorating the home is an important Christmas tradition for kids, being considered equally as important as the Christmas feasts and the present giving by some. And it’s not just us Brits who see decorating our home as important. The Daily Mail recently reported that President Obama’s Christmas tree took four days to be erected within the White House.

Compose your Christmas wish-list

Children all over the world will be feverishly writing out a list of the things they would most like to see under this year’s tree once December draws close. How much they actually get is likely to depend on whether they were naughty or nice for the preceding 11 months though.

Make a snowman

The festive season brings seasonal weather and that means just one thing to children – snowmen! As soon as the snow begins to fall, children will instantly look to make the most of the change in the weather by creating a snowman to play with.

See the Coca Cola advert

For many children this advert marks the official start of the Christmas season, causing a frenzy of excitement when it is viewed for the first time each year. In fact, the seasonal advert has become such a major part of Christmas that when it was no longer aired in 2001 the company received a number of complaints, leading to its reinstatement in 2007.

Watch the lights turn on

Whether this is in their local town or in London’s West End, watching the seasonal lights get turned on is a must-do for kids. Not only will they get the chance to experience the Christmas magic but it  also gives them the chance to spy a celebrity.

Giving their children the best possible Christmas is hugely important for parents. However, their efforts shouldn’t end here.

To make sure their kids can always enjoy the best Christmas possible, all parents should consider investing in life insurance. This will ensure that their children are looked after in the unfortunate event that something happens to them.

Whilst you may be feeling glum about the state of your personal finances, you are not alone. Everyone, including celebrities, can see their incomes take a hit and their finances dive in general. Income protection insurance is typically designed to provide a monthly tax free income in case of illness or disability.

Kerry Katona

Love her or hate her, Kerry Katona is a household name in the UK. She famously made her cash from being one of the original members of girl band Atomic Kitten. Since then she has had a spell of very public marriages and breakups, along with a string of TV shows, adverts and autobiographies.

The mum of four, and reality TV star, also famously spent all her hard earned cash on lavish gifts for her former husband and drug abuse problem. She was declared bankrupt in August 2008 when she failed to pay the remainder of her £417,000 tax bill. She has since cleared her debts and is no longer bankrupt as of last month.

Jonathan Aitken

The Former First Sectary to the Treasury, Mr Aitken was declared bankrupt in 1999 following the collapse of a liable case involving the Guardian newspaper. This left him with £2 million worth of debt and an 18 month prison sentence following a charge of perjury. Debt collectors took his Rolex watch and cufflinks, among other possessions.

Michael Barrymore

Funny man Michael Barrymore wasn’t laughing when he was declared bankrupt   in 2004 after being hit with a tax bill for £1.4 million. The comedian and TV personality, who used to earn £1 million a year, had to call in auctioneers to value the contents of his home after he had two years worth of tax bills to pay.

It is certainly a tough decision, as the name you choose for your new-born baby will most likely stick with them for life, unless what you choose is so awful that they change it at the first opportunity. If you are having a child soon, or have had one recently, you may wish to consider taking out life insurance to protect your family.

The Office for National Statistics recently revealed the top names for baby boys in the UK. And despite the current trend for unusual and quirky names, the top five are all fairly traditional.

Oliver

This name has been in the top five for a number of years now, climbing four places since 2006 to take the number one spot this year.

Surprisingly, the shortened versions of the name (both Ollie and Olly) were nowhere near the top five, in 113th and 63rd respectively.

Jack

After 14 years as the UK’s top name, Jack has lost its top spot to Oliver. But it still ranks very highly in second spot.

Harry

Thanks in no small part to a certain Mr Potter, the name Harry has been in the top five for a number of years – staying in third place for two years in a row.

Alfie

Moving away from the traditional for a moment, Alfie makes it into the top five at number four. Traditionally a working-class name, Alfie has been given a middle-class feel in recent years.

This is only its second year inside the top five, but it has been climbing the list for a while now. So expect to see it for a number of years to come.

Charlie

Demonstrating that we are a nation that doesn’t like change very much, Charlie is the only new entry into the top five. Another working-class name turned ‘posh’, Charlie rounds off the top five.

Children

Children are a huge drain on households and individuals over the age of 50. Having children in the house later in life could have a significant impact on any retirement decision you make.

A new study by insurance company Standard Life has revealed that 49% of households containing those aged 45-65 years old with two children have no financial plans for the future. The study found that you are more likely to retire later in life if you have children living at home.

In fact, a staggering 10% of those who aren’t retired don’t plan on doing so until they’re between 71 and 75.

With this in mind, looking into something life Over 50s Life Cover might not be a bad idea.

Housing

Being a homeowner can be extremely costly. Although you may have paid your deposit and stamp duty, you may still have to pay off your mortgage. There could also be insurance/maintenance left to pay on the property, whether it’s a new kitchen or a new boiler, the costs all add up. The majority of over 55 year olds still have, on average, approximately £75,000 on their mortgage.

Income Tax

Over 50 year olds might be earning significantly more during this period in their life than any other time, but ultimately they will be paying more income tax.

Retirement

Anybody who is close to retirement may need to make larger contributions to their pension pot, subsequently draining their disposable income.

Debt

Over the years you may have accrued some debt through credit cards, personal loans and more. If you’re still paying it off, and the interest that goes with it, it could be a serious drain on your finances.

As you start to plan for later in life, the most important thing is to consider which outgoings are important and which ones can be sacrificed. Considering the current economic climate, prudence is something we could all employ...no matter what age we are.

Holidays

International travel is as normal as brushing your teeth nowadays, with more and more parts of the world becoming easily accessible. Holidays to the Maldives are more and more frequent among Brits. According to fleetwaytravel.com, 20 years ago these islands were relatively unheard of. However, in 2011 they have become a paradise home for holidaymakers and honeymooners.

High street fashions

Thanks to a boom in high-end, high street fashion, the British public can afford a top quality wardrobe at increasingly reasonable prices. The price of top class fashion has been falling steadily over the last two decades, putting stylish consumers very much in the driving seat as top brands become more accessible than ever.

Average cost of technology

The average price of technology has rapidly fallen over the last 20 years. Mobile phones where once a symbol of the mega rich, now they can be found in the hands of school children, grannies and just about everyone you know.

