It's turning out to be the wettest summer on record, and unfortunately the forecast isn't looking too good.

With the met office predicting a month's worth of rain in the next 48 hours it's fairly safe to say that you'll need a brolly if you head out this afternoon.

However, you need to do more if you want to make sure your home stays dry too.

Flooding is becoming more commonplace and while it's not always possible to protect your home against flash-floods, there are steps you can take to mitigate the risk.

With 89 areas of the UK on 'flood alert' and 3 on 'flood warning' it's quite possible you could be affected (although I certainly hope not) so taking steps to flood-proof your home is going to be worthwhile just in case.

Read our guide: How to Protect Your Home When a Flood Strikes for some quick ways to flood-proof your property before the rain gets too heavy.

It's also worth checking your home insurance policy to make sure that you won't be left out of pocket if a flood strikes.

What else has been happening?

Budget airlines will no longer hit you with 'surprise' charges when you book

Twelve airlines have agreed to incorporate debit card charges into the headline price of their flights and make it clearer how much extra you'll pay if you use a credit card. It is likely to push the cost of flights up slightly but will mean you get a better idea of total cost up front.

The Bank of England is to pump £50 billion into the UK economy

Yet another round of Quantitative Easing is to be pumped into the economy over the next four months. However, they've decided to hold the base rate at 0.5% once again - it's now been at this rock-bottom low for 3 years and counting...

E.On have finally agreed to stop door-stop selling

Having been put under the microscope by the OFT, E.On are the last of the 'big six' energy companies to stop this outdated practice after coming under investigation for mis-selling earlier this year.

Own a second home in France? Unfortunately you'll be liable for more tax in the very near future

It's looking very likely that the rate you'll pay on both capital gains and rental income will be brought into line with that paid by French citizens as soon as the end of July. Effectively this will sting you for 19% capital gains and 20% of any rental income you earn - plus an additional 15.5% social charge on top of each!

Plans to transform the Post Office into a mutual organisation are now underway

After a consultation that gained public, staff and government support, the Post Office's first step will be to implement a more consumer-friendly operating model - something that will begin this summer. However, its full transformation into a people- and staff-owned organisation will take years.

Off to Spain? It's likely you'll be hit with a new airport tax even if you've already paid for your flights!

The Spanish government have introduced a new 'tourist' tax as a last-minute measure to try and raise revenue and while some airlines will be absorbing the cost, others won't and will be billing customers for the extra. Check with your airline if you're travelling to Spain in the near future - it's likely to be around £6 per person.