Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
 Ah, 1992. The year that Michael Carruth took home gold in the Barcelona Olympics, Linda Martin took home the Eurovision and the Celtic Tiger was just beginning to appear over the horizon (whereas it’s now receding rapidly in the rear-view mirror).
1992 is also the year that the Ballsbridge institution that is Roly’s Bistro first opened its doors. In order to celebrate their eighteen years in the business (while also raising money for a good cause), Roly’s have decided to serve their 1992 menu… at 1992 prices. The evening is in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland, and will take place on the 12th of July.
So, fancy tucking into a three-course meal for €15? (plus whatever you want to throw in for the charitable cause). Places are sure to book up early, so contact Down Syndrome Ireland soon to secure your table. Now all you have to do is dig out your high-waisted, stone-washed jeans (artfully torn at one knee), and the baggiest t-shirt you can lay your hands on - you’ll be ready to party like it’s 1992 again.
Tags: Eating out, money saving tips, special offers
Posted in Value Blog, Value Lifestyle | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
 These days, everyone is doing their bit to save the environment. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to radically alter your lifestyle, however; there are some very simple changes that you can make that will help save the environment - and save yourself some money into the bargain.
Why it makes sense to buy rechargeable batteries
You may think it strange to see an article advocating the use rechargeable batteries on a consumer website, given that they are significantly more expensive than their disposable counterparts. You can purchase 48 disposable AA batteries for less than €20, whereas four rechargeable batteries would not leave you much change from a twenty. And four batteries with a charger will cost around €25.
Added to this, you will need to buy extra rechargeables so that you can have some charging while the others are in use. So rechargeable batteries do require some initial outlay.
Rechargeable batteries: long term savings
But to focus on rechargeable batteries’ large upfront cost is to ignore the long term view. Once you’ve bought your rechargeable batteries, you have all the batteries you will ever need for a considerably long time. Think of all the battery-powered appliances in your home - smoke alarms, remote controls, children’s toys… the list goes on. Rather than spending €20 each year, every year on disposables, spend €100 once on rechargeable batteries and you won’t have to spend another cent on batteries for at least ten years. When you consider that rechargeables can be used hundreds of times, the savings with rechargeable over disposable batteries really become apparent.
Rechargeable batteries’ environmental benefits
Manufacturing batteries, involving as it does the smelting of various metals, is a very energy-intensive process: it takes up to 50 times more energy to make a battery than the battery actually contains. So rather than buying a battery that can only be used once, buying batteries that are used many hundreds of times makes a lot more sense from an ecological perspective - rechargeable batteries have up to 32 times less impact on the environment than disposable batteries. By switching a battery-powered appliance to rechargeable batteries, the appliance will consume up to 23 times less non-renewable resources over the course of its lifetime than the same appliance when powered by disposable batteries.
So if you want to save yourself some money, or save the environment, or both - rechargeable batteries are the way to go.
Tags: energy efficient, money saving tips
Posted in News, Value Blog, Value Family Spending | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
 Following on from our article on how to save money on your health insurance, there is a piece on the same subject in today’s Irish Independent.
The article reiterates the point that families can save significantly on the cost of their health insurance by switching to corporate plans (which, despite their name, are in fact open to everyone).
Many people believe that they are on a corporate plan and are receiving the relevant discounts because they purchased their insurance through their job. However, this may be just the ‘group discount’ of around 10%, which is again open to everyone.
The article illustrates this by showing that a family of two adults and two children on VHI’s Plan B Parents & Kids will be paying €907 per adult for their cover, but that the VHI’s Company Level 1.1 offers roughly the same benefits at a cost of €665 per adult - an annual saving of nearly €500. The savings for children switching to corporate plans are not nearly as great, and with the higher excess that corporate plans often have, it’s usually best to leave children on your existing plan (although there is also a case for moving children to a plan with a lower degree of cover; see our previous article for the reasons why).
There are more than 200 different health policies on the market, many of them corporate plans, so take the time to do a little research and find out how much you could be saving.
