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#Consumer Column

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

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<span lang="EN-GB">Recently going grocery shopping reminds me of the joke: </span>“Why did the butter get depressed? It was spreading itself too thin.”</p>

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Caitríona Redmond: Why have butter prices soared and is it cheaper in other countries?

Head melted from increased prices? Word is spreading that butter is cheaper abroad but is that a rumour or a fact?

<p>Pic: iStock</p>

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Consumer Corner: Goodbye — my top 10 things I've learned writing this column

<p>The number of UK adults who were using dating apps in May was 2.9m, down from 3.2m a year before. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire</p>

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Consumer Corner: Managing the cost of dates as the use of dating apps falls

A senior couple planning their finance and paying bills while using a laptop at home. A mature man and woman going through paper

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Consumer Corner: How much will a funeral cost and should you start planning now?

Doing Accounting at Home: Happy Couple Using Laptop Computer, Sitting on Sofa in Apartment. Young Family Filling Tax Forms, Mort

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Consumer Corner: How honest should you be about your finances with your partner?

Broke Woman Holding a Piggy Bank Regretting Christmas Spendings

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Consumer Corner: How the cost of Santa visits and pantos are increasing

Match in hand lights a candle, atmospheric photo

Consumer Corner: Is it worth paying more for an expensive candle?

Can it be the case that the €5 candle will burn just as bright and long as the designer brand?

Wed, 25 Sep, 2024

Young mother working from home while taking care of her baby

Consumer Corner: How do I ask for flexible working once my children are back at school?

Businesses have to make provision for things like remote working, flexibility at the workplace and parental leave

Wed, 14 Aug, 2024

A garden patio with wicker sofas surrounded by trees

Consumer Corner: From garden furniture to holiday homes what to be aware of this summer with insurance cover

What would happen if your barbecue caught on fire and did damage to your property? What if something happened to your expensive garden furniture, or will your home insurance policy be valid if your home is vacant for more than a month?

Wed, 24 Jul, 2024

Travel insurance form put on a wood table.

Consumer Corner: Why travel insurance is important — and what to check for before flying

This summer there is the threat of strikes by pilots and thus cancelled flights — also an issue is extreme weather and that is something people will have to factor in more and more as they travel

Wed, 10 Jul, 2024

Young couple celebrating Valentine's Day indoors

Consumer Corner: Six ideas for 'date night’ on a budget this summer

Budget-friendly dates offer all the fun without the cost

Wed, 03 Jul, 2024

European euro banknotes and envelope on table

Consumer Corner: Should I try the TikTok 100 Envelope Challenge to save money?

It claims that someone will save €5,000 in 100 days by putting money into 100 envelopes.

Wed, 19 Jun, 2024

Mature Couple Working In Flower Beds In Garden At Home

Consumer Corner: Here's how to set yourself up to retire early

"...retiring sooner rather than later requires careful financial planning, disciplined saving measures, and ongoing monitoring of your progress..."

Thu, 13 Jun, 2024

Consumer Corner: Councillors get a salary of €28,145 — but guess who earns €120k a year?

Consumer Corner: Councillors get a salary of €28,145 — but guess who earns €120k a year?

Do you know how much politicians get paid?

Mon, 10 Jun, 2024

Two angry businesspeople disputing

Consumer Corner: What to do if your colleague drives you mad

The number one tip is don't ignore it, explore it

Wed, 05 Jun, 2024

Asian woman planning budget and using calculator on smartphone.

Consumer Corner: Have a bit of extra money? What's the best thing to do with it each month?

Pay off debts... pay extra off your mortgage... look at your pension — here are seven great tips for using your money wisely

Wed, 22 May, 2024

Consumer Corner: Top tips on how to start growing your own vegetables at home

Consumer Corner: Top tips on how to start growing your own vegetables at home

"The founder of Grow It Yourself and presenter of Grow Cook Eat, Michael Kelly, says people should not be afraid to start growing their own vegetables."

Fri, 10 May, 2024

Happy mature couple meeting investments and financial advisor at home

Consumer Corner: How to get affordable legal advice

For anyone needing legal advice, there is the idea that you could be sitting across the table from the likes of Harvey from the TV show Suits discussing your needs in a fancy office. However, the reality is usually much different.

