Throughout the nineties and much of the noughties, Ireland saw an exponential growth in sales of bottled water. What would have previously been considered an unheard-of extravagance came to be regarded as the norm. Many people would think nothing of buying water every day, but what are the true economic and environmental costs of bottled water?
Bottled Water: The Emperor’s New Beverage
The rise of the bottled water phenomenon in Ireland can be viewed as the ultimate triumph of marketing over common sense. Advertising and marketing professionals must not have been able to believe their luck when they realised that they would be able to charge people - and charge them a goodly sum, too - for something that comes out of their taps at home for free. The bottled water companies’ marketing coup is remarkable in its audacity. They somehow managed to convince otherwise rational individuals that (i) there is some sort of significant difference in quality between water bought in a bottle from that found in any tap; and (ii) that one brand of bottled can be superior to its competitors’ exactly identical product. Millions of euro have been spent in efforts to convince the consumer that one company’s H2O is better than the other brands’ identical product. Who pays for these attempts at product differentiation of the world’s most generic product?
The person who purchases bottled water, obviously.
The price of bottled water varies widely, from a few cents to a couple of euro per litre, but it’s hard to justify paying good money for water at any price (particularly at a price more expensive per litre than that of petrol). And the anomalies of the bottled water industry don’t stop there: not only are people will people pay for water, they’ll actually go the lengths of having it imported from other countries! It seems crazy to import water from places like France to Ireland, the wettest country in Europe.
The cost to the environment
Apart from the economic cost of shipping water from country to country (fuel isn’t exactly cheap at the moment), there is also a significant cost to the environment. The best way to illustrate the carbon footprint associated with bottled water is the case of Fiji Water. As most people will be aware, Fiji is a small group of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In order for Fiji Water to sell their product, they must import many hundreds of tonnes of plastic from China to the remote archipelago in order to make the bottles (lots of fossil fuels burned up right there), then ship the finished product thousands of miles of across the globe to its North American and European markets (oodles more carbon released into the atmosphere).
Alternatives
There is an alternative to buying water in plastic bottles. Reusing old drinks bottles is will save a lot of money, or you can invest in a stylish steel, aluminium or high-quality plastic water bottle. While these bottles aren’t cheap, you’ll only ever have to buy one, as they last for a lifetime.
And the next time that you’re out for a meal and the waiter asks whether you’d like still or sparkling, just tell him that tap is fine.
Not too many years ago, back when the Celtic Tiger was still purring away and things were good, very few of us paid much attention to what we spent on lunch each day. Back then, there wasn’t a cloud on the economic horizon, so why worry that you’re paying the better part of a tenner for a sandwich?
Circumstances have changed in a big way over the last couple of years, and so have consumer attitudes. People no longer have the money to be as flaithiúlach on their lunch breaks, and some shops around Dublin are cashing in on these trends.
The budget option
Griffin’s Londis was one of the first businesses to take advantage of the growing consumer demand for budget lunch options. This chain of convenience stores created somewhat of a stir last year when they dramatically reduced the price of some of their sandwiches, cutting the cost of a chicken fillet roll to less then €2. Considering that most convenience stores were selling the same item for between four and five euro, Griffin’s Londis was onto a winner.
Séamus Griffin operates nineteen Londis outlets in the greater Dublin area, so when he started to slash prices, his competitors had no option but to react. The effects of the ensuing price war are still in evidence in the shops around Dublin city centre today.
Take, for example, Westmoreland Street. Westmoreland Street is home to one of Griffin’s largest stores. While prices have risen a small amount since the height of the sandwich wars, but there are still some very good deals on offer. Londis continue to run their ‘Weekly Madness’ offer, heavily discounting one particular sandwich each week - this week it’s a ham baguette with two fillings for €1.97. A customer can add wedges to their order for an extra 70c, three sausage rolls for an extra 80c, or five chicken wings for an extra 90c - not too bad at all.
