With Christmas just over three weeks away, consumers are being advised to take steps to make sure that they avoid coming under increased financial pressure.

Spring is on it’s way, believe it or not, and it’s time to blow the cobwebs away, dust off your gardening gloves and pack away your winter woollies in readiness for the perkiest time of the year.

February may be a cold month, but there is one day that at least manages to warm our hearts emotionally. That’s right, it’s February 14th: Valentine’s Day. On this day, nothing shows your sweetie you care for them more than a stuffed animal.

Christmas is coming up upon us and the kids want toys. They know that it is a given that they're going to get what they want for Christmas, within reason.

When it comes to gift buying, "Be careful what they ask for - you might have to shop for it". I avoid this problem. I don't ask family and friends what they want for birthdays or for Christmas.

Wedding anniversaries are a time for family and friends to send goodwill and congratulations to couples who have just added another year to their wedded bliss bow. All the usual anniversary gifts make an appearance; special anniversary Roses, champagne and photo frames.

Dumbfounded as to what to get your co-worker/niece/brother/mother/father for his or her birthday? Don't be!

It’s time to forget about the shopping, the cooking, paying the gas bill and doing the laundry, and focus on what’s really important in life – spending time with the people who are most important to you.

Just as long as you put some thought into it, it will show.

Some people may be under the false impression that, since plush animals are not the hot toy of the month, that they are no longer relevant. Maybe you have considered getting a stuffed toy as a gift for a friend or relative, but decided on something else because you thought that the stuffed animal wasn’t practical, or that the recipient had outgrown them.