Technology has changed dramatically since 1991 and most gadgets now run high speed internet connections which would have defeated the most advanced computer systems 20 years ago. Cassettes have been replaced with MP3 players, and SLR film cameras have been overtaken by digital cameras, all at much cheaper rates. 

Despite the changes in technology, clothing and cheap travel, some things in life have actually become more expensive. As you prepare for your future financially, you may wish to consider life insurance

Life insurance is typically designed to provide you with peace of mind should anything happen to you in the future. With life insurance, you may be able to give your loved ones some genuine financial support and ease any potential burdens for them.

It is also a time of year for families to come together. This is a different experience for everyone, and can be a testing time for many.

The immediate family is one thing, but when relatives come calling it can lead to a lot of forced smiles and awkward moments around the dining table. Or worse, an alcohol fuelled, full-blown argument that puts a bit of a dampener on the festive spirit.

So what can you do to make sure your family Christmas runs smoothly? Here are some hints and tips on how to get on with your relatives this Christmas.

Don’t drink too much

Alcohol is often used as a way of relaxing guests at a dinner party, leading to more conversation and a friendlier atmosphere. But when it comes to relatives at Christmas, less is definitely more.

While we all like a drink at Christmas, be careful not to overdo it. And don’t let your guests have too much either, or you risk a shouting match over the last glass of Sherry.

Get out the board games

In this fast-paced, technologically advanced world we live in, it can be easy to forget about good old fashioned board games.

Whether it’s Monopoly, Cluedo, or the Christmas classic Trivial Pursuit, board games are a great way to bring all members of the family together. But try not to let it get too competitive, or you could be finding Monopoly pieces behind your sofa for months.

Assign rooms for different activities

Your Aunty wants to play cards, your little cousins want to play on their new games console, and all you want to do is relax in front of the TV and let your food go down.

Squabbles over who gets to do what can make Christmas day turn sour, but all you need to do is designate a different room for different things. Who said family have to be together all day long? Make one room the TV room, have another for video games, and use the dining table as a board game arena. Perfect!

If you have just started a family of your own, or have small children in the house – consider taking out life insurance to make sure you are covered for the future.

Junior ISA 

It’s a tax-free savings account which allows you to deposit a total of £3,600 a year in either a cash ISA or a stocks and shares ISA. 

Cash ISAs work in a similar way to a savings account with a fixed rate of annual interest, apart from the fact that they are tax free. Stocks and shares ISA accounts are an ideal way of building up a savings pot over several years by depositing bits here and there, replacing the Child Trust Fund.

Parents will be pleased to know that the accounts will be locked until the child is 18. However, teenagers aged 16 and above can manage the account for themselves.

Life insurance

You can protect your own financial future and that of your child with life insurance. In case you cannot provide for your children as a result of illness or death, you can gain peace of mind that they will have some sort of financial stability.

Savings account

The majority of high street banks will have a specialist account for children and young people. You could start helping your child to learn about personal finances by opening a savings account.

Investing

Investing in stocks and shares could see your money increase over a certain period of time. You might find the return very rewarding and this could ultimately be used to finance your child’s future. The stock market is regarded as one of the best options for long term investment over five to 10 years.

National Savings

A children’s bonus bond from National Savings is only available to those under the age of 16, although adults must purchase them. They are bonds which have a fixed rate and can be held until the child turns 21. They are also tax free and good value for money for young people who are paying tax.

We have also seen what is widely considered the most important advance of all – the internet. The World Wide Web has taken over the planet and changed our lives forever.

For kids growing up in the 21st Century, the internet is just as much a part of life as going to school or watching television.

Many children now have a laptop in their room or own a 3G smartphone, meaning they can access the internet whenever they want.

But, as every parent knows, the internet can be a dangerous place for a child. Surfing the web can leave children exposed to adult material, and make them vulnerable to predators.

So it is important to make sure your children are safe and secure when they are accessing the web. Here are some tips for keeping your kids safe online.

Surfing rules

A simple way to keep your child safe is to impose rules about when and where they can surf the web. These could include no surfing late at night or no surfing if they are alone. You wouldn’t let your child go out on their own, so why let them browse the net on their own?

Education

It is easy for anyone to think they are safe online, and children are no different. So to keep them safe, teach your child that they should not give out personal information or details.

Blocking websites

Most internet browsers will have a feature that allows certain websites to be blocked. This is a good idea if your child is on the internet alone in their room.

Any website, or type of website, can be blocked so your child won’t accidently see adult content. And the website controls can be password protected, so your child won’t be able to turn them off even if they want to.

As well as protecting your children online, you may also want to protect them financially if anything unfortunate happens to you. If so, you could consider taking out life insurance.

Sell unwanted items

The Mirror recently claimed that selling unwanted items such as DVDs, CDs and even mobile phones is the perfect way to make some extra cash. Shifting unwanted items before the big day will not only boost your cash flow, but will also save you space in your home.

Make and sell your own products

The Guardian and LoveMoney.com both name making and selling your own products as a great way to make extra cash. Whether you create a festive hamper, knit your own winter clothing or make your own handmade cards, they are likely to prove popular at Christmas fetes, helping you to make some much needed money.

Do overtime

A number of businesses will be open between Christmas and New Year, doing overtime during this period will often see you offered higher rates of pay.

Get a second job

If you have the time, getting a second job could be right for you at this time of year. According to The Guardian, working temporarily for the Post Office over the Christmas period can earn you anything from £7 to £18 an hour. Whether you are sorting the mail or driving deliveries around, this is a great way to get some extra cash before the big day.

Be santa

Even Santa needs help at this time of year and this means he relies on conscientious helpers to don his festive clothes get stuck in! Whether this is done within a department store or as entertainment for a party, The Guardian suggests that it is the number one way to make money at Christmas, claiming you could earn hundreds of pounds for a short period of work.

Whatever you do to make money for Christmas – having an income protection plan in place will safeguard your wage should you become too ill to work.

But with inflation pushing prices up and wages being frozen, the cost of Christmas is simply too much for some families.

The cost of keeping the kids entertained during the Christmas holidays can also escalate. So how can you entertain your kids for free this Christmas, and keep costs down?