Situated almost directly across the road from Londis on Westmoreland Street, Spar has been obliged to reduce their prices accordingly. So now, in this particular outlet of Spar, a chicken fillet roll with two fillings will cost the customer only €1.99. The ‘Sandwich of the Day’ costs only €2.89, soup and a sandwich is only €4.00, and two 500ml bottles of a number of different soft drinks are only €2.
These lower prices have been great for competition and for the consumer, but the effect seems to have been limited to relatively small area of the city. How do these prices compare to your local convenience store? Let us know if you’ve found any good lunchtime deals in your area.
In recent years, environmental and ethical issues have become prominent public concerns. People are now aware of the consequences of their purchasing power. Consumers want to know more about how a product is sourced, packaged and sold. They want to know if they are making the right purchasing decision.
Unfortunately, more often than not ethical products are charged at premium prices. For many organisations; being environmentally friendly means incurring higher manufacturing costs. That expense is passed on to you. So, all things considered…
With regular redundancies taking place and hours continually being cut, some of you may have more time on your hands than ever before. Free time can become more of a burden than a pleasure when boredom and financial frustration creep in. While you may not be able to control the job market, you do have control over how you spend your spare time.
Amidst the backdrop of the recession, looking for a job is a tiresome task. But don’t be defeated by a closing door as another one will always open. You can increase your employment prospects by updating your CV. Outlined below are ways that you can build your CV and by doing so survive redundancy…
Full-time education
It is important that even while out of work you continue to upgrade your skill set. Full-time courses are a great way to improve your educational qualifications. If you are considering taking on a third-level course, you should find out if you are eligible to receive any government grants. Grants cover lecture fees, maintenance, rent allowance and more. For more information on what grants are available to you, contact your local council.
Before committing yourself to a full-time course, consider the following:
Will I be able to commit myself for the duration of the course?
How will I financially support myself?
Does the course meet my needs?
Part-time courses
If you can’t afford to embark upon a full-time course, part-time courses are also a great way to spend your free time wisely. They can provide a creative outlet, as well as an alternative social setting. For some, evening classes offer a path to a possible new career. They give you insight into a desired profession without the long hours or responsibility.
Part-time courses can also help you save money in the long term, for example DIY. DIY courses are extremely rewarding since the ability to make home improvements is a lifelong skill and a real money saver. Employing a professional (to solve a problem that you know the solution to) can be trying on your patience and your pocket. It is difficult to ensure that the job will be done adequately, let alone within budget. Most DIY courses are not designed to turn you into a professional but instead to show you the basics, for example how to hang wallpaper, lay tiles and floors, use power tools etc.
Visit Nightcourses to find more information on classes and courses taking place across Ireland.
Volunteering
Have you considered volunteering? Volunteering is a great way to get a gain perspective on life. On your doorstep is good place to start. Contact your local community or youth centre. Make sure elderly neighbours never lack for food, heat or company. Organise a neighbourhood clean-up or a fundraiser for a local cause. Do meals on wheels, donate blood and get back into the community spirit. As a nation, we have long had a culture of volunteering. But don’t always leave it to others - get out there and give something back - you’ll be very glad you did.
Whatever you decide to do, remember it’s your job that’s been made redundant, not you! Don’t let redundancy stop you in your tracks. See it as an opportunity to evaluate your ambitions. Are you happy in your career? Where do you see yourself going? How will you get there? Sometimes we need to take a step back before we can move forward.
A previous post on office lunches showed that it is cost effective to bring homemade lunches to work. However, lifestyle factors, not to mention willpower, can make it difficult to fit sandwich making into your daily routine. If you’re unable or unwilling to give up those extra few minutes sleep to prepare your lunch, you can still save money by availing of the best lunchtime deals. When I’m having an off day, I use MyLunch.ie to check out the latest lunchtime offers. Finally, an easy way to balance nutrition and good value!
Valentines Day falls on a Sunday this year. For those of you who are single, this may provide some sort of comfort. You won’t have to endure your co-workers comparisons of breakfast in bed, carefully crafted cards or specialy delivered bouquets of flowers. For those of you in a relationship, it may add more pressure.
