How wonderful that we can now shift our money around with the touch of a few computer keys.

My first column of 2013 comprised a list of top advice - invaluable stuff I've discovered about doing business, thanks to the hard lessons of others.

Contrary to belief, you can't return something you have bought from a store and demand a refund or even an exchange or credit note if there is nothing wrong with it.

I've been so thrilled by the feedback I've received in response to last week's column on Simon Mathale of Mamelodi, who has taken it upon himself to visit the shops in his area in order to check the date stamps on their food products.

Technology is a wonderful thing when it makes our lives easier, cheaper and more connected with loved ones: think Skype, tele-conferencing, free wi-fi.

Is proper punctuation irrelevant in this "tap it out any old how" social media era?

I regularly get e-mails from readers who are annoyed by the "over-packaging" of products, for several reasons - it gives consumers the impression that they're getting more product than they really are; it adds unnecessarily to the cost of the product; and it's not environmentally friendly.

Dawn Connell's son lived for some years in the UK where he routinely bought frozen chicken portions, which he cooked at low heat for a long time until they were soft and tasty, and then used the flesh to make sandwiches or quick meals.

Calling all sweet lovers - do you know how many sweets Maynard's makers Tiger Brands thinks you should be eating at a time?

How readily and genuinely people are willing to apologise for their mistakes says volumes about their character. And it’s the same with companies.