Sledging

Although a white Christmas is never guaranteed, it is always fairly likely that we’ll at least get some frost during December.

So what better way to show your kids a good time than by finding a slippery slope and rushing down it on a piece of plastic? If you don’t have any sledges, bin liners or some tarpaulin can work just as well.

Visit a museum

Your kids might not be too thrilled at the thought of a museum, but they all offer great activities for kids. These are also often free, and it is a great way to escape a cold afternoon.

Carol singing

There is nothing more Christmassy than traditional Christmas carols, and teaching them to your kids can be great fun. If you are struggling to remember the words, just look them up on the internet.

Once you have mastered them, you can take the family out for some carol singing in the neighbourhood. You never know, you might even make a bit of money in the process.

Making a snow man

Weather permitting, building a snow man is a great group activity that your kids will enjoy. There doesn’t even have to be that much snow, just enough to support a carrot and two pieces of coal.

Pay a visit to Santa

A visit to see Santa doesn’t have to be an expensive trip. While there are places offering the chance to see St Nick for a small fee, many department stores and garden centres do it for free.

If you are thinking about the cost of having a family and want to ensure they would have some money if something was to happen to you, you could consider a life insurance policy.

In an attempt to stabilise the crumbling UK economy, the Bank of England has maintained interest rates at 0.5% for 33 consecutive months.

The situation has been stagnant for so long that experts have begun to speculate over when it may possibly change.

Some experts believe that interest rates will rise by the end of next year, while others suggest that there is likely to be no movement until 2013. Some industry analysts are not so optimistic and believe that rates will not rise until at least 2015!

Ray Boulger, a mortgage industry expert, told The Guardian; “I would see [the base rate] staying at 0.5% until mid-2013, and then only going up slowly."

Currently the rate is being held at a record low to stop the UK economy falling into a double dip recession, which looks an increasing possibility with the potential collapse of the Euro and in the face of high unemployment.

Many UK households have been struggling to cope for the past 18 months as a direct result of the credit crunch. The situation regarding interest rates has been positive for some within the UK, but not everyone.

Savers have suffered tremendously as a result of the low interest rates.

September figures from the Bank of England suggest that savers have actually lost out on an approximate total of £43 billion due to low interest rates.

Those over 50 will continue to see little or no returns on their savings in the near future if the situation does not change. Over 50’s Life Cover could offer an alternative boost to your family in the future if something was to happen to you unexpectedly.

In contrast, homeowners and those in debt have seen the amount of interest they need to pay significantly reduced.

Understanding your entitlements with regards to the law is, therefore, essential and you will need to consider a number of aspects relating to your finances.

Assets

The division of assets is perhaps one of the most common financial elements associated with divorce proceedings. The main asset is usually properties which are shared by the individuals. Income and any money which is stored in a shared bank account may also be classed as assets and these will usually be split equally between the two parties.

A number of important elements must be considered when doing this, however, and the age and employment status of the individuals will be considered, as will whether there are any dependents. In cases involving children, maintenance payments will be required. These costs are determined and controlled carefully and changes to how they were calculated were introduced in 2003.

A generalised view of maintenance payments is as follows:

Absent parents are required to pay 15% of their net income for a single child, 20% for two children and 25% for three or more children. The maximum income taken into account is capped at £2,000 net weekly income.

Fees

The other major financial issue during divorce proceedings is that of legal fees. It is advisable that both parties take independent advice from a solicitor before beginning proceedings. This will help you to understand your position more clearly and will ensure the divorce can be processed as quickly as possible. Usually, each party will be required to pay for their own legal costs during the case.

Personal finances

An individual’s personal finances are also taken into account during divorce proceedings, meaning that individual assets, bank accounts and other financial products will all be taken into account.

Any wills or other legal documents will also need to be amended in light of the change in marital status and important insurance policies will need to be considered.

This is because a change in marital status will affect a number of things, such as the relationship between you and your dependents. Investing in the correct life insurance product is essential in protecting the future finances of your family.

Weight loss

Fighting the flab after the festive seasons is high on the list of many New Year’s resolutions according to price comparison website, Go compare.com. Their annual poll found that 46% of the nation is planning on getting fit and getting involved in more exercise. A further 45% of Brits confessed that they want to lose weight and 33% are hoping to eat more healthily and change their diet over the next 12 months.

Sensible dieting

Yo-Yo and crash diets could be effective in the short term. However, they could cause your body harm and render the whole process essentially useless. You can, however, get fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well and embarking on regular exercise.

Choose the right diet for you by looking at foods that provide both energy and high levels of fibre. This could give you a balanced energy release instead of high burning fats and sugars.  

High fibre foods, for example, allow your body to use the energy more efficiently so less is available for fat storage.

Bad habits

Out with the old and in with the new. If you’re looking to get fit and healthy in the New Year, changing a few of your bad habits could make a real difference. The research found that 14% of people are planning on giving up smoking this year. Not only would it improve your health but it would also save you money and may even reduce life insurance premiums!

Swap your regular cheese for goat’s cheese as cow cheese is 40% higher in calories. With the cost of living soaring, why not ditch the car and take the bike or walk to your destination more often.

November was highlighted as a key month for mortgage lending as the number of homeowners taking a fixed-rate deal reached the highest level for two years.

These fixed-rate mortgages were said to account for 65% of those taken by all borrowers, an increase of 3% from the previous month.

The overall number of mortgage loans also increased, with 47,000 being taken during the month. This was a 3% increase in terms of quantity with the value of the loans increasing by 5% - to £6.9billion.

Favourable rates were attributed as the central cause of the change, with the Bank of England’s 0.5% rate providing the perfect opportunity for borrowers.

This historic low has been maintained for some time and has seen mortgage providers slash their rates to compete in the current market, attracting the interest of customers.

Despite the news, the predicted future of the housing market remains uncertain as house prices are expected to fall by 5% over the coming months.

First time buyers (FTBs) were also said to have taken advantage of the opportunity, taking out more than 17,000 loans during November, the collective value of which was more than £2 billion.

This figure represented a 4% increase in the volume of loans which were taken, with the £2 billion figure being the product of a 5% increase in value.

Commenting on the situation, Paul Smee, the Director General of the CML, stated that a “further increase in first time buyer activity” could be expected over the coming months.

