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I received a press release from London PR recently claiming that in a recent survey, we can forget the big house or the fancy world cruises as major status symbols. Cars are still our favourite of all status symbols and appear to have the most impact on others. Despite the recession the press release claims that we Brits in particular, still love to fl ash the cash – if we can – and it seems we never miss an opportunity to tell others about our success. How we judge others (and ourselves) in the top ten of status symbols:- Car House Designer clothes Holidays Jewellery/watches and accessories Accent Children in private schools Technology/gadgets Friends Educational background Interestingly, the survey discovered that people who drive expensive cars are perceived as being successful, even if they live in a small house. On the other hand people in large houses who drive old bangers are perceived as being less of a success, or eccentric! Some of the individual comments were:- “I do change my car every two years. I get bored with cars quickly and I’m ready for a change every couple of years and also I wouldn’t be comfortable being seen in an old banger.” “When I see others driving old cars, at the school gates for example, I can’t help judging them in my own mind.” “Cars are important as they tell others where you are in life and what you have achieved.” “It makes good business sense. My clients see my car and think, ‘He must be doing well’.” “With money so cheap to borrow at the moment it makes sense to drive a nice car. I also think that if you want to be successful you have to look successful so a top marque is essential.” This last comment says a lot about the current situation. When I was in my teens, to buy a new car, you needed HP (hire purchase). Regulations meant that you had to have a minimum of 25% to 35% deposit to start with, and then you only had about two years in which to pay the total sum off .