A 24-page guide to getting better value for the spending of households is free in today’s Irish Independent.
The comprehensive guide to switching shows how households can easily shave €5,000 off their bills.
The “Switching Saturday” supplement outlines the best-value health insurance plans, how to knock 15pc off motor insurance premiums and how to cut your energy bill by €500 a year.
Advice for mortgage holders on trackers, variable rates and those stuck with vulture funds is outlined showing how thousands of euro a year can be reduced from monthly payments.
The supplement includes a guide to the best health insurance deals and shows how families can avoid paying up to €800 in higher payments to renew on the same plan.
A range of some of the best-value plans that offer the most comprehensive cover is outlined by health insurance expert Dermot Goode.
Consumers have been warned not to automatically renew their cover this year as VHI, Laya and Irish Life Health have all announced multiple price rises in the past year.
Around half a million households are due to renew their health cover this month.
And the essential guide to finances for families shows how money can be saved on streaming services, outlines the best TV, broadband and mobile phone deals, and tells you how to tackle those painful new year credit card bills.
Four leading personal finance experts share their tips on how to save money in 2024.
“Switching Saturday” also has interviews with ordinary people explaining how they manage their money and get the best value.
Price comparison site Switcher.ie says January is the perfect time to freshen up our finances.
It estimates that households can save around €5,462 this year by claiming tax back, getting a better mortgage rate and reducing energy use.
Commercial director of Switcher.ie Eoin Clarke said: “As the cost of living continues to soar, every cent counts, and January is the perfect time to detox your finances, cut unnecessary costs and make a fresh start this new year.”
Mr Clarke said small changes can add up to big savings. He said switching to supermarket brands and cancelling unused subscriptions could leave consumers with more spare change at the end of the month.
“Shopping around for a better mortgage deal, switching broadband or taking a minute to complete your tax return to claim what you are due could see you better-off by the end of 2024.”
He said energy prices are dropping, and suppliers are offering generous discounts right now. If people are out of contract, they should switch to a better deal to save hundreds of euros.
The average household spends around €1,270 on food each year.
As inflation continues to bite, consumers are urged by Switcher.ie to consider swapping pricier food items for the supermarket’s own-brand label.
Mr Clarke said this could easily slash the price of a weekly grocery shop in half. He said following this strategy could potentially save €635 per year.