Tags: finance tips, health tips, money saving tips
Posted in Value Blog, Value Health and Beauty | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
 If you’re thinking of buying a new PC and intend to recycle your old computer, hold that thought - there is an even greener, more beneficial way to dispose of your old computer. A new UN study reveals that reusing a computer uses up to 20 times less energy than recycling. So rather than having your old computer broken up for parts, wouldn’t it be better if you could give it to someone in need in the developing world? You would be helping kids in the Third World to get out of poverty, as well as doing your bit for the environment.
This is exactly what Irish charity Camara were set up to do. Camara take unwanted computers, refurbish them and send them off to ‘Learning Centres’ in schools and colleges in Africa. So far this year, Camara has sent 2,500 computers to schools in Africa.
Environmental benefits
However, Camara’s efforts only account for 1% of the computers discarded in Ireland every year, according to Camara CEO Cormac Lynch. “We spend a lot of time trying to educate people that there’s an alternative to just recycling.” According to Lynch, 80% of the equipment they receive can be reused before eventual recycling.
Each PC that Camara refurbishes eliminates the need to manufacture a new computer. This saves the environment 650kg of carbon emissions, 220kg of fosssil fuels, 22 kg of chemicals, 1.5 tonnes of water and 6,400 meagajoules of electricity per unit.
Minimum specs for donating your PC
If you’re thinking of donating your old computer to Camara, it must have at least a Pentium III processor with 256Mb of RAM, and an 8Gb hard drive and a CD/DVD drive - if you purchased your computer anytime within the last decade, it should be suitable. Monitors must be between 15” and 17”, and Camara also accept mouses and cables.
Cost of donating your computer
Camara ask for a €20 contribution for each unit that they process. This is to help cover the cost of refurbishing your equipment, and includes the cost of wiping your hard-drive. Even if you were to recycle your PC, you would have to get the hard drive wiped anyway, so the €20 contribution doesn’t represent much in the way of an extra cost.
The information in this article might not save you a few bob; however, it could help save our environment, and help educate some of the world’s poorest children.
Links:
Silicone Republic
Tags: energy efficient
Posted in Value Blog, Value Technology | No Comments »
Monday, June 14th, 2010
 Here is some straight-up value, readers. Milano’s are running a fantastic offer this week: buy any main course, get a pizza (or pasta or salad) for just €1.
So that’s two meals for the price of one (plus €1, of course). This offer will run from Monday the 14th until Sunday the 20th of June. All you have to do to avail of the offer is to log on to Milano’s website, fill out a short form and print off your voucher.
The voucher can’t be used in conjunction with any other offer, but there isn’t anything that we could find in the terms and conditions to say that you can’t help yourself to more than one voucher.
I guess it’s pizza and pasta for SaveAFewBob for the rest of the week then, so.
Tags: Eating out, money saving tips, special offers
Posted in Value Blog, Value Lifestyle | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
 Women are paying up to three times more than men for what are essentially the same beauty products, a recent Consumer Association of Ireland survey has found.
Recent research by the CAI has found that retailers are charging significantly higher prices for some branded toiletry products aimed at women than they are for the same products aimed at men.
To illustrate this phenomenon, the CAI highlighted the example of Dunnes Stores selling Gillette Sensor Excel Men razor blades at €5.83 for five (€1.17 each), whereas Gillette Sensor Excel Women razor blades were priced at €7.95 for five (€1.59 each); women are being charged €2.12 more for what is, in essence, the exact same product.
The CAI contacted Gillette about this staggering price difference to be told that it was nothing to do them, as they recommended that the two products be sold at roughly the same price, and that a differental of that magnitude must be down to the retailer. Any retailers questioned in relation to this issue were not forthcoming with their responses (no surprise there).
The CAI recommends that in these instances consumers should purchase the cheaper product, regardless of their gender. SaveAFewBob would second that view - after all, if a moisturiser will hydrate the skin of one particular gender, then surely it will work for everyone?
Have you seen any ridiculous price differentials between gender specific products from the same company? Leave a comment and let all of our readers know: hopefully, this will contribute in some small way to ending inequitable and unjustifiable pricing strategies.
