How to cope with recession

The odds can seem to be against you during an economic downturn

Threats to the safety of savings and the search for good returns at times of low interest rates have been a constant source of concern for savers.

An array of information is available through the BBC News website and various groups offer help for struggling householders.

The rescue of Northern Rock and the subsequent banking crisis brought the safety of savings into sharp focus.

Savings up to £50,000 per person per licensed bank are guaranteed, should any UK-regulated bank or building society go bust.

A couple with a joint account is covered per person. So each person in a couple would have £50,000 covered in the account - so up to £100,000 in total would be protected.

Schemes in the EU have to offer compensation for at least the first 20,000 euros (£16,300), although they may offer significantly more than that.

For further advice start with this guide to the safety of savings.

If you are worried about your deposits, see this question and answer explanation of savings protection.

The UK programme is run by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

You can always go to the BBC News website's in-depth section on savings and investments for the latest news and guides.