If you're thinking of buying expensive kit, do so if at all possible before VAT hike of two and a half per cent on 4 January 2011. Your NUJ membership card (whether or not you hold a Press Card) gets you a modest discount at the Apple Store. The deadline for your 2009/2010 tax return to arrive with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs - and thereby avoid a fine - is 31 January 2011. It's now online only, via www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa