Wise Counsel

It's easy to harp and criticize, which is why I do it so often. Take an article from this weekend's Observer for example. The strapline began: "Debates about platonic relationships started with When Harry Met Sally ...". So not with Plato then.
On occasion, however, I prefer to relate something practical, so if you live in the U.K. this one's for you. (If you don't live in the U.K. come back soon and I'll have thought of something else.)
Death and taxes may be certainties, but there are always opportunities to reduce the burden of the latter. Fiscal forbearance should always apply and with Council Tax you can check whether you're over-paying very simply via the online valuation list. Simply enter your details and find out if your property is in the same band as your neighbours. If it's not, you can apply straight away to have it reassessed, albeit under a number of set criteria.
I've just done this and had our house dropped a band, saving us probably a hundred-odd quid a year... not sure how much exactly because Barnet council don't publish their rates. Would have been good to say "Here's what you would have paid..." Anyway, it's worth trying for two minutes of your time.