Tags: beauty bargains, money saving tips
Posted in Value Blog, Value Health and Beauty | 1 Comment »
Friday, June 4th, 2010
 For some unfathomable reason, a great many online retailers and websites will not accept Laser as a payment method. This is despite the fact that they (presumably) get a lot of Irish custom, and that Laser is by far and away the most popular method of electronic payment in this country.
There are a number of functions, particularly booking flights online, for which having a credit card is a necessity. However, there are many people who, for whatever reason, don’t want to get a credit card. Maybe you are worried about losing track of your spending, or don’t want to get stung with the APR: either way, it’s pretty irritating when you want to avail of the Aer Lingus sale or buy something online but can’t because the vendor won’t accept Laser as a payment option.
Prepaid Visa and Mastercard
Well, now there’s a way to shop online without having apply for a credit card. Both Visa and Mastercard now provide debit card services through a number of operators. These companies will provide you with either a physical card, or the required codes for making purchases online, as you would with a credit card. The benefit of having a physical card is that you can use it at ATMs globally, and that people can transfer money to your card for less than the cost of using Western Union - so the physical card could be useful if you were travelling abroad. The downside of a physical card is that it usually more expensive to purchase than a virtual card (which are often free), and it is subject to the €5 government levy on debit cards. If you’re thinking of getting a debit card with a view to buying online, a virtual card is probably the better option.
Debit Cards: How much do they cost?
The various prepaid Mastercard and Visa providers operate differing charges for their services. Most will charge a percentage for purchases; Wirecard however, don’t (unless the purchase is in a foreign currency). All of the providers operate a loading charge for putting money on your card. Some companies will charge you if your card remains inactive for a certain amount of time (most particularly the Payzone Mastercard, so watch out for that). Any of the cards that provide an ATM function will charge significantly more than Irish banks for transactions within the EU, but can work out cheaper than regular ATM cards for withdrawals outside of the EU.
One thing that is common across the board, however: all of the prepaid Mastercards are exempt from the €10 booking fee on Ryanair flights, while any form of Visa card (debit or credit) is exempt from the €10 booking fee on Aer Lingus flights.
Ulster Bank currently offers customers Visa debit cards instead of Laser/Maestro cards, so probably the most straightforward route in to acquire a prepaid Visa is to open an account with Ulster Bank.
Prepaid Mastercard providers:
Payzone
Wirecard
Neteller
Prepaid Visa providers:
3V
Ulster Bank
Tags: finance tips
Posted in News, Value Blog, Value Personal Finance | 1 Comment »
Monday, May 31st, 2010
 We at SaveAFewBob were rather surprised to discover that we had become Footlocker VIPs this morning. Fancy that.
Apparently, becoming a Foot Locker VIP will entitle you to a 30% discount off all stock (including sale items) during the store’s VIP event, which will run from the 3rd ‘til the 5th of June.
The good news is that Footlocker doesn’t restrict VIP membership to movers and shakers like us here at the SaveAFewBob HQ - mere mortals such as yourselves can also join the initiated! All you have to do to become a member of the shoe conglomerate’s elite is to click on this link, and print off a copy of the voucher.
In fact, becoming a Foot Locker VIP is a little bit of an anti-climactic experience, actually. 30% discount, though, don’t mind if I do…
Tags: clothes shopping, money saving tips, shopping tips
Posted in Value Blog, Value Family Spending | No Comments »
Friday, May 28th, 2010
 The SaveAFewBob HQ is on Thomas St, and we picked up a flyer recently. For today (Friday the 28th of May) only, Subway on Thomas St are offering a free 6” Sub when you buy any large dispensed drink!
It’s all to celebrate the opening of the newest Subway franchise on Thomas St. So if you’re in the vicinity of Dublin 8 and fancy chomping down on a free 6” Italian BMT or Meatball Marinara, get down to Thomas St and we’ll see you there!
