Most other societies got rid of the discrepancy some time ago.But knowing what a bad deal even the less profit-hungry societies are giving doesn't solve the wider problem of generally low rates. Despite the hype, savings new-boys such as Direct Line and Tesco are only offering 5 per cent or so, and that's before tax. In fact savers might still be inclined to stick with societies in the hope of yet more windfalls. In that case it's simply a case of good housekeeping - such as switching to postally operated accounts (check you remain a member of a society) and, if you can handle a five-year commitment, maximising returns through a tax-free Tessa.Personal equity plans and other stock market investments should be treated with caution for now With one obvious exception, that is. British Energy, the Government's latest privatisation, looks set to be the mother of all giveaways Yes, it's nuclear power. But even the expected dividends knock the spots off deposit rates.

Share shops are already inviting registrations - no harm doing so - and we'll give a buyers' guide nearer the sell-off deadline, expected to be in early July.Your lettersIs there a money question you have always wanted answered? Readers' Lives, on the opposite page, is a new service dedicated to helping you make the right decisions about financial products. Your letters are welcome and the service is, of course, free.. Fancy a bit part, and a share, in a movie? For pounds 500 you could be an extra in the battle scenes of a film version of Macbeth, directed by the actor, Brian Blessed. Moreover, your pounds 500 outlay could even make you some money - it is, in effect, an interest-bearing loan to the firm, which also offers a share in any profits.

Macbeth hopes to capitalise on growing interest in Scotland and Scottish nationalism in the wake of Mel Gibson's Braveheart. Cromwell Productions, the maker of Macbeth, has already made The Bruce (pictured right), the story of Robert the Bruce, which stars Oliver Reed, Brian Blessed and Wolf from the television show The Gladiators. The Bruce was released in Scotland earlier this year. Cromwell intends Macbeth to be the first in a Shakespearian series of films. It says Grampian Television, the Scottish TV company, has already bought the television rights, and Cromwell is now looking for 300 members of the public to put up at least pounds 500 each to fund production costs, budgeted at pounds 400,000.Investors will get to fight a couple of battles in fancy dress and maybe walk in some horses.

They may also appear as spearmen, servants, washerwomen, grooms or courtiers. What is more, investors can, if they want, have their name on the film's credits.Macbeth plc is offering buyers of the pounds 500 "debentures" 5 per cent interest a year, repayment of capital in stages up to 2001 and a share in 50 per cent of any net profits from the film.While there is no problem investing in films such as this for a bit of fun, in practice people should be prepared to lose all the money they put in. There is no guarantee that the film will be completed, be shown, or be profitable, or that Macbeth plc will be able to pay the interest or repay the capital on the debentures.It is unlikely that the debentures will be easily resaleable and even the offer document "strongly recommends" consulting an independent financial adviser before investing.Bill Russell, film critic at the Glasgow Herald, says: "This is vanity film making for the investing public who get a part.''However, Cromwell says it already has commitments from Grampian TV and a video company. It also says it already has enough money for the film to go ahead.The offer for subscription talks about a series of special event showings to promote the film around the country, and Cromwell also has its eye on the schools market. It adds that this will be the only full-length film version of the play (it will use Shakespeare's original text) made since Laurence Olivier's version in the 1940s. The company aims to make the film this year and show it from next year Offers for Macbeth plc close at the end of this month For a prospectus call 01789 415187.. Hedonists, beware: the joys of overeating, drinking too much and not exercising may cost you more than your waistline.