The Credit Crunch is taking its certainly taking its toll. Grown-up YTS schemes apart, (we shall see!) Stern warnings to the banks and even zero percent interest rates with all the dire warning of that eventuality are not exactly brightening the winter days.

It’s the season for your in-box to be inundated with holiday information. It’s all very well making the announcement that the family will holiday at home this year but when it comes to it, can you honestly say you meant it?

Lots of people will have no choice – shorter hours and less pay are being accepted as the price many have to pay for the hope of a job at the end of the day. For others, there are corners to cut. Why not exchange a fortnight in Florida, with a few hundred pounds “ticket money” for the privilege of queuing in the sunshine for a ride that lasts a couple of minutes for a less stressful break in one of the Spanish Costa’s maybe. The kids may even learn to amuse themselves with sandcastles and sea. Shorter travel times, too.

One thing that’s more important than ever this year is your travel insurance. Don’t ever think about a holiday abroad unless you have this in place. It’s just not worth it.

Do they do insurance against the Darling/Brown effect, I wonder? Or is it counted as an Act of God?