Few remain untouched by the worsening global financial crisis.

Many have saved for the future by putting a small amount away each month — only for banks and building societies to go belly up.

One such person is Scarlett Trewavas from Jericho, who has £8,000 tied up in Icelandic bank Icesave and whose wedding plans are now in doubt.

Like countless people who have money tied up in banks, uncertainty surrounds her finances.

Naturally, people want answers and guarantees.

The Chancellor has ploughed £50bn of taxpayers' money into a rescue package for the banking system — representing roughly £1,600 for every UK citizen. It is likely Scarlett will get her savings back, what she doesn't know is when or in what denomination.

This is truly a worldwide problem, which forecasters predict will now last well into next year.

The conundrum facing many people is where to put their money.

Once upon a time it was joked that old people tucked their money away under a mattress or the floorboards.

Judging by what is happening around the world in these troubled times, that would seem the most sensible place to put it.