I nearly had a meltdown in M&S yesterday. There I was, standing like an idiot in front of empty shelves where my beloved Percy Pigs should've been. Just a few sad veggie versions and those low-sugar ones nobody actually wants. My Friday treat - gone. Vanished. And all because some tech-savvy criminals decided to ruin everyone's snack time.
The sign next to teh barren shelves was painfully polite: "Please bear with us while we fix some technical issues affecting product availability." Technical issues? That's corporate-speak for "we're completely screwed right now."
When Pigs Don't Fly
Let me tell you something - when 16 million bags of these little pink gummies sell every year, people notice when they're missing. One poor soul wrote online: "Lads, s**t just got real." Another cleverly quipped: "This isn't just a cyber attack — it's an M&S cyber attack."
God. I feel their pain.
This whole mess started over Easter weekend when hackers infiltrated M&S systems. My cousin works at their head office (though she's probably regretting that career choice right about now) and says it's absolute chaos behind the scenes. Staff are literally doing sales reports BY HAND like it's 1992.
What else has disappeared?
It's not just Percy feeling the pinch. Colin the Caterpillar has gone AWOL too. Several stores I visited had gaps where wine, beer, chilled meats and prepared foods should be.
I spent £4.50 on a sad sandwich instead of my usual chicken salad bowl. Disappointing doesn't begin to cover it.
The Scattered Spider Web
Back in 2019, I wrote an article about cybersecurity that nobody read. Wish people had paid attention now! The attack on M&S has apparently been linked to a hacking group called "Scattered Spider" - which sounds like a terrible indie band but is actually a bunch of English-speaking criminals mostly under 25.
Young enough to be living in their parents' basements while causing multinational corporations to lose tens of millions in revenue. What a world.
M&S tried damage control by suspending contactless payments and click-and-collect orders, but these hackers are apparently burrowed deep in their systems like digital ticks. They've called in everyone from Scotland Yard to the National Cyber Security Centre to help fix this mess.
The real victims? Us Percy addicts
I texted my friend Emma about the shortage and her response: "This is the final straw. I'm stockpiling when they come back."
Listen. I know there are bigger problems in the world. But sometimes it's the small comforts that get us through the week.
The spokeswoman for M&S confirmed there were "pockets of limited availability" in stores. Limited availability? The shelves were emptier than my bank account after rent day.
While M&S scrambles to get their systems back online (and their Percy Pigs back on shelves), I'll be here, waiting impatiently. Like a kid who dropped their ice cream on the pavement.
Until then, I guess I'll have to make do with inferior sweets. The horror.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of money?
The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.
What is the definition of money?
Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.
What is the difference between saving and investing?
Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.
What is a budget deficit?
A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.
What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?
An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.
What are the main functions of money?
The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.
What are the risks associated with investing in the stock market?
Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.
Statistics
- According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
- A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
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How To
How To Start Investing for Beginners
Starting to invest can be daunting, but it is a crucial step towards building wealth. Begin by setting clear financial goals, such as saving for retirement or a major purchase. Educate yourself on different investment options, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. Consider starting with a brokerage account that offers user-friendly platforms and educational resources. Diversify your investments to reduce risk, and consider low-cost index funds or robo-advisors if you prefer a hands-off approach. Make regular contributions, and resist the temptation to react to market fluctuations. Over time, compound interest will help your investments grow significantly.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://hellofaread.com/money/scorching-summer-deal-alert-grab-this-paddling-pool-for-a-tenner-before-theyre-gone
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