Tags: Eating out, money saving tips, special offers
Posted in Value Blog, Value Lifestyle | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
 You can tell that it’s ‘silly season’ when RTÉ News broadcast a report almost five minutes in length on national fish and chips day. The inaugural celebration of the humble fast-food staple, taking place today (Wednesday, 26th of May), was organised by the ITICA (Irish Traditional Italian Chippers Association). Apart from anything else, the day has provided ample opportunity for hackneyed stereotyping of Italians (notice that RTÉ news uses ‘The Godfather’ theme in their report, and observe the moustachioed salt shaker on the ITICA logo).
Of interest to SaveAFewBob’s readers, however, is what the celebrations of national fish and chip day entail: half price fish and chips in participating outlets. So if you’re fond of your smoked cod and chips, today is the day to indulge.
Bear in mind that just because there is an Italian chipper in your town, it may not be a member of the ITICA, so perhaps ask before you order. And if you do decide to eat fish and chips this evening, perhaps read our article on cardio beforehand - you’ll need to be doing plenty of it in the days ahead!
Tags: Eating out, money saving tips
Posted in Value Blog, Value Lifestyle | No Comments »
Friday, May 14th, 2010
 If you’re an avid reader, chances are that you own lots of books. No doubt you treasure some of these books and re-read them often. However, it’s also quite likely that you are never going to re-read a significant number of those books ever again.
Well rather than having these books accumulate dust on your shelves, why not give them away and get books that you want in return? This is the philosophy that underlies Bookmooch, a website dedicated to connecting readers to the books they want.
They way Bookmooch works is that you register with the website and list all of the books that you want to give away. Then when people request any of the books that you’re offering, you post the book(s) off to them. In exchange for this, you get “points”, which entitle you to request books that other people have listed. Bookmooch costs nothing to join, and the website doesn’t take any percentage in these transactions (they make their money by hosting links to Amazon).
The only cost involved is the postage. You pay the postage for the books that you send; so although it costs you money to get rid of your own books, you get the books that you request completely free. This honours system fosters a nice sense of community on the website. It also means that there’s no messing around with credit cards or Paypal accounts.
To send a book abroad will obviously cost you more in postage, so sending a book overseas is rewarded with extra points (the points system is explained here). There are currently over 2,000 books within Ireland listed on the site, so if you want to get rid of some of your unwanted books and get some new ones in return, why not sign up today?
Tags: money saving tips
Posted in Value Blog, Value Lifestyle | 1 Comment »
Monday, April 19th, 2010
 A new Irish company aims to help those living on the live register to make ends meet. Live4Less is a discount card designed specifically for those who rely on a Social Welfare payment as their main source of income. Holders of the Live4Less discount card can avail of exclusive special offers, deals and discounts from participating vendors nationwide.
The Live4Less card is available only to those on the live register, and costs just €10. For this fee, Live4Lessers can avail of discounts in over 70 vendors nationwide, including Irish Rail, Subway, Curves Gym, McCabe’s Pharmacy, Carphone Warehouse and many more.
You can register for a Live4Less card online at www.Live4Less.ie. The Live4Less website also has forums where Live4Lessers can connect and provide support and advice on how best to cope with their change of circumstances.
Check out the participating companies on the Live4Less website: if you’re on the live register and shop at any of these vendors regularly, a €10 Live4Less card could make you big savings in the long run.
Tags: money saving tips, Savings, shopping tips
Posted in Value Blog, Value Family Spending | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
 Here’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone who’s involved in charity work, or are interested in volunteering. If you have ever considered taking a year out to work for a charity, the Vodafone Ireland Foundation’s World of Difference programme could make the decision a lot easier for you.
The World of Difference programme is offering four winners the opportunity of a lifetime - to quit the day job for a year and work full-time for the charity of their choice, all expenses paid and with a salary of up €40,000.
If you’ve always dreamed of being able to devote yourself exclusively to helping others, it’s easy to get involved. Simply complete the application form before the 18th of April. And if even if you aren’t entering yourself, you can still take part by voting for the cause that you think would make best use of this fantastic opportunity.
Public voting will commence in May, keep checking the Vodafone Ireland World of Difference Facebook page for updates.
SaveAFewBob is proud to do whatever we can to promote this worthy cause.