If you can’t afford a weekend away and dining out is restricted to a main course and tap water, you’ll be glad to know that there is a less expensive but equally appetising offer available!
Mark’s and Spencer are helping customers celebrate Valentines Day in affordable fashion with their ‘Love In’ special offer. From the 11th-14th of February, you can choose a starter, main course, side dish and dessert for two, plus a bottle of wine and a special gift, all for €25. If you chose the most expensive menu options, you could save over €20 compared to buying these products separately.
The menu includes…
Starters
GastroPub Camembert with Chutney
Tomato & Mozzarella Tarts
The Cook Menu Scallops
Coquilles St Jacques
Mains
The Cook Menu Steak with Peppercorn Sauce
Duck A L’Orange
The Cook Menu Lamb Rack with Basil & Pine nuts
The Cook Menu Goats Cheese & Pesto En Croute
Buying medicine from your local pharmacy will be significantly cheaper from today. The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association has announced that 300 well known brands are included in the price cuts. If you do not qualify for the medical card, the drop in price is especially good news. Price reductions mean that those who have to pay for their medicines could save €3 - €4 on every €10 they spend. That’s a potential saving of up to €500 per year. Check this list to see if you can buy your medicine at a better price.
I for one am glad to see the back of January. I always find it’s the toughest month on the financial calendar. Still incurring the cost of Christmas, January is a month of waiting. Waiting for your next pay day and waiting for spring to arrive. With my bank balance looking a little healthier and daylight starting to extend its stay, things are looking up!
With one of the toughest years in living memory behind us, Vodafone are attempting to boost the Irish spirit. ‘Cheer Up Ireland’ is a photography competition on Flickr, that encourages entrants to submit photos that make them happy. The competition is well worth entering as the winner will receive a €3,000 shopping voucher.
Any SaveAFewBob users that submit an entry should also forward your chosen photograph to info@saveafewbob.ie. I will select the image that I think best encapsulates a brighter 2010. The winner will receive a €50 Vodafone credit voucher. Don’t be camera shy as entries must be submitted before the 31st of January!
Temple Bar will be transformed into a trad music Mecca this week. For 5 days and nights, the cobbled streets will come alive with the sounds of stamping feat and a bodhrán beat. From the 27th-31st January, top traditional musicians will take to the stage across Dublin city centre to mark Temple Bar TradFest , a celebration of Irish music and culture.
Free events
Free events include photography exhibitions, film screenings and pipe band performances. Kilfenora Céilí band are sure to provide a festival highlight when they headline a free outdoor céilí at Meeting House Square on Sunday 31st January.
Free family entertainment
The programme also includes free family orientated events. Entertainment will be provided by various street performers on Saturday and Sunday evening, from 12pm - 4pm. On Sunday, a parade will wind through the streets from 12.30 pm - 1.30pm. The colourful spectacle, featuring costumes by Buí Blog, will travel via Dame Street, College Green, Fleet Street and Temple Bar finishing at the Civic Offices on Wood Quay.
Admission fees
If you can afford to put your hand in your pocket, other worthwhile events include the Cultural workshops (experience sean nós singing and dancing for €12) and Trad movie screenings in the IFI (tickets €7.75).
You may be tired of hearing it but switching energy providers can help you make immediate savings. Flogas Natural Gas will continue to be 9% cheaper than Bord Gáis for residential customers after the reduced natural gas price takes effect. Gas prices are to drop by 8% from the 1st February 2010.
At present, Flogas offers the best deal available. Customers that switch their natural gas to Flogas Natural Gas, and pay by direct debit, will receive a 9% discount. If you think switching providers may be more hassle than it’s worth, you’d be wrong. There are no changeover costs, no disruption to current natural gas supply and customers continue to use their existing natural gas meter. Start saving money today by switching suppliers. Use your common sense to save cents!
