One-fifth of all voters are aged over 65. I heard this on the radio the other day and if you include all those in their fifties, you have a sizable market for nostalgia. The digital domain of everything is clearly not to the delight of everyone, and while we can't rewind the clocks, we can appreciate what is worth remembering. Last week's blog on this subject provoked a couple of comments... read more>

You might have missed it, but Tuesday March 15 was World Consumer Rights Day marked by a campaign for Fair Digital Finance. As raised in this blog two weeks ago, it's a pressing issue, but really the only consumer issue in town for weeks and maybe now years will be the cost of living. As we've all noticed, many items are rising in price. Some like petrol have gone up steeply and suddenly.... read more>

It's a corny gag that nostalgia ain't what it used to be, but as you get on in life, this feeling can intrude in unlikely ways. My blog last week about the switch away from cash triggered one reader, Ian from Qld, to reflect on the 'good old days'. "Bring back the 1950s and 60's. Things were more simple - you could leave your house and car unlocked. Cars were four-seaters… no radio… win... read more>

It was said by a female rear admiral no less that “One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions.” As well as rising to the top of the US Navy Grace Hopper was also a professor of mathematics, and she knew a thing or two about figures. So what she might make of the alleged wonkiness of our most studied statistics - on which many political, economic and social decisions are ... read more>

The COVID-accelerated switch from cash to cards, a myriad of new payments systems, and even cryptocurrencies has been dazzling for technology advocates. But how about those mostly older people who want to hang onto the likes of coins, notes and even cheques to make their payments? Is anyone looking out for them? Is the cashless society being imposed upon us without adequate consultation a... read more>