He explained that this would be due to customers’ eagerness to get their purchases finalised before the favourable stamp duty concession ends in March.

Yet, with the property market continuing to be largely unstable, many people may be worried about whether they can afford mortgages or loans in the coming years.

Investing in the right insurance products is, therefore, vital and all borrowers should make sure they have an up-to-date life insurance policy to prevent their loved ones being burdened with large mortgage repayments or additional hefty bills in the unfortunate event of their death.

1. Encourage reading

According to CentreForum, all parents should read to their children for fifteen minutes per day. This routine will see children settle into a consistent pattern – something which is considered highly important – and will also help to stimulate their mind and support their cognitive development.

2. Keep timings consistent

To create stability and order within your home you will need to set clear timelines for certain events. Parenting.org suggest that children should be fed and put to bed at the same time to help establish a routine, giving them the support which they both need and crave.

3. Share responsibilities

One of the most important tips for any new parent is to make sure you share responsibilities. Information from Family Education explains that even feeding responsibilities should be shared, irrespective of whether the mother decides to breastfeed. This is important as it will develop a strong family unit and will give both parents time to bond with their child.

4. Be patient and encouraging

Something which all parents should consider, patience and encouragement are essential components to successful parenting. HelpGuide.org state the parents are the biggest influence on children with learning difficulties, but this is true for any youngster. Lead by example and use your positive skills to help your child grow and develop.

5. Make sure your finances are in order

Most parenting tips focus on the different techniques to use when raising a child, but this is not the only consideration which needs to be made. Raising a child can be very expensive and it is important that parents have their finances in order as early as possible. 

Setting up a savings account for the new addition to their family, reducing their debts and ensuring their life insurance policy is up to date are all things which need to be done.

Spending cuts across a range of services mean that elderly people in the UK face a ‘crisis’ in social care.

Research from the Kings Fund revealed the number of people over 50 who require significant care and support but fail to receive it is expected to hit 900,000 over the next 12 months, rising to 1 million by 2015.

This could put a serious strain on the National Health Service (NHS) as deterioration could see more people through hospital doors on a regular basis.

Director of Age UK, Michelle Mitchell claimed that “care is in crisis and it is getting worse.”

Local authorities have cut facilities for elderly care by 4.5% over the course of 2011 and this year could see yet more.

The Kings Fund report suggests that under the current system costs could double over the next 15 years without much improvement being made.

The report stated that “Radical reform would improve outcomes that are not just about the costs of the system, but also about the numbers of people receiving help.”

Many elderly people who are unable to dress themselves are put to bed at 5pm because many care workers can only stay until then and would not be back until 10 am the following day, Mrs Mitchell said.

According to Age UK statistics, 1.8 million pensioners live beneath the poverty line and 1 million of them live in ‘severe poverty.’

The rising costs of living for the elderly mean that fuel poverty is another serious issue for pensioners to contend with.

If you are concerned about how your family might cope financially after you die, over 50s life insurance could reduce some of the burden.

This pushes up the total jobless figure to a massive 2.685 million, the highest level since August 1994.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also suggest that the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance increased by 1,200 in December. This brought the total to 1.6 million.

The rate of unemployment has also increased from 8.3% to 8.4% over the same period, this is the highest level since 1995. The ONS report highlighted that the number of people working full time fell by a massive 57,000 in the three months up to November.

However, a large number of people appear to have gone part time, as there was a 75,000 increase in the number of part-time workers. This may be down to the fact that many simply cannot find full time roles.

Harsh public sector job cuts have led to a fall in the number of people in public sector employment. Considering this, it is likely to come as little surprise that the number of people working in the private sector has increased.

This was not enough to prevent unemployment from rising though. The private sector only created 5,000 job posts during the same period that 67,000 public sector jobs were cut. Quite a contrast!

Youth unemployment has risen again, breaking further through the 1 million barrier. 1.04 million 16-24 year olds are currently out of work. This is the highest level since comparable records began in 1992.

Unemployment increased evenly amongst men and women in the last quarter, but those who were out of work for more than two years jumped from 1,000 to 424,000.

Income protection insurance

If you are looking to protect yourself in the event of sickness or an accident which prevents you from earning, income protection insurance could be a useful product to have.

Church members have voted to raise the average cost of a wedding from £296 to £415, and for a funeral service from £102 to £160, from January 2013.

The rise represents increases of 40% and 50% for wedding and funeral ceremonies respectively, but will now be inclusive of lighting and administration.

The move has been met with criticism by some after the Church's governing body, the General Synod, warned that it will have a serious impact on poorer couples who want to have their nuptials at Church.

The Rev Canon Simon Killwick, a vicar in Moss Side, Manchester, said; "Such a fee increase seems to me hard to justify in times of financial austerity and even harder to justify in poor inner-city parishes.

"The Church of England ought not to be seen to be making a big increase at this time and ought not to be making it difficult for the poor to access these services at a time when a simple ceremony can be had at a registry office for around £100."

In contrast, the Rt Rev John Packer, the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, argued that changes to the costing of services were due and that the fees will represent a unified costing scheme for all parishes.

He told the General Synod that fee increases will generate £35m a year for the Church, which includes £15m towards the cost of clergy pay.

"The reality of what it costs matters, and it seems to me that those who are being married within our churches do understand that," he said.

The increases were put in place after a 4% rise in the number of Church of England weddings in 2010.

If you are worried about the potential cost of your funeral, you could choose to leave a cash lump sum for your loved ones which could help with funeral costs.

Asda’s Over 50s Life Cover includes a Funeral Benefit Option which can help you in this regard.

For example, Frank Sinatra is remembered for his incredible voice in the same way Martin Luther King is remembered for his views. Icons like these will continue to be remembered for years to come.

Below, we have looked at a few of the more notable deaths in the celebrity world;

Whitney Houston

The iconic American singer and actress passed away under ‘unknown’ circumstances earlier this month, leaving behind a legacy of classic songs and inspiring a generation of singers. The singer’s talent was discovered at an early age after regularly joining her mother, a gospel singer, on stage in nightclubs. She launched her self-titled debut album in 1985, instantly shooting to fame.

The 48 year old was also an award-winning actress, probably best known for her role in The Bodyguard.

