Handful of Dollars

The number of graduate opportunities this year s expected to be cut for the first time in over 5 years. The survey, by the Association of Graduate Recruiters, shows just how much of an effect the economic slowdown is having on employment.

Overall, job vacancies are 5.4% down on last year's figures, with starting salaries at an average £25,000. However, sectors such as engineering and hospitality are still recruiting and are after more applicants.

Analysts are saying though, that although figures show a bit of a drop, it could be bleaker.

Yep, it's that time again. When Tesco offer 5p per litre off their diesel and petrol if you spend over £50 in store.

I thought I'd noticed their fuel prices creeping up slightly when other petrol stations were pretty stable. Now I wonder...is this why?

On top of the savings, you can also get double points on your fuel too. Not too bad really!

Pontin's are investing £50million into re-developing their holiday parks, and creating 2000 in the process. Not bad considering we are in the middle of a credit crunch! Holiday bookings for peak seasons such as half term, easter and summer are up at their 6 holiday parks across the UK, which to me, says that people are choosing to stay close to home for their family holiday rather than spending more money to go further afield.

Maybe this summer will be the window British tourism needs?

It's not just us common folk in trouble because of the credit crunch - it's the turn of the millionaires now, as Sandbanks struggles. It's one of the wealthiest places in the world but many of the residents are suffering. It's been found that at least 2 millionaire's have gone bust, one having to up it from their Sandbanks home, and seek refuge in a flat above a shop with £100 to their name.

More than 30% of yachts and boats in the marina are for sale, and resturants on the stretch are going bust. Nobody can get away from the credit crunch, it seems.

Virgin Media have joined with Setanta Replay, to offer sport on demand on their digital service, and uSwitch have hailed the deal as a good one, which will give more choice to viewers whilst also giving them flexibility with regards to when they can watch their sporting events.

The deal also reflects the need for on demand services - I know I would benefit from more on demand services via my set top box, rather than watching via my computer!

HSBC are going to write to 30,000 of their customers about the mortgages that they have taken out with the lender, encouraging them to make overpayments on their loans in an effort to help debt management attempts.

The advice encourages borrowers to take full advantage of the falls in interest rates which have been happening over the past few months - they found that a typical borrower is saving £218.08 per month now on their mortgage, compared with their initial repayments.

So, why not take advantage of the interest rate dives? If you have the money spare, you may as well as it could reduce your mortgage term by years!

Even though full price tickets for a Jongleurs Comedy Club are about £10-£20, you can get tickets for £1. All you have to do is fo to their Jongleurs website and book the tickets you want, then enter the code: JANUARY1. You can also book via their box office, quoting the same code, on 08448440044

The discount won't show when you book online until you get to the summary page, so not to worry if you don't se ethe discount as soon as you enter it. Just make sure that when it does take you through to the summary page, your discounted seat is available - you don't want to be paying full price when you hadn't expected to!

The offer is available until 31 Januray - so you still have time to find a show that suits you.

Sales have been dropping all over the place when it comes to some of the high street stores. Currys and PC World have seen a drop in sales of 10% in the 3 months to January. And Argos have also seen a drop, of 7.5% in the 18 weeks to January.

Despite the slowdown, Primark have reported rises in sales of 18%. Carphone Warehouse nad Mothercare also saw rises in sales.

2009 is definately going to be a difficult year for the retail chains.

I was watching an advert on television the other day, about broadband packages offered by Talk Talk. They are offering a £6.49 broadband package, to which you can add-on things you need - a bit like mobile phone bolt ons.

The offer excludes the £10.50 line rental which you would have to pay, but other than that it looks quite promising. I think I'll have a look at their site and see what else I can find about it - I'm no expert though.

Note: I just had a look on their site, and uSwitch are saying it's the number one bundle provider. May be worth a shot!

On Thursday just gone, the Bank of England base rate hit an all time low, falling to 1.5% - the lowest level since records began.

If rates continue to fall, which they more than likey will, the Bank will have to find more money. And print more cash. Despite the Treasury staying schtum, the concept of printing money to get us out of this mess is a likely one to be followed.