We face an unprecedented challenge to our health, economy, businesses, personal finance and way of life. And many of those who normally help society – our charities – are going to face similar pressures right now too. 

Financial and economic abuse are often a prelude to domestic violence. Raising awareness is important. It helps those facing it realise they're not alone and help is available. Plus, it means friends and family may be able to spot the signs. Karen wrote to us, having read my Financial Abuse blog (which includes help links and explanations).

Sitting next to my desk are a raft of copies of my old book The Money Diet. I just picked it up, at the start of the New Year, as a minor trip down memory lane. And I turned to one of the musings I'd jotted down in the book – bringing back bittersweet memories. It says…

As regulars will know, I'm obsessed with fitness-tracking statistics. So this is my annual steps report for 2019. According to my tracker, I did 8,877,851 steps – a ridiculous number, a healthy obsession.

Beware student loan statements, they're dangerous and misleading. I wish I could tell you to rip 'em up without looking at them, but occasionally there's practical info you need. Over five million uni leavers still have outstanding loans. Many panic seeing £100s interest added each month – a financial canker that's led some into making catastrophic decisions.

Nick Cann used to be the boss of the Institute of Financial Planning, a great communicator who'd also dabbled in stand-up. I too am in the financial world, a communicator by trade, and once dabbled in stand-up. I met Nick to give him an award for fundraising after he'd had his serious 'brain attack' and lost most of his ability to talk.