It was after this film that Whitney Houston quickly rose to global stardom, following a cover of country singer Dolly Parton’s ‘I will always love you.’ From the middle of the eighties to the late nineties, Whitney Houston was at the top of her game as one of the world’s best selling artists.

Steve Jobs

The man who revolutionised the world of computer technology passed away in October last year at the relatively young age of 56. Steve Jobs was a digital mastermind, and global superstar in the eyes of tech lovers, who shaped the way the world listened to music and used computers.

Over the last few decades, the iconic Applebrand has blossomed to become of the world’s most recognisable and distinguished brands. Not only was he a visionary for IT, but Jobs also liked his animated films. After investing in Pixar in the mid 1980s, he was credited as an Executive Producer in the first Toy Story film.

Liz Taylor

American/British starlet Liz Taylor died on 23rd March last year at the age of 79. She became one of the greatest actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age, with a final total of 50 films under her belt. Liz Taylor was one of the world’s most famous film stars and also won two Oscars. Her personal life was littered with marriages and subsequent divorces. She left behind a fortune of £360 million and an extensive art collection.

Life insurance might not pay out £360 million, but it could help your loved ones in the event of your death.

According to a new study, 50 year olds are set to be stuck with high mortgage payments, the burden of supporting teenage children and increasing household debt.

The study by leading health and well being organisation, Benenden Healthcare Society, found that the average 50 year old will need to spend £1,560 a month just to keep out of the red.

It doesn’t get any easier as the children grow up either. The cost of weddings, university fees, motoring costs, mobile phones and household deposits all add up, putting further pressure on the over purse strings of those over 50.

More and more ‘fifty-somethings’ are also trying to help their children with the cost of higher education. Following the government’s decision to increase tuition fees by up to £9,000 a year, a number of UK households are struggling to cover the costs.

Marc Bell, Marketing and Business strategy Director at the health organisation, told This is Money that children are becoming more financially dependent on their parents for longer periods of their lives.

“On entering our 50s, more of us are paying for our children's education and taking on more of their day-to-day costs such as mobile phone bills and going out.”

The study found that mortgage repayments proved to be the biggest monthly expense, taking £354 out of the average budget. Food shops cost over 50s an average of £292 a month and household bills come in at £186.

Family holidays with children who are classed as adults are setting over 50 year olds back an average of £1,254 per year.

A growing number of parents are now covering motoring costs for their offspring as well. The study found that 25% of them pay towards insurance or tyres and one in six have even bought their youngster a car.

With children becoming increasingly dependent on their parents, it could be worth taking out over 50s life insurance to leave a cash lump sum for your family and loved ones in the event of your death.

Here are a few ways your finances will take a hit from divorce:

Legal fees

The average cost of a divorce in legal fees is around £13,000, however, in some cases this can rise to as much as £50,000! By being amicable and agreeing on matters between yourselves, you could save both time and money. You might be able to qualify for legal aid if you are unemployed or don’t earn a certain amount.

Divorce papers

The actual documentation and correct legal paperwork can run up hefty bills. However, you can reduce the £100-an-hour solicitor fee by purchasing the forms online. There are a number of websites which offer DIY divorce services from as little as £40.

Court Fees

Everything and anything can be accounted for when it comes to divorce so it’s not just a cast of selling the house and splitting the bills, even court fees come into play. To initially lodge a petition for divorce, before the process has even started, you will have to pay the standard fee of £300 and then an extra £40 to apply for your decree absolute.

Your marriage

Due to the expensive nature of the process, a number of Brits are struggling to pay for a divorce. Could this be the reason that UK divorce rates are currently at a 40-year low?

Research from a website for people seeking extra-marital affairs, illicitencounters.com, found that more than 31,000 married couples have been put off the idea of obtaining a divorce because they can’t afford to move out or pay the high legal fees.

So for the sake of saving the pennies, many unhappy couples are sticking together.

No matter how tight your funds may be, life insurance is a product which could act as a wise investment for many. It ensures that your family is not left with a financial burden should you die.

As pension pots take a huge hit against rising inflation, half of Brits are now considering retiring in a cheaper country to enjoy better living standards, according to a survey produced by the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF).

However, the idea of living in a foreign country later in life is not everyone’s idea of a relaxing retirement.

According to the NAPF, only one in seven people in the UK believe they have enough money to live comfortably once they wish to retire.

The workplace pensions body, which represents 1,200 pension schemes with over 15 million members, found that the high cost of living and drastically shrinking pension pots will leave many with little to live off later in life.

Figures from retirement company, MGM Advantage, found that the average annual income that someone is left to retire on is £15,500.

However, in order to be financially comfortable, pensioners need an extra £7,300 a year, or £140 a week. This would help to cover living costs such as household bills, food and travel.

Aston Goodey, Sales and Marketing Director, MGM Advantage said:“Financially, these are difficult times for the retirement nation. Inflation has increased the cost of living, while returns on savings have fallen due to the impact of historical low interest rates.”

“This environment makes it even more important that people take the appropriate steps to ensure they maximise the income from their pension and claim any benefits to which they are entitled.”

Despite the cost of retirement, many fail to plan ahead financially. By taking out Over 50s life cover, you can establish an affordable way to ensure that your family are not left with a financial burden after you die.

A mortgage is a big responsibility, no matter what your age, and is a big decision to make. So it is not something to be taken lightly.

Despite the continued high cost of a deposit for a mortgage, it is still the aim of the majority of people to get the money together to take out a mortgage.

But are you ready for the commitment that a mortgage brings with it? It is a big step to take, and requires careful consideration before being undertaken.
The repayments on your mortgage are the biggest commitment that you’ll undertake. Unlike with rent payments, if you are unable to pay your mortgage each month you could end up losing your home.

You’ve also got to consider the fact that your circumstances may change, which are harder to deal with when you have a mortgage hanging over your head.

An option that many first-time buyers consider is mortgage life insurance. This type of insurance policy will ensure that your family are not left with the burden of mortgage repayments should the worst happen.

Mortgage life cover differs from regular life insurance policies as it is designed specifically to cover the cost of your mortgage repayments should you pass away or contract a critical illness.

It can be a cheaper option than standard life cover, as it is usually a fixed term policy. This means that it only lasts until your mortgage is paid off and there are no more outstanding payments should you pass away.

