Burglars Secret Code Messages

Police have issued a warning to homeowners claiming that burglars are using a code to target the rich and vulnerable.

Officers in Lanarkshire and West Yorkshire believe they have uncovered a series of coded chalk symbols on walls and pavements – dubbed the 'Da Pinchi Code' - which criminals are using to send secret messages to burglars.

A previous list of symbols was published by West Yorkshire Police’s Facebook page for Pontefract and Knottingley, urging residents to report any chalk signs. “If you see any unusual markings on your home, low rise walls, pavement, kerbs or bins, take a photo, remove them and contact us,” the message read.

News item, BTInternet 7 July 2015

Be a Money Expert

Top ten pieces of advice on money matters.

• A basic level of maths know-how is essential if you want to get the best deals, make sure you are not being ripped off, and at the very lest, divide up a restaurant bill fairly. And with calculator apps these days, there is no excuse.
• Stand on your own financial feet. Don't rely on your partner or spouse 100%. Even if they are the best at money management, it leaves you in a vulnerable position (e.g. post divorce or break up).
• Everyone needs an emergency fund that can be accessed at short notice and without exit penalties. You need a float of at least 3 months income. Set up a direct debit at the start of each month with all other key expenses. The fund will help at times of job loss, long term sickness or big reapair bill on house.
• Be sceptical. (1) Take advice from bank and building society with a pinch of salt - the staff are there to sell their financial products. Always do your own research. (2) Loyalty doesn't pay. Use insurance renewal reminders as a prompt to look at comparison sites to get the best deal. (3) For energy suppliers use cross compare on two comparion websites and make up your own mind who offeres the best deal.
• If you need help, ask. It's frighteningly easy to get into a financial mess. If this happens, don't agonise, just sort it out before it gets any worse. Ask a savvy friend or family member to sit down with you and help you focus. 
• There's no such thing as a free lunch. If you see a deal for a free gift or holiday, check the small print. You need to know what's in it for the company (there is always something) and ask 'how much is it really costing me?'
• Look after number one. You may be the one who manages everyone else (children, partners, friends, elderly parents) but make sure you never neglect your own financial health. (1) Save money for you - put as much as you can in a cash ISA as you will pay no tax on interest you earn. (2) Don't underestimate the importance of paying National Insurance contributions, whatever stage of life you are at. NI gives you certain benefits and the right to a state pension. If you take a career break or don't earn very much, find out about paying voluntary contributions. (3) Don't kid yourself your state pension will be enough for you to live off. Go to gov.uk/calculate-state-pension/ to see what you will get. Hard to think about saving for retirement? Imagine what life would be without your current salary. (4) Auto-enrolment in your company pension scheme is a no brainer. Your employer contributes as well as you (and your savings benefit from tax relief). If you decide to opt out, effectively you are losing money.
• Do yourself a favour. Teach your kids good money management as soon as they start getting pcoket money and don't stop until they leave home. They'll be more financially independent as adults.
• Find a good money mentor. Someone who is financially astute and can learn from.
• Pick your plastic. (1) If you struggle to clear your credit card each month, don't use one. Otherwise a growing chunk of your monthly income will be swallowed up in interest, which is a pointless use of your hard-earned cash. (2) If you always pay off your card at the end of the month, get one that gives you cashback on spending so you make a bit of extra money for the zero effort. (3) Even if you are not a fan of credit cards, it's worth having one to use when buying big items and spending online. This way you can keep an eye out for fraudulent activity and get protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act (redress against the credit card company as well as the retailer if anything goes wrong).

Caroline Bloor in Good Housekeeping October 2014

Energy Guzzlers

Problem: The wind whistles through yourdraughty windows and doors
Action:  Budget, self-adhesive foam strips are the cheapest and easiest to apply (from just a few pounds). British versions cost around the £10 mark. Alternatively call in the professionals and expect to pay around £100.

Problem: You've hoarded dozens of old-style light bulbs and you're going to use them.
Action: An energy saving LED lightbulb lasts 25,000 hours. So based on average daily use, one bulb should last about 30 years.

Problem: At night you go to bed and leave the tv on standby.
Action: Mains controllers are available from hardware and electrical stores from around £15.

Problem: Your windows are single glazed.
Action: Go to the Glass and Glazing Federation website (ggf.org.uk) to find an approved fitter in your area.

Problem: The loft has ancient or even no insulation.
Action: Go for the recommended depth of 270mm for the best savings.

Problem: Your water tank shivers through lack of a jacket.
Action: Modern jackets fit easily on to water tanks and boilers. Make sure surrounding water pipes are also insulated.

Problem: Your boiler could die any moment now.
Action: Replacing an old G-rated boiler with a new A-rated condensing boiler and full heating controls can cut your heating bills by up to a quarter.

Problem: You've had all your appliances for longer than you can remember.
Action: From fridges to washing machines and vacuum cleaners, check a new appliance's energy label before you buy.

Problem: You've no idea what lies behind the walls of your home.
Action: Cavity wall insulation saves up to £140 a year, but older properties built before the 1920s with solid walls stand to make even bigger savings with solid wall insulation.

Problem: Your shower makes Niagara Falls look feeble.
Action: By reducing the water pressure and flow, an energy-efficient shower head would save the average family of four £75, plus a further £90 on bills if they have a water meter. Note that these cannot be fitted with electric showers.

Feature in Good Housekeeping, February 2015

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral rather than a vitamin but is important for good health. Eating foods rich in potassium will help cut your stroke risk. It's protective effect is thought to be linked to its blood pressure-lowering properties.

BUT If you have significant kidney problems or are on some blood pressure-lowering medications, too much potassium can be harmful, so check with your GP first if you are in one of these groups.

Top potassium sources include: baked potatoes, salmon, bananas, broccoli, milk, oranges, green beans, carrots and apples.

Good Housekeeping, January 2015

Slow Breath for Less Stress

Count how many breaths you take in a minute. If it's more than 16, you are a shallow breather and could be depriving yourself of oxygen and reducing you energy levels. Slow down and you'll become more resistant to stress.

Longer, slower breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, which means you are naturally more calm.

Bowen Technique practitioner Caroline Kremer (carolinekremer.com) has created Just Breathe, a technique to get you into the slow breathing habit. Take a normal breath, but when you exhale, make a 'sss' sound and keep going until your lungs are empty - when you feel like stopping, try to keep the 'sss' going a little lomger. You'll then automatically take a deep breath in. Repeat 10 times. Do it in the morning to feel energised all day.

Item in Good Housekeeping September 2014.