Wearing contact lenses can be a very expensive necessity. For me, contact lenses are more flexible and convenient than glasses. My dependence on lenses has aided my lifestyle but my pocket has definitely suffered. Monthly payouts for lenses and solution, not to mention annual check-ups, certainly add up.
In general, contact lenses fall into two main categories; soft lenses and gas permeable lenses.
Soft contact lenses
If you enjoy an active lifestyle, soft lenses are a great option as they are extremely comfortable, conforming easily to the shape of the eye. You can buy soft contact lenses in three forms: single use; daily wear and extended wear.
Single use
As the name suggests, single use contacts are packaged individually, designed to be worn only once. You put in a new pair every day, then remove and discard them before you go to sleep at night. With single use lenses you do not incur the cost of solution. Despite this saving, single use contacts are the most expensive of the soft contacts options.
Daily wear
Daily wear contacts are designed to be worn daily. They may be reused from one week to four weeks. The user will insert these lenses every morning and remove them every night. Due to the build up of bacteria on the surface of the lenses, you will also require solution to clean lenses before and after every use.
Extended wear
Extended wear lenses are designed to be worn continuously for up to seven days. These contacts are less hassle since you can wear them while sleeping. However, it is important to note that extended wear contacts have been linked to eye infections.
Gas permeable contact lenses
Gas permeable lenses provide optimum vision correction for many conditions. They are more durable than soft lenses but require a longer adjustment period. If your prescription doesn’t change and you take care of your lenses, you can go two or three years without replacing them. As a result, gas permeable lenses tend to be less expensive since they last longer than soft contact lenses.
Vision on a budget
Finding contact lenses that suit your vision and lifestyle is one problem. Finding contacts lenses that suit your budget can be even more problematic. Prices have dropped significantly since contact lenses were first introduced to the market. Yet, people are still paying a substantial amount. While you cannot substitute advice from an eye care professional, you can certainly substitute high prices with lower prices for the exact same product.
It’s worth noting that the majority of contact lenses are sourced from the same company. Often it is only the packaging and price that vary. For example, Boots’ Daily Disposables are in fact Ciba Vision Focus Dailies Basic. As a result you may be buying the same product but paying a higher price than you need to.
Buying online
More recently, people have wandered from traditional opticians in search of better value. Without doubt, best value can be found on the Internet. I did some research and looked for the exact same contact lenses in high street chain Specsavers and online provider YourLenses.ie. The price difference is huge…
Specsavers
YourLenses.ie
Saving
Daily disposables1-Day Acuvue(3 month pack)
€149
€51.90
€97.10
Monthly disposablesPureVision(6 month pack)
€155
€34.50
€120.50
Making your decision
Evidently, there are huge savings to be made by purchasing contact lenses online. However, a savvy consumer must look at the whole picture before making up their mind. Firstly, while online providers offer lower prices, a delivery charge will be added on. Secondly, if you purchase online you will not receive any aftercare. If you buy contact lenses from high street opticians, you will automatically receive aftercare. My advice is to consider cost and care before making your decision.
Parents who wish to avail of free pre-school places in the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme should enrol immediately. Due to adverse weather conditions, the enrolment deadline has been extended to January 29th.
The scheme provides free pre-school provision for children between the ages of 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months. Children enrolled in playschools will receive free pre-school provision of 3 hours per day, 5 days a week, over the same period as the primary school year. The government will cover the service provider’s capitation fee.
According to AA Ireland, a litre of petrol has increased in price by an average of 31% since January 2009. The average price of a litre of petrol is now €1.22, compared with €0.95 in January 2009. Diesel rose by 22% in the same time period. It now costs €1.15 per litre. Motorists are also paying for the tax increases in December’s Budget, which added four cent to petrol and five cent to diesel. Motor insurance has also risen by 15% in the last year.
Am I the only one tempted to ditch the car in favour of the bus, bike or legs? How much are you paying for a litre of unleaded or diesel?