Another thing to remember is that mortgage life insurance matches your repayment commitment. This means that the payout you would receive will go down with every payment that you make.

Securing a mortgage is a big commitment, but with mortgage life insurance you can ensure that your loved ones will not be left out in the cold should the worst happen.

UK ‘parents-to-be’ spend a collective £425 million every year in preparation for their first baby, but the majority fail to take out life insurance to protect their family.

That is the finding from Aviva Insurance, which has found that only one in five expectant parents take out any kind of life cover.

This is despite the majority of parents saying that in hindsight they spent too much money on items that they either didn’t use or could have done without.

“Every parent wants to splash out to prepare for the exciting arrival of a baby, so it's no surprise that the costs can stack up,” said Louise Colley, head of protection marketing and sales for Aviva.

“But within the checklist of essential items, we'd urge parents to consider putting a small amount aside each month to protect their family's financial future, if something unexpected were to happen to either parent. It should be considered just as much an essential as a buggy or a cot.”

The research by Aviva found that parents-in-waiting spend more than £1,300 in preparation for their first child – spending big on essentials like clothes, pushchairs and home safety equipment including fire alarms and carbon monoxide monitors.

“We don't think twice about taking steps to protect our children physically within the home, but not enough action is taken to safeguard the financial wellbeing of our families,” added Ms Colley.

“While it's understandable that people want to save for their children's futures, parents need to ask themselves whether they would have enough money to meet their monthly outgoings if they were suddenly to lose an income.”

Life insurance policies are a good way of ensuring your family will be protected financially should the worst happen and your income is lost.

Secure the doors

One of the fundamental things to keep in mind if you have young children coming to stay is to consider how secure doors are. You may want to make sure that youngsters cannot escape out of the house. By securing the doors you could also prevent them from going into rooms, which might not be safe for them. One way to reduce the risk of curious kids wandering through the house is to buy secure door-knob covers.

The same idea could be applied to cabinets, which may hold products that are deemed unsafe. There are a number of safety cabinet locks, which you can pick up from retailers. Go through the cupboards and remove anything that could be dangerous.

Kitchen hazards

The stove and oven could be a huge hazard for children who can get burned easily by food that is cooking or by playing near hob rings. There are stove guards, which you can buy to place over your hob for protection. When cooking remember to face the pot handles inward so that children cannot pull them down.

Move all valuables

Whether you have young children or teenagers in the house, you will still need to move all valuable items into a safe place or out of reach of little hands; If you cannot find anywhere that would be an ideal spot for your valuables, try to create space on a high shelf that would be out of reach.

While safety proofing your home can help to protect youngsters, later in life they may need financial support as well. By taking out over 50s life insurance you could have peace of mind that they are financially protected in the event of your death.

With so much choice on the market, from cruises that cater for couples to those more suitable for young children, which cruises are the best for over the 50s market?

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is at the ‘high-end’ of cruise brands, allowing guests to enjoy amazing food, great service and, of course, breath-taking views. With a crew that have been sailing for more than 40 years, Princess Cruises has gained a reputation as being a welcoming and friendly stay within the lap of luxury.

Fred Olsen Cruise lines

Whilst you don’t have to be above and beyond 50 years of age to enjoy a cruise with Fred Olsen, this is approximately the average age you can expect to find on board. Sailing from British ports, including Northern England and Scotland, makes it one of the most popular cruise lines with elderly UK adults.

With a fleet of four ships and almost 200 single cabins, there are plenty of options for whatever type of cruise you are looking for. Keeping things British (on board they serve roast dinners, afternoon tea and music hall style cabaret evenings) is an important theme for the Fred Olsen team.

Cunard

Holding a longstanding reputation as an established cruise liner which dates back to the days when Queen Victoria was on the throne, Cunard offers a traditional feel for passengers hitting the deck. What makes this such an attractive trip for over 50s is that they have an exclusive dining room, away from any potential crowds. Cunard offer a range of trips from short getaways to transatlantic voyages.

Cruises can offer relaxation, tranquillity and new destinations, however, once on board you might not be able to get hold of any Over 50s cover. It would be advisable to book this before departing, in case you run into any unforeseen problems.

This means that two million more Brits will not have to pay any tax as of April 2013. This is the largest increase in the income tax threshold for a number of years and now workers don’t have to pay any tax until they are earning £9,205. Higher earners were also given a tax break as the top 50p rate will be reduced to 45p.

In order to implement this, public spending will take a hit and whilst those on lower incomes can earn more, the Chancellor is considering slashing an extra £10billion from the welfare budget.

The Children’s Society believes this move “will make the future for some of this country’s poorest families even bleaker.”

“If the Chancellor wants to support low-income families, he should have invested money in the Universal Credit. Helping them with their increasing childcare costs would have gone a long way to making work pay,” the organisation said in a statement.

In addition to cutting public spending, the Chancellor said that child benefit will be phased out. The controversial plans to cut child benefit came under fire recently as households with one partner who was earning over the threshold would not be eligible for child benefit. However, households with two earners taking home less than the £50,000 would be entitled to claim.

In today’s Budget the Chancellor stated that child benefit will be phased out for someone in a household earning over £50,000 and it will fall by 1% for every £100 earned over £50,000. Those earning more than £60,000 will lose the entirety of the benefit.

Under the current economic climate, household finances are stretched to breaking point and a number of people rely on child benefits to make ends meet. As families face funding cuts, it could be worth taking measures into your own hands. As part of your planning, you may wish to consider life insurance.

Research has revealed that three out of ten UK adults are uninsured against situations such as death, critical illness or redundancy.

More than 15 million people would be financially at risk if they were to lose their income, but research by financial advice website Unbiased has found that many are not covering themselves for this eventuality.

It was found that 15% don’t see income protection as a necessity, while another 15% said that they simply can’t afford it.

“Consumers looking to tighten their purse strings are now adding insurance policies to the ‘cancellation list', choosing to let go of their financial security in favour of some extra cash in their pockets,” said Karen Barrett, CEO of Unbiased.

“The ‘it won't happen to me' attitude seems to be at the forefront of people's minds as they fail to realise what this may cost them in the future,” she added.
The research found that almost one in ten people have cut back on a number of insurance policies in order to save money, but experts have called this a false economy.

