Monday Funny Money is a new lunch-time edition of Five Pence Piece where every Monday lunch time I’ll dig out some funny or down-right weird news stories from across the globe involving money in some way. I know that “back to work” feeling so maybe 5 minutes of laughter can get you through the rest of the day without killing a co-worker or customer.

Frozen Assets or Cold Hard Cash? – According to Reuters the mattress is no longer the favoured place for American’s to stash their cash. 25% have instead taken to hiding it in the freezer, and some other not-so-exotic locations.

Wouldn’t Happen in London! – A frantic restauranteur from South Florida moved to Orange County Saturday 7th April, and then promptly left his wallet stuffed with $10,000 on a bench at Laguna Beach. An amazingly honest passer-by found it and handed it to lifeguards on duty. When they opened the wallet and discovered the cash they called police who managed to track down the owner from his driving licence.

Advertise That Advert! – In a slightly bizarre but not exactly unexpected discovery, advertisers who purchase air-time during the US Super Bowl actually then advertise their adverts on billboards, magazines and other (cheaper!) TV slots advertising that they’ll be advertising during the Super Bowl. It’s slightly mind-boggling, but given ad-time during the event is the most expensive on the earth I guess it is hardly surprising.

Rob Bank, Tip Staff – Finally we visit Dallas, where an (ex-)firefighter has been arrested by police after robbing a bank. Bizarrely he went in to use the bathroom, and when he came out one of the bank staff asked if they could help him. He then demanded all the money, which they gave. Because the staff member was so helpful, he gave them a $20 tip from his ill-gotten gains before making off!

Hopefully some of those gave you the strength to continue your Monday