An unaffordable house in a good area that gobbles up cash, a refined accent, being seen eating out at an expensive restaurant, flashing that gold credit card.? What's your idea of an appropriate status symbol conferring cachet on one who is well advanced up life's greasy pole? A survey released this week by NatWest Card Services says that while the icons of wealth have changed considerably over the past decade, the old reliable sports car still heads the list of status symbols. The mobile phone, gold credit card and Rolex watch, favoured in the 1980s, have made way in the 1990s to designer clothes and flying first -class. The mobile phone and gold credit card were considered too common by most respondents , seemingly lacking the exclusivity they once possessed. A cultured speaking voice and general social refinement are also viewed as necessary to advance in society, as is investment in a quality education for the offspring.

Ergo to social climb in the new millennium send the kids to the best school you can afford - and start saving for that open-topped Merc. . .