While it's humming away quietly chilling your food, your fridge could also be pouring your money down the drain. This is what to look out for...

    * If your fridge is over 10 years old, think about getting a new one. Newer appliances are much more energy efficient and will save you money over the NEXT ten years.

    * Always shut the fridge door as quickly as possible. For every minute it's open, it spends 3 minutes reaching the same low temperature again.

    * Your fridge should be set at 3C and your freezer at –18C. Every degree lower than this adds 5% to the running costs.

    * Check the seals regularly on your fridge and freezer. Any loose spots and your fridge will have to work harder to keep cold.

    * Before you go on holiday, empty your fridge and turn it off.

Hay fever? Avoid these nose-busting foods...

If you suffer from hay fever, you could also be suffering from rhinitus. Try the following allergen eliminating diet to see if food is the cause of your woes:

1. For one week avoid all flour anview:ed dairy products. Eat only meat, fish, eggs, fruits and vegetables.
2. At the same time, drink only herbal teas and filtered water.
3. The next week, avoid wheat, sugar, salt, coffee and dairy products. Recharge your immune system with organic fruit and vegetables.
4. If your hay fever – or rhinitus – is severe, try a daily organic juice containing some raw cabbage. It contains Glutamine, which helps a 'leaky gut' – the cause of many allergies.

Try this out for a month and, if your diet is behind the problem, you'll certainly see the effect. Then start introducing one food at a time, over a period of three to four days and monitor any change. You'll soon spot the culprit.

How water resistant is your watch, really?

A watch isn't water resistant unless stated on the dial or case back. Here’s how to tell just how ‘water-resistant’ your watch really is…

A watch is water resistance to a given depth (e.g. 30m, 50m) based on the fact that the case has been designed to withstand a static laboratory test to the stated depth for short periods only.

Most water resistant watches are not designed for prolonged and active use in water. Hee's a guide...

    * 3 ATM/98 FT: Suitable for everyday use. Will withstand accidental splashing but NOT suitable for swimming

    * 6 ATM/164 FT: Suitable for everyday use and swimming but NOT for poolside diving, snorkelling or water sports.

    * 10 ATM: Suitable for everyday use including swimming and snorkelling but NOT suitable for high-board diving or sub-aqua diving.

    * 20 ATM: Suitable for all high impact water sports and scuba diving at depths NOT requiring helium gas. At these depths however it is recommended that a professional divers watch be purchased.

In the name of wealth, happiness and success!
 
Pascale Barrow
Managing Editor of Personal & Finance Confidential