Many of those who turned up were savers desperately seeking guidance because the return they are earning on their hard-earned cash has plummeted following the recent interest rate cuts.
There is no doubt that the voice of angry savers is getting louder but as yet there is no sign that the Government is going to offer help to those who are really struggling in this low-interest rate environment. It's therefore down to you to take action and make sure that your money is working as hard as possible.
So if you're a saver, what should you do? We look at what deals are available and identify the best homes for your money.
I've got money in a fixed rate account that is about to mature
Millions of savers have money in fixed rate bonds that are due to mature and many will have been enjoying interest rates of 5%, 6% or maybe even 7%. They are having to accept that they won't earn anything like that once their current fixed rate ends.
What's more, they face a dilemma - should they opt for another fixed rate deal and risk locking their money away when interest rates are at their lowest level ever, or do they invest it into a variable rate account so they can retain access to it and move it as and when rates improve?
It's a tough one to call, although the leading fixed rate bonds are paying higher rates of interest than those available on the best easy access accounts. And given the fact that many savers will have a significant amount of money held in their fixed rate account that's about to mature, seeking the highest possible return could be a priority. If this is the case and you want to invest the money in another fixed rate account, it's probably not advisable to opt for a term longer than one or two years.
Interest rates can't stay this low indefinitely and if you lock your money away for three or four years, the risk is that rates will start rising again during that time and your savings will be stuck in an account that becomes uncompetitive.
So what are the best fixed rates at the moment?
Abbey and Alliance & Leicester, which are owned by Spanish bank Santander, are both offering a new two-year fixed rate bond paying a market-leading rate of 4.01%. The minimum investment is quite high at £30,000. If you don't have that amount or would rather not lock your money away for two years, ICICI Bank's HiSave Fixed Rate Account is paying 3.90% for one year, on balances of £1,000 or more.
Derbyshire and Cheshire building societies are also offering competitive one-year bonds at 3.75%. The minimum investment on both deals is £5,000.
My savings are in a variable rate account paying virtually nothing
The rates on many easy access accounts are paying less than the 1% base rate. If you have money sitting in one of these accounts, move it. It is possible to earn more than base rate without relinquishing flexibility.
We are still waiting for a large number of banks and building societies to respond to this month's half point interest rate cut, so if you're looking for an account you can dip in and out of, bear in mind the rate could fall in the coming weeks.
Citibank's Flexible Saver Issue 4 has the leading rate at 3.56%. However, the rate hasn't yet dropped and it also includes a 12-month introductory bonus.
Norwich & Peterborough's E-Saver (Issue 2) account and Yorkshire Building Society's Internet account are both paying 3.25% - neither account includes an introductory bonus and there are no withdrawal restrictions, although the rates have not yet changed following the latest interest rate reduction.
Egg has reduced the rate on its savings account - it is now paying 3.35%.ING Direct is another provider to have cut its rate - the new rate on its savings account is 3.00%. However, both accounts include a 12-month bonus so you may need to move your money again after the first year.
My Isa rates have also fallen significantly
If you have money invested in Isas that are no longer paying a competitive rate it is possible to move your savings without losing the tax-break.
Not all Isa accounts accept transfers, but Scottish Widows Bank's E-cash Isa and Marks & Spencer's Advantage Cash Isa do and they are both paying 3.10%.
You can earn a higher rate if you are just looking to invest this year's tax allowance. You can invest up to £3,600 a year in a cash Isa. Royal Bank of Scotland's Cash Plus Isa has the highest rate at 3.51%, although it is only available to RBS current account customers. If you aren't an RBS current account customer, Natwest's e-Isa is paying 3.25%. Neither of these accounts are open to Isa transfers however.
It really is worth using your Isa allowance as, unlike standard savings accounts, the interest isn't taxed.
Are there any other options?
If you save money every month, a number of accounts are paying rates in excess of 5%. Regular saver accounts pay a fixed rate of interest, usually for 12 months and you are required to pay money in every month. Because the rates on these accounts are so much higher than those on fixed rate bonds and easy access accounts, the amount you can deposit is capped.
Barclays' Monthly Savings Account pays a rate of 6.00%. The minimum monthly investment is £20 and the maximum is £250. If you make a withdrawal you will earn a lower rate of interest.
And if you're not sure what type of account to go for...
The savings market is complex - not only are there different types of accounts, but there are also potential catches to watch out for. If you aren't sure which is the most suitable product, our article 'How to choose a savings account' should help.
Also, don't forget to spread your money around. Under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the first £50,000 held with a single institution is totally protected but anything above that amount is at risk should the bank or building society go bust. For more information, read our article 'Who owns who?'.
Disclaimer: Please note that any rates or deals mentioned in this article were available at the time of writing.
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