A believer in doing things by halves: Sue Fieldman hears how some of the professionals would handle their children's pounds 100 Christmas presents

PAT TILLER works for the Halifax Building Society, where she oversees the administration of nine branches. At home she and her husband John look after the finances of seven-year-old Nicky.

Pat says: 'I would make Nicky put pounds 50 into his Halifax Building Society account as I am a boring building society manager. But then I would let him squander the rest and go wild at Toys 'R' Us'.

With such even-handed treatment Nicky has little to complain about. In fact his Mum is more than generous. He says: 'I would spend the money on other people and perhaps a little bit for me to buy some cars. I could put about pounds 25 in my building society account.'

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