To our culinary delight, Marks and Spencer’s dine in offer is back! Running from today until Tuesday 19th January, customers can purchase a main course, a side dish, dessert and a bottle of wine for only €12.50. We can’t think of a better excuse to eat fine food in our cosies! The menu offers excellent choice, as well as value:
Mains
The Cook Menu Beef Roulade
Hickory Smoked Whole Chicken
Rotisserie Chicken
Beef in Chianti
Hunters Lamb
Chicken Cacciatore
The Cook Menu Chilli Seabass
The Cook Menu Chicken Breasts with Mozzarella & Pesto
The Cook Menu Goat’s Cheese & Pesto En Croute
Wild Alaskan Salmon with Watercress
Lasagne Al Forno
Accompaniments
Pantofola
Italian Style Salad Bowl
Caesar Style Vegetables
Rosemary Potatoes
Mediterranean Style Vegetables
New Potatoes with Butter & Herbs
Frites
Potato Wedges
Carrot, Cauliflower & Brussels Sprouts
Desserts
2 Raspberry Pannacottas
Banoffee cheesecake Slices
2 Millionaire’s Shortbread
Profiterole Stack Filled with Fresh Cream
Kentish Bramley Apple Puff Pastry Pie
Seasonal Fresh Fruit Salad
2 Lemon Souffle
2 Tarte Au Citron Slices
Over 40% of Irish employees pay too much tax. With the average refund amounting to €670, claiming your tax back is well worth the effort. We have just discovered a great way to claim entitlements with ease. ReduceYourTax.ie makes claiming your tax credits a simple process. A qualified tax consultant will process your application, with your tax refund issued to you within 3-4 weeks. A fee is only payable when you receive your refund. Best of all, if you don’t receive a refund, there is no fee charged!
At last some good news as the cold snap tightens her icy grip! Earlier today, the Commission for Energy Regulation announced that gas prices are to be cut by 8% from February. The price cut will reduce gas bills for all homes, as well as small and medium-sized businesses. This is the third price cut within the past year. The combined reductions means that householders will, on average, pay 30% less for the gas than they did in 2008. More energy saving tips are available here.
Boots have recently launched a free 12 week plan to help you stop smoking. Stop for Good is a four-step programme aimed at those who are thinking about or who have decided to quit smoking.
The free service involves an initial meeting with a Boots advisor at which the customer’s smoking habits are discussed and assessed. A personalised stop smoking plan is also drawn up. Support materials include smoking diaries, helpful tips to increase the chances of success and information on potential obstacles and barriers.
Smoking has negative effects on both your health and your finances. A pack of cigarettes costs €8.45. If you buy one pack of cigarettes a day, you will spend €3,084 in a year. With that amount of money you could go on a luxury holiday or make significant improvements to your home.
The Boots programme is a great initiative that will enable all smokers to get the help they need to kick the habit.
In recent months, sale signs have become a staple on the High Street. Despite advertised price reductions, it is difficult to know if you’re receiving value for money since most items are so overpriced in the first place. For the thrifty shopper, the January Sales is one event on the consumer calendar where you can be sure to grab a genuine bargain.
The sales run throughout the month of January. Arguably, you’ll find the best bargains when stores open their doors immediately after Christmas. For many shops the official opening day of the January Sales is in fact St. Stephens Day. If you can face queuing while still digesting your turkey and ham, the sales are definitely worth a look. Prices are significantly lowered, with up to 70% off certain sale items. Exceptional value can found at the following shopping spots…
Arnotts
The Arnotts Winter Sale begins on the 26th December at 10am. The online sale starts on the 24th December. In particular, there is great saving to be made on electrical goods. For example the Samsung 40” flat screen LCD TV has been reduced from €699 to €99. The Dyson Vacuum Cleaner has been reduced from €199 to €99.
Early bird offer: Arnotts are distributing vouchers for special items on a first come basis on the opening day of the Winter Sale.
Clerys
Clerys Winter Sale opens on the 26th December at 10am. Clerys Home Furnishing Stores open at 12pm on the 27th December. Significant reductions have been made across a range of items, including; 50% off accessories, 50% off lingerie, 50% off beds, 50% off linen, 30% off menswear, 30% off childrenswear and 30% off cosmetics.
