You hardly need me to remind you that money’s a little tight this Christmas. But despite the gloom, there is good news… Petrol prices are down, there’s been interest rate cuts, and the Government’s $10.4 billion economic stimulus package starts tomorrow, with one-off payments of up to $1400 to many low income families, seniors and veterans.

And also this week, eight leading Australian economists have raised a really creative solution to get the economy moving… They want the Government to reduce the compulsory superannuation rate from 9 percent to 6 percent - - to allow employers to bump up pay packets by 3 percent.

• What do you think of this idea… Would you like to have a 3 percent pay rise, perhaps temporarily, to stimulate spending now - - knowing that your nest-egg will be a little smaller as a result?

And while we’re on the topic of Christmas spending… There’s been some interesting mix of research coming out in recent days. 

One Newspoll survey shows that many parents are drawing up family budgets to get them through this Christmas period… Even putting home renovations on hold, and skipping the usual summer holiday, or at least choosing a cheaper destination… 

On the other hand, another survey [by ING Direct] shows that Generation Y - that’s the 20-somethings – are ignoring the recession and will spend more than usual this Christmas…

• Where do you fit into all that? Have you made changes to your Christmas spending this year?