The January sales are perhaps the cheapest time of year to do Christmas shopping – so have you been out buying presents and decorations? Which of these is nearest to your situation?

If you ... ADD UP your home's value & all other assets eg, pension funds THEN SUBTRACT all debts (including mortgage) … how much are you worth – or how much in debt are you?

It's a highly emotive issue – and a difficult one for policy makers. So we've deliberately got rid of the shades of grey and made this as simple and stark a hypothetical choice as possible. When the elderly need to go into long-term supported care, should they be forced to sell their home to raise the cash or should it be protected and the taxpayer foot the bill?

How do you view your (or your family's) personal finances for the year ahead? Are things going to be better or worse for you by the end of 2012? Choose an option according to your financial situation...