Don't let the government get its hands on your cash

Banks and building societies expect the government to donate money, which has lain dormant in old accounts, to charities as soon as 2009.

They are urging people to find out about childhood gifts, or accounts where the passbook may be stored in the attic, and to contact them in case they can be reunited with their savings. Homeowners may find that their unexpected windfall can pay off all of their post-Christmas bills and insurance premiums.

Pete Sowden, Yorkshire Building Society's head of service quality, said: "We're calling on our members who haven't used their account for many years to re-establish contact with us by visiting their local branch with their passbook for updating or card to check their balance.

"This simple action can prevent their money being classified as 'lost' and they may get a nice surprise when they see how much their savings have grown."

January 30^th 2008

• Slowing down in mortgage market
• Homeowners urged to check utility bills
• Credit crunch worries begin to bite
• Save toward your home insurance, cut up your store cards
• Festive hangover lasts until next Christmas
• Borrowing regarded as a normal part of lifestyle
• The bank of Mum