“If you are worried that the cost of insurance is too much of a burden on your finances then speak to an IFA to decide where you are most at risk,” added Ms Barrett.

“An IFA will be able to recommend protection products to match your individual needs as well as seek out policies which are more likely to suit your pocket.”

Reassuringly, the research found that life insurance still ranks highly amongst what people feel is important for them and their family, with 45% of respondents saying it was the most important insurance policy for their family’s long-term financial security.

With the Olympic Games set to hit our shores in a few months, some of us may feel that there will be enough physical exercise for the country to deal with. So, how else can you get into shape for 2012? These five detox food items could help:

1. Lemon water

Drinking a combination of lemon juice and water in the morning is said to be a great way to detox your body. The vitamin C found in lemons is said to help cleanse your body and is also said to aid digestion and burn fat.

2. Green vegetables

A number of common vegetables have been listed as ‘detox foods’ with broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, red cabbage and kale all making the grade. Eating more green vegetables and fresh fruit is, therefore, a great way to get your detox off to a fighting start.

3. Herbal teas

The detoxifying properties of herbal tea, and green tea in particular, are well established. Liquids are said to be one of the most important components of a detox and these product types are essential. Green tea is high in catechins, which are said to increase liver activity which results in more detoxification enzymes being produced.

4. Ginger

A spice which can be added to a number of dishes, ginger is a great ingredient known for its detoxifying properties. The spice is said to be ‘liver cleansing’ and can also help your body to burn fat.

5. Non-alcoholic drinks

Of course, with any detox there are certain items which you should avoid instead of embrace. Alcoholic drinks are top of the list here, with caffeine and dairy not being far behind. Drink plenty of water instead and avoid anything which is covered in sugar or sweeteners.

This will help to give you a healthy start to 2012, making a detox highly beneficial. Of course, protecting your body doesn’t just mean relying on eating and drinking the right things and you should make sure you have adequate life insurance cover in place as well. A healthier lifestyle could even affect the price of this – giving detoxifications another benefit.

It is also worth noting that the fees incurred when sending your child to one of these schools can often be quite high. – so what are five of the most expensive schools in the UK?

1. Hurtwood House

One term at Hurtwood House costs in excess of £11,000, leading to an annual tuition fee of around £34,000, according to data provided by CNBC. The co-educational school consists of an Edwardian building located in Surrey. The school was founded in 1970.

2. Eton College

Perhaps the most widely recognised private school in England, figures provided by Forbes state that this top-ranked, single-sex school also charges around £34,000 for annual tuition. The school was founded in 1440 and is internationally renowned for having educated more royal figures, members of parliament and notable literary figures (such as George Orwell) than any other boarding school.

3. Charterhouse School

Another school situated in Surrey, Charterhouse School also has fees which are close to a figure of £34,000. Charterhouse was originally founded on a London monastery in 1611, but moved to its current location in Surrey in 1872. Despite the move, the school retains a strong religious element and counts its school motto as Deo Dante Dedi – “because God gave, I gave”.

4. Roedean School

This private school, situated on the outskirts Brighton, has annual tuition fees of around £33,000. The school is open to boarders and non-borders with boarding being the more expensive option. The school merged with St Marys Hall in 2009 after being founded in 1885 by three sisters who have become colloquially known as ‘The Firm’.

5. Marlborough College

A co-educational boarding school, Marlborough College charges annual fees of £30,300 for boarding and £24,450 for day attendees. The college was founded in 1843 and many of the buildings retain 18th century architectural elements.

Of course, the fees incurred by public school education do not end with tuition costs as a number of extras are also included. Forbes claims that these additional expenses add a further 10% to total costs.

This means that parents considering sending their children to these establishments will need to ensure that their personal finances and savings are up to scratch, perhaps prompting them to consider using financial products.

For example, if you wish to send your child for a private education but wish to cover yourself against the potential risk of losing your job while doing so, income protection can be of great assistance.

According to the Labour party, the total number of people using state-funded elderly care has fallen by 11% in the last two years.

The decline in state-funded elderly care comes despite the rise in the ageing population overall. The number of over adults aged 65 or over within the UK is steadily increasing as people are typically living for longer.

The data, which comes from the Freedom of Information responses of 121 councils, shows that free care provided to the elderly has fallen from 66,342 to 59,056 between 2009 and 2010.

Public sector spending cuts to council funding make it harder for councils to provide enough care for the ageing population. Growing pressures on staff and facilities mean that the care might not be up to the standards which some may expect.

A number of councils have had to seriously tighten their criteria, giving priority to those with the most severe needs ahead others.

The fall in figures could be heavily influenced by this restricted eligibility criteria. Only those with assets below £14,250 can get full funding for their care, those who have to pay for it will face rising fees.

Statistics show that the average fee stood at £13.61 per hour for home care and that a growing number of councils are reducing the amount which a single person can pay in recent years.

The cost of care is increasing and as a number of UK adults are feeling the squeeze under the current economic climate, many are struggling to stump up the cash for much needed care.

Over 50s Life Cover could offer a lump sum payment if you die which could help to pay towards outstanding debts, funeral costs and other expenses, making the lives of your loved ones a little easier.

Here are just a few ways that you can set your makeover in motion:

Choose a neutral colour for you walls

If you are waiting to find out about the sex of your baby until the big day, it’s a good idea to paint your spare room in neutral colors such as beige, white or mint green. When you are preparing the room, factor in the time that it will take to strip off existing wallpaper, fill in holes in the wall and the time it will take for paint to dry and the room to be fully aired out.

Make careful furniture choices

Having adequate storage space is key for housing all the items you will need for your new arrival, from baby grows and bibs to nappies and wipes. If your room is too small for a wardrobe, then a chest of drawers that has good storage depth is ideal.

When you are choosing your cot, you may want to find a model that can also convert to beds so that this item grows with your child. Investing in a comfortable chair could also ensure that mothers and babies are fully relaxed during feeding time.

Accesorise to make the most of your room

Use rugs, framed pictures, wooden letters and other accessories to really bring your room to life. You can also use transferrable wall stickers in animal patterns to jazz up plain walls.