Wed, 01 May, 2024

BEAUTY Suncare 1

Consumer Corner: Are cheaper sun creams as good as more expensive ones?

"We want to protect our skin from the sun and ensure we give our children the absolute best protection from the rays but what's with the various prices of suncream?"

Wed, 24 Apr, 2024

Social media and business influencer streaming live tutorial, laughing and talking to her online followers. Guiding subscribers

Consumer Corner: So you want to be an influencer and make millions? Here’s what you need to know

The level of compensation can depend on a variety of factors such as number of followers, engagement levels, niche, the platform they post on and the brand’s requirements and budget.

Wed, 17 Apr, 2024

Look! I Lost My First Tooth!

Consumer Corner: How much should the tooth fairy leave under the pillow?

Montessori teacher, Sinead Laffan, says that over her many years of teaching children who have come into school following the excitement of losing a first tooth the best advice she could give to a tooth fairy is keep things simple

Wed, 13 Mar, 2024

Real estate agents hand out keys to customers after signing the lease

Consumer Corner: What’s the story with the mortgage interest relief scheme?

The Government said it was introducing the measure to help people affected by interest rate hikes and they say that around 208,000 households can claim the money.

Thu, 15 Feb, 2024

Heart shaped gift box with Uuro coins inside. Business Ideas for Valentineâs Day concept

Consumer Corner: How important is money in a relationship?

"Money can often be a tricky topic to navigate in any relationship, be it new or old. There are many issues that will crop up as a relationship evolves and even in the early days money can be a big aspect of relationship success."

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Insurance agent

Consumer Corner: I had a tip in my car - is it cheaper to go through insurance or pay myself?

"It’s those little ‘tips’ that can cause frustration and anxiety and knowing what to do afterwards can be tricky. We always hear about not touching your ‘no claims bonus’. Protect it at all costs."

Wed, 31 Jan, 2024

buy online and collect in local store

Consumer Corner: Comparing supermarket click-and-collect services - how do they measure up?

"In addition to the Click and Collect offerings at the supermarkets there are also options for home delivery and most of the supermarkets offer this service also."

Thu, 07 Dec, 2023

Close-up holding a rewards card at the supermarket

Your complete guide to all supermarket loyalty schemes as Dunnes Stores shortens voucher window

With Dunnes Stores changing the rules around their €10 off €50 vouchers, we look at all the supermarket loyalty schemes in Ireland — and which ones will really save you money at the till

Thu, 30 Nov, 2023

Thanks Santa Claus!

S Consumer Corner: Why are Santa visits costing over €100 for many families this year?

Adults are often asked to pay entry fees of up to €25. This begs the question - what are they charging the adults for?

Thu, 09 Nov, 2023

Couple preparing meal in air fryer

Consumer Corner: Can an air fryer and boiling water tap really save you money?

In the '90s it was the dishwasher that was the hot new kitchen item, followed by the American fridge and now the air fryer is coming out front. Hot on its heels, however, is the boiling water tap, which could take the crown next year.

Fri, 20 Oct, 2023

Happy mother and son saving money in a piggybank

Consumer Corner: Is Budget 2024 really for the mammies?

Is it really a budget for the kids, and our pockets - or is it business as usual for the people who really need help with the cost of living?

Tue, 10 Oct, 2023

Consumer Corner: How much could I save if I overpay my mortgage?

Consumer Corner: How much could I save if I overpay my mortgage?

According to those in the know paying a bit extra on your mortgage each month could in fact save you thousands of euro over the long term and is a great way to use any spare cash you may have.

Wed, 04 Oct, 2023

Senior woman checking bills

Consumer Corner: Considering returning to work after retirement? Here’s what you need to know

The road to work post-retirement can be complex and you need to make sure you have your facts in place before jumping in.

Wed, 20 Sep, 2023

Teenagers having fun at prom

Consumer Corner: Should I put money in a debs or grads card?

"For the most part and according to the experts (those who have gone before) the advice is to tone down your gift giving for an occasion like this. The person celebrating will often be just happy to stand in for pictures and the host will have everything sorted."

Wed, 13 Sep, 2023

Burglar Breaking Into House

Consumer Corner: Accidents, break-ins and mishaps don't have to ruin your summer

"We all love a barbecue on a sunny evening but barbecue fires are something to be mindful of over the summer months, particularly in relation to underinsurance."

