We may still be financial buffoons in this ever depending recession but money matters have been shoved into the very top of the cool list. ISA’s shares, bonds stocks, whatever they’re called; all that financial jargon’s moved right up to the top of the hot topics list. There is one thing though, do we really understand what all this stuff actually means?
A recent survey, by credit reference agency Experian, found that 53 per cent of us are now more likely to talk about money with friends, family and even strangers. All this money talk is spreading too.
The best selling books? They’re all related to money.
From cook books that help you to “(Re)discover the Merits of Offal” to “Doing Designer Fashion on the Cheap” it’s all about scrimping and saving.
It’s taken over the web too. One of the fastest growing sectors of the internet at the moment are discount voucher sites. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve gone to Pizza Express with my two for one voucher; sweaty and crumpled in my hand.
Saving money is going through its own personal renaissance.
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) are declaring war on our financial uncertainty in the shape of some money saving advice. This is the watchdog the duty to, “promote public understanding of the financial system”.
I’m not sure exactly how they’re going to do this. Would we all read consumer websites and official white papers on how to save money? Previous FSA campaigns have seen financial advice leaflets posted through letterboxes and left in post office branches waiting our quick once over.
With so many of us feeling the proverbial pinch, we may not like the idea of being told how to handle our finances but we may just have to go along with it.
Before too long we’ll all be psuedo financial advisers.