Early bird offer:The first 100 shoppers through the doors will receive a complimentary full Irish breakfast in the Rooftop restaurant.
Kildare Village
Get a head start with your January bargain hunting at Kildare Village Outlet Shopping which opens at 12 noon on St Stephen’s Day. The whole Village will be in further reductions mode with boutiques offering up to 70% off the original recommended retail price. Therefore, you will receive additional discounts on the already reduced outlet price.
Sales nationwide
The January Sales are nationwide so if you are unable to travel to your nearest city, you will still find great bargains in your local town. Since so many items are marked at knockdown prices it’s easy to get distracted. However, avoid buying anything you don’t need. Our advice is to cash in but don’t splash out!
The Xfactor’s terrible twosome, Jedward, will open the Arnotts sale on Henry Street. Here’s a reminder of their unique display of musical genius. Think of it as an early Christmas treat!
40,000 Dublin homes will face higher household expenses in 2010. Last night, Dublin city councillors voted to eradicate the waiver scheme relating to bin charges. Those who were exempt will now have to pay an average of €125 to have their waste removed.
According to measures outlined in the council’s budget for 2010, households who had a full waiver now have to pay for every lift of the bin but not for the annual fixed charge. Therefore:
A household with a waiver and a 240-litre bin will pay an average of €94 per normal waste, plus €31 for organic waste, amounting to €125. In contrast, a household without a waiver will pay a €96 standing charge, €94 for normal waste and €31 for their green bin, amounting to €221.
Households with a waiver and a smaller 140-litre bin will pay an average of €87 per annum. In comparison, households with a 140-litre bin and no waiver will pay around €175.
We are disappointed but not surprised that Dublin City Council has eradicated the waiver scheme. It will be interesting to see if other county councils will follow suit. If you’re looking to save money on bin charges, this article may be helpful.
In an attempt to beat the queues as well as the recession, thousands of people are going online to see if they can pick up a festive bargain. But, buying second hand doesn’t mean that your gifts will be second rate, as there are plenty of great, high quality gifts available.
In recent months, Donedeal.ie has seen a surge in the number of people buying and selling items online in the run up to Christmas.
Some of the most popular items sold on the website in the last month include computer games, mobile phones, computers and TVs. A Nintendo Wii is advertised on the website for €169 compared with the average retail price of €239. If you’re a last minute Christmas shopper, bag a bargain now!
One of the downfalls of the Christmas party season is getting home after a night out. If you’re unable to persuade a family member to collect you, getting home can be a nightmare. Due to demand, booking a taxi can be extremely difficult, not to mention expensive. If you’re in the Dublin area, the Nitelink is the most affordable way home this Christmas:
Tickets cost €5 and are available from selected shops in the City Centre. Alternatively, you can pay on board in cash (coins only)
All 24 Nitelink routes will operate a full service on the 23rd of December and on New Year’s Eve
On the 28th, 29th and 30th of December, a limited service will operate on Routes 7n, 31n, 39n, 40n, 41n, 42n, 46n, 48n, 49n, 51n, 67n, 70n, 77n, departing at 00.30hrs and 02:00hrs
Normal Nitelink service resumes on the 2nd of January
To check if the Nitelink serves your area, visit the website. For information on when and where your bus departs, text ‘BUS’ and your Nitelink route number to 53503.
Outside of Dublin, after hours public transport is dismal. If you live outside the capital and know of any affordable transport providers in your town, please comment below and share your money saving tip with other users!
As we fast approach Christmas, vouchers may seem like a foolproof, last minute gift option. Despite the ease of purchase, vouchers can present more problems than possibilities. John Cradden wrote an interesting piece on the unfavourable terms and conditions attached to gift tokens in today’s Irish Independent. To read the article in full click here.
One of our favourite festive events returns to the IFSC tomorrow. The 12 Days of Christmas market truly transforms Dublin’s financial district. Business suits are hidden amongst the sea of stalls and escaping aromas. It’s the ideal place to pick up some stocking fillers with intricate jewellery and other handmade crafts on display.