Wed, 02 Aug, 2023

Elena Rybakina

Consumer Corner: How to ask for a rise in your salary to bridge the gender pay gap

“Take control and be open about your needs because no one is going to do it for you.”

Wed, 05 Jul, 2023

Beautiful children-students together in class at school give flowers to their best woman teacher

Consumer Corner: Here’s what teachers say they want as gifts this end of term

Rather than trying to guess what to get your child’s teacher this year to say thank you, we decided to ask teachers what they really want - go straight to the source and you can’t go wrong.

Thu, 01 Jun, 2023

Center Parcs up for sale with an expected €5bn price tag

Center Parcs up for sale with an expected €5bn price tag

Center Parcs operates six locations across the UK and Ireland. The company’s one resort in Ireland is located in Longford Forest

Mon, 15 May, 2023

Money for new investment opportunity

Consumer Corner: Taking a green approach to your finances

"Some of the cheapest mortgages out there are green mortgages, particularly if fixing your mortgage."

Wed, 10 May, 2023

People paying in restaurant by credit card reader

Consumer Corner: Is €10 enough of a tip for great service? What services do I need to tip for?

"In the restaurant business, most expect no more than a tenner tip no matter what the bill is, so even if you are on a big night out there's no need to get carried away."

Wed, 03 May, 2023

Family figure and gavel on table. Family law

S Consumer Corner: Breaking up is costly to do — can you afford it?

"In addition to mending your broken heart you may have to consider mortgages, pensions and life insurance - of course added to these worries will be costs associated with actually getting a divorce through the courts"

Wed, 26 Apr, 2023

Woman cooking

Consumer Interests: Watchdog issues warning on dangerous gas cookers

Consumers should be aware of product recalls and alerts, writes John Hearne

Thu, 20 Apr, 2023

woman in glasses looking up with light idea bulb

Consumer Corner: How financially resilient are you?

From mortgage protection insurance to borrowing wisely, here's some tips to create more economic security

Wed, 22 Mar, 2023

Her company and savings are growing

Consumer Corner: What's a running away fund? - and why you should have one

"...from a bad marriage or an unfulfilling job, the idea is that if you have financial security, you can make an informed decision without having to worry about money"

Wed, 15 Mar, 2023

Romantic moments of a couple at the swimming pool

Consumer Corner: Booking a holiday? Handy tips on getting the most bang for your buck

"...if your charm and chancing doesn’t work, then there are many ways to save and plan for a successful, stress free holiday."

Wed, 08 Mar, 2023

Woman driving a car

Consumer Corner: Keeping motoring-related bills down

Running a car is not cheap, but there are ways we can ease the financial burden by considering things like penalty points, car maintenance, and biting the bullet and taking a driving test

Wed, 22 Feb, 2023

Coin jar and new year number 2023 on the table

Consumer Corner: Five money saving tips for the new year

The start of the year really is the perfect time to get your finances in order. First up, an audit of yourself.

Sat, 07 Jan, 2023

Couple saving money in piggybank

Consumer Corner: I have some money to invest - what's the best thing to do with it?

"A good starting point before making any savings or investment decision is to fully understand your current financial situation, considering how much disposable income you have and what level, if any, of short-term debt you have."

Wed, 28 Dec, 2022

Shopping survey

Sales do not affect your rights as a consumer

It doesn’t matter when you buy, or for what price. Your rights as a consumer are the same whether there’s a sale on or not

Thu, 01 Dec, 2022

Happy young woman holding shopping bags

Consumer Corner: Nine tips for shopping online for Christmas — and staying within budget

It can be very tempting to overspend online when you are not using physical cash but by budgeting you can ensure that you don’t overspend

Sun, 20 Nov, 2022

Rear view of unrecognizable woman with hair bun carrying black Friday paperbags on shoulders while leaving store

Consumer Corner: Check out our tips for a successful Black Friday

... one that won’t have you crying into your December credit card bill.

Wed, 09 Nov, 2022

Monsters Out To Play

Savvy shopper: How to make Halloween costs not so scary

How to make Halloween costs not so scary

Sat, 15 Oct, 2022