This is my last Family Money column. After nearly eight years I have decided to move on to other related activities, although I won't be leaving personal finance journalism altogether. The volume of correspondence I have received since 1991 shows just how useful the column has been, working for the benefit of consumers who have often had great difficulty understanding the complexity of many products, too often to their detriment. To all those who have written in over the years, suggesting topics for coverage, I offer my sincerest thanks.

I also want to express my appreciation to a huge number of people in the personal finance industry for the co-operation and courtesy they have shown me, even when I have been critical of their companies and products. To those who have regularly offered advice and assistance, my sincerest thanks.

It has been an enjoyable eight years.