Posted in Value Blog, Value Lifestyle | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
 Smoothies are the ultimate guilt-free snack. Not only do they taste great, they aren’t full of the refined sugars that you find in soft drinks. Plus the fruit content of your average smoothie will give you three or more of your five-a-day.
The thing is, ready-made smoothies in cartons or from juice stands tend to be extortionately priced - between three and four euro each, for a few pieces of mashed-up fruit!
There’s an obvious solution for those of you who love your smoothies but don’t fancy the idea of shelling out three or four euro a go - buy your own smoothie maker. Smoothie makers are available from any decent electrical retailer for as little as €20-€30.
The benefits of having your own smoothie maker are endless. There’s some fruit in the house that’s bruised or a bit wizened around the edges? No need to throw it out, just lash it into the smoothie maker. And if you have any small children who are fussy about eating fruit and vegetables, smoothies are a great way to get them eating good food.
And once you’re into the swing of things, you can get adventurous and embark on all sorts of new blending adventures - soups, pasta sauces, spicy salsas.
There are plenty of smoothie recipe websites with loads of ideas to get you started, so why go out today and buy a smoothie maker and begin your culinary odyssey?
Tags: healthy eating, money saving tips
Posted in Value Blog, Value Lifestyle | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
 There are few nicer feelings in this life than walking away with a purchase and feeling that you’ve got yourself a bargain. The knowledge that you nabbed a deal and spent your money wisely is enough to give you a little spring in your step for the rest of the day.
Here at Save A Few Bob, we love hearing from our readers when they’ve found themselves great bargains. Even better than getting a bargain, though, is when you get something that you need for nothing. Not a cent. Free. Gratis.
Where to find freebies online
There are a number of popular Irish websites with freebies sections. Buy and Sell, Gumtree and Dublin Waste all have pages for people looking to offload unwanted items or search for some free stuff. There’s even one website whose sole purpose is to facilitate the giving away of freebies, the unimaginatively titled Freebies Ireland.
There are a number of items that seem to pop up frequently in postings on the various freebie pages. Sofas and chairs, beds and mattresses and kitchen dressers often appear, so if you’ve just moved house and aren’t terribly fussy about furnishing your new pad, it’s definitely worth your while to keep an eye on the free listings .
Free stuff’s feel good factor
Apart from the obvious financial advantages of getting stuff for free, there’s also a nice ethos to freebies pages. By taking items off somebody’s hands for free, you’re making use of something that would otherwise most likely end up in the dump. And by giving away rather than throwing away items like children’s toys, you’re allowing a new generation of children enjoy the things that your own kids have outgrown.
There are a few things to bear in mind when viewing the free listings, however. It’s important not to get carried away and agree to take stuff that you have no use for. Sure, a free boa constrictor with tank is an absolute steal, but do you really want a snake? And a kite made out of a mini-skip bag might seem like a good idea, but will you ever actually use it?
(Both of the above are real listings posted in the last week, by the way. But don’t take my word for, have a look at the mini-skip kite video and see for yourself).
If you’ve ever gotten any godsends or lemons from the freebies section, let us know. Save A Few Bob would love to hear all about your free pages triumphs and mishaps.
Tags: money saving tips
Posted in News, Value Blog, Value Family Spending, Value Lifestyle | 1 Comment »
Friday, March 19th, 2010
 Late March is upon us, and with it the associated lull in Dublin’s tourist industry. Things tend to be quiet in the capital in the aftermath of St Patrick’s Day, and Dublin’s restaurants and hotels find that business is a good bit slower than in the week previous.
What’s this got to do with saving money, you may well ask? Well, some enterprising Dublin hoteliers and restaurateurs got together and came up with “Dine in Dublin - Restaurant Week”, which will run from Monday the 22nd of March until Sunday the 28th. The initiative, now in its second year, offers diners three-course meals in over fifty Dublin restaurants for either €25 or €30. Participating restaurants include La Cave, Saba and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill. This promotional price represents a big saving for consumers, in some cases up to 20% off the restaurants’ regular a la carte menus.
For anyone outside Dublin who feels left out in all of this: fear not. A number of Dublin hotels are offering 10% off their lowest quoted accommodation rates, so if you’ve planning on treating yourself with a trip up to Dublin, there’s never been a better time.