Keeping your little one comfortable

Ideally, cots should be placed a short distance away from a radiator as the optimum nursery temperature to keep your baby comfortable is 16-21°C, with 18°C being ideal. You may also want to invest in black out blinds so that your newborn’s sleep is not disturbed during nap time.

If you are looking to provide peace of mind for both you and your family in the future, Life Insurance may be an option you wish to consider.

Many of us tend to see it as the end goal. But as any parent will tell you, settling down with someone and starting a family is just the beginning.

The extra responsibilities and commitments can be a lot to deal with, not to mention the added financial pressures that a family bring.

The changes can start sooner than you think, as a family require the right home to live in. So, what should you look for if you’re planning on buying a family home?

Plenty of space

They may start out pretty small, but babies grow....quickly. You’ll be amazed how much space a child and all their items can take up, so make sure you look for somewhere with enough space to fit it all in.

It’s also worth remembering that there might be some new additions to the family along the way, so consider buying somewhere that has enough space for your young family to expand into.

A good kitchen

They say that a kitchen is the heart of any home, and that’s certainly true of family homes with young children.

While you may not have much time for cooking when you have a baby, they’ll be heading off to school before you know it. So, you’ll need a good kitchen to provide breakfast and dinner for the whole family.

Location

The location of your ideal family home is entirely subjective, with different people wanting different things from the location of a home. It helps to find out if other families are living close by, as that is a good indication of a family-friendly neighbourhood, and you might even be able to share babysitting duties.

If you have children or are starting a family, you could think about taking out a life insurance policy to offer your family protection when you are no longer around.

Below we take a look at 10 things everyone should do before you die:

1). Do something out of your comfort zone

It’s all too easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same old things, with the same old people. Try and put yourself outside your comfort zone – preferably at least once a year – by trying something completely new.

This could involve going for a new job, pushing for promotion or maybe taking up a new and exciting hobby. Try your hand at acting, ball room dancing, public speaking, painting or modelling, for example; put yourself out there and you may well surprise yourself.

2). Travel somewhere exotic

Us Brits work the longest hours in Europe. Treat yourself with an exotic holiday somewhere new and exciting for some well earned rest and relaxation. Great destinations to check out include Peru, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, Mexico and China. Go somewhere you’ve always wanted to go to and experience a whole new world. Just remember though, don’t forget your travel insurance.

3). Give something back

It’s not all about you. Giving something back to society, even in just a very small way, can be massively rewarding. Offer to volunteer at a local charity or perhaps help out at a school or hospital event for a good cause. Volunteering and knowing that you’ve helped others is a reward in itself that you can be proud of for the rest of your life.

4). Spend time with family

An easy one to forget about given our busy, hectic modern lives, but spending time with the people we love most should be a top priority. Whether it’s visiting your grandmother; taking the kid’s to the park; or holidaying with all of your family spending more time with your family is time well spent.

5). Create Something

A cure for cancer would be good, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be something that will win you a Nobel Prize or have the Dragons from the Dragon’s Den eager to invest. Inventions can be small as well as big.

Whether you invent a new recipe your family will adore; a new system at work that makes life easier for everyone; or a catchy song: everyone should aim to create something they can claim as their own over the course of their lives.

6). Be the Best at Something

Becoming the best football player or lead guitarist may be beyond the abilities of all but the most exceptionally talented, but becoming the best father, best mother, best friend or even the best tea maker to someone you know should not be beyond anyone.

7). Learn another language

People are impressed when the people they are with suddenly begin chatting away in another language. So why can’t that be you? Learning a language is more than simply being able to speak to people from a different country; it is also about culture and history, too, and something most Brits are very envious of!

8). Go to a music festival

Whether you are 21 or 71, there are music festivals aplenty in the UK, as well as further in Europe and beyond. These music festivals cater to all types of musical tastes, from dance music to folk, classical to blues. Exploring one of these varied and fun musical extravaganzas should be on everyone’s to-do list at some point during their lives.

9). Go to a sporting event

Whether you love sport or not everyone should experience the theatre of a live sporting event at some point during their lives. The English Premier League is the envy of the sporting world when it comes to football and the atmosphere on match days among the top club’s supporters is genuinely something worth experiencing.

London is hosting the Olympics next year, which promises to bring a range of varied sporting events to our shores – try and catch something of it if you can. If you haven’t got tickets to an event try and catch the free events such as the Marathon to get a taste of the Olympics in the UK.

The Olympics and football aside there are other great sporting events across the country, such as: rugby internationals in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland; and tennis at world famous Wimbledon, London.

10). Buy something you want on impulse

Sometimes a treat does us good. Counting the pennies and looking after the pounds is important, obviously, but treating yourself every now and then is also good for you. So, every now and then, buy something on impulse.

It could be something like a new jacket, a new pair of shoes or an expensive bottle of wine you wouldn’t ordinarily buy; or it could be something more extravagant like a holiday home or fast car. Buying something on impulse is something everyone should do once in their lives: but just remember to only buy what you can afford to pay for.

The cost of raising children is, in fact, the most common financial underestimation that people often make. According to a HSBC survey, the average cost of raising a child until it is 18 years old is a staggering £116,000 more than Brits anticipate.

The average cost of raising a child until the age of 18 is actually £201,809. Here are a few reasons why;

Education

From September 2012, Universities will be able to charge up to £9,000 a year for students seeking higher education. Research from M&S Money suggests that parents will have to save almost £50,000 to cover the cost of higher tuition fees and living costs.

It’s not just the cost of higher education that could affect your finances where your children are concerned. The ‘Cost of a Child’ Study from LV reveals that the average contents of a school bag for an 11-14 year old are a staggering £212. One in ten school children will carry an iPad, netbook or e-reader with them during school hours.

Housing

Further research from HSBC revealed that the cost of housing a second child is £59,500. This is because the average three-bedroom property costs almost 40% more than two-bed properties. That’s just for a family with two children, the price increases if you have more.

However, the financial burden doesn’t end there! Children are for life and many parents still support their child financially past the age of 18. Legal and General found that many parents predict that coughing up for property deposits, a first car, university fees and travelling costs will amount to more than £24,000.

To ensure that you can provide the best quality of life for your children and dependants if you die, Life Insurance could be worth considering.