Family entertainment is also available with face painting and fairground rides. Children can also visit Santa and his elves at their grotto for €2. Mostly likely due to the recession, Santa will not be giving out any presents year. Still, considering the cost of most grottos, €2 is fairly reasonable. For €10, you can capture the moment with a framed photo.
Even if you don’t intend to put a hand in your pocket, this event is well worth a look. The atmosphere alone will keep you amused with various choirs completing the magical backdrop. Enjoy the Christmas cheer amidst the crisp winter air. Let’s hope clear skies remain!
Want to look fantastic over Christmas but money’s too tight to mention? The Afternoon Show recently showcased 7 great party looks for under €50. The budget covers the entire outfit; dress, shoes and accessories!
Tomorrow night marks Ryan Tubridy’s first foray as host of one of the biggest events on the Irish television calendar, The Late Late Toy Show. The legendary toy extravaganza has provided us with many hilarious and cringe-worthy moments.
One of our favourite was in 2008, when a Late Late competition winner turned down the opportunity to attend the Toy Show. Spurred on by the gasps in the studio audience, an infuriated Pat Kenny ripped apart the pair of tickets. A sense of indignation swept across the country as the golden tickets crumbled!
Despite such drama, the real stars of The Late Late Toy Show are the children. Whether they criticise or praise a toy, their comments are always heartfelt, making for endearing live television. As our own research has indicated, this year will see a return to more traditional toys. Bearing tradition in mind, we thought we’d take a trip down memory lane…
Bottled Water: The Emperor’s New Beverage
Not too many years ago, back when the Celtic Tiger was still purring away and things were good, very few of us paid much attention to what we spent on lunch each day. Back then, there wasn’t a cloud on the economic horizon, so why worry that you’re paying the better part of a tenner for a sandwich?
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Have you considered volunteering? 
Valentines Day falls on a Sunday this year. For those of you who are single, this may provide some sort of comfort. You won’t have to endure your co-workers comparisons of breakfast in bed, carefully crafted cards or specialy delivered bouquets of flowers. For those of you in a relationship, it may add more pressure.
I for one am glad to see the back of January. I always find it’s the toughest month on the financial calendar. Still incurring the cost of Christmas, January is a month of waiting. Waiting for your next pay day and waiting for spring to arrive. With my bank balance looking a little healthier and daylight starting to extend its stay, things are looking up!
Wearing contact lenses can be a very expensive necessity. For me, contact lenses are more flexible and convenient than glasses. My dependence on lenses has aided my lifestyle but my pocket has definitely suffered. Monthly payouts for lenses and solution, not to mention annual check-ups, certainly add up.
Parents who wish to avail of free pre-school places in the Early Childhood Care and Education scheme should enrol immediately. Due to adverse weather conditions, the enrolment deadline has been extended to January 29th.
According to AA Ireland, a litre of petrol has increased in price by an average of 31% since January 2009. The average price of a litre of petrol is now €1.22, compared with €0.95 in January 2009. Diesel rose by 22% in the same time period. It now costs €1.15 per litre. Motorists are also paying for the tax increases in December’s Budget, which added four cent to petrol and five cent to diesel. Motor insurance has also risen by 15% in the last year.
Boots have recently launched a free 12 week plan to help you stop smoking. Stop for Good is a four-step programme aimed at those who are thinking about or who have decided to quit smoking.
40,000 Dublin homes will face higher household expenses in 2010. Last night, Dublin city councillors voted to eradicate the waiver scheme relating to bin charges. Those who were exempt will now have to pay an average of €125 to have their waste removed.
One of our favourite festive events returns to the IFSC tomorrow. 
Tomorrow night marks Ryan Tubridy’s first foray as host of one of the biggest events on the Irish television calendar, The Late Late Toy Show. The legendary toy extravaganza has provided us with many hilarious and cringe-worthy moments.