Full details of the participating businesses are available on the Dine in Dublin website. So if you’re one of those fortunate enough to be living in Dublin or merely planning a visit, make sure to avail of some of the great savings to be had during the Dine in Dublin promotion.
Tags: Eating out, money saving tips, special offers
Posted in Value Blog, Value Lifestyle | No Comments »
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
 Mumstown.ie Mumstown.ie is an Irish parenting website where parents come together to connect, support and share information with each other. Experts in all parenting matters and conscious of the considerable expenses associated with having young children, Mumstown has highlighted a number of ways in which their members can and do save money.
Cutting the cost of children’s clothes
Clothes swapping: some parents want their newborn dressed up to the nines at all time and fork out hundreds of euro on the most fashionable brands. Remember the little uns are oblivious to these ‘labels’ and will have outgrown many new outfits before your credit card bill arrives. Common sense should prevail. Members frequently exchange clothing items with each other saving themselves hundreds of euro.
Another useful resource based around the clothes swapping principle is the recently launched TheClothesline.ie, allowing parents pass on high quality well infant and maternity wear in exchange for credits. Clever ideas and well worth a look!
Save money on babysitting
Many parents find it difficult to get a night out without the children. It takes organisation and can be very expensive. However, members of the Mumstown community groups can save money by reciprocating babysitting services with other parents in their community who they get to know and trust through their various networking events. Teaming up with another couple to exchange baby sitting services can save parents anything between €30 and €60 for a night out.
Many parents of new borns find themselves so exhausted from the night shift that they are quite happy to escape for a few hours together in the early evening and come back home to go to bed early. This brings the added advantage of being able to avail of some fantastic early bird menus. Keep an eye out for some special offers in your area here.
Shopping bargains
Mumstown has a section called ‘Spot the Bargain’ where members post comments on if they see a good promotion or offer. The success of any community website depends on the number of active members. By spreading the word members can avail of current deals and help save each other a fortune. Why not help grow this thread, if you spot any bargains in your neighbourhold, log on and inform others.
Taking advantage of special offers
Every parent knows the frightening cost of keeping a baby stocked up with nappies, wipes and formula. It is noteworthy that in recent times a number of the supermarket multiples (understanding the power of the housewife/shopping spouse) frequently promote special offers for these baby essentials. Parents should keep an eye out for these promotions and buy in bulk where possible. This can result in substantial savings.
To learn more about the services of Mumstown or to check out if there is a community group near you, log on to www.mumstown.ie
Tags: baby essentials, clothes swapping, Eating out, money saving tips
Posted in Creche and babycare, Family Spending, News, Value Family Spending | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
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.
Tags: Eating out, money saving tips
Posted in Value Blog, Value Health and Beauty | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
 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.
Tags: cheap lunches, Eating out, money saving tips
Posted in Value Blog, Value Lifestyle | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
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…
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Tags: poll, your opinion
Posted in Value Blog | No Comments »
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
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.
Tags: spare time ideas
Posted in Lifestyle, News, Value Lifestyle | No Comments »
Thursday, February 11th, 2010
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!
Tags: Eating out, money saving tips
Posted in Value Blog, Value Lifestyle | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
 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
Sides Dishes
GastroPub Chunky Chips
Mediterranean Style Vegetables
Ultimate Mash
House Salad Bowl
Desserts
2 Mocha Fondants
2 Raspberry Pannacotta
2 Melting Middle Chocolate Puddings
Special Strawberry Selection
Wine & Soft Drinks
Rose Cava
Sparkling Burgundy
Petit Chablis
Sancerre
Barbaresco
Chianti Florentini
Pressé Twin Pack
Irish coffee Twin Pack
Something Special
Single Rose
Chocolate Selection
Tags: special offers
Posted in Value Blog, Value Lifestyle | No Comments »
Monday, February 1st, 2010
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.
Tags: health tips, Savings
Posted in Value Blog, Value Health and Beauty | No Comments »
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
 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!
Tags: competition
Posted in Value Blog | No Comments »
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