The Irish Independent print edition publishes a 20-page Switching Saturday supplement today
Households could net as much as €7,000 over the year by getting better rates on their mortgages, their energy bills and by moving from branded grocery items to own brands, according to research by price comparison site Switcher.ie.
People who have not switched energy suppliers in the last year are almost certainly overpaying, said Switcher.ie.
Tariffs aimed at new customers are far cheaper than standard prices.
Moving to the cheapest dual-fuel deal on the market can knock an average of €833 off your annual bills.
Own-brand items can shave €2,700 a year off grocery bills
Switcher.ie’s research shows that certain tweaks, like turning your thermostat down by 1C, swapping out energy-hungry appliances for efficient alternatives and shaving a couple of minutes off your daily shower could significantly reduce yearly energy costs.
People coming to the end of a fixed-rate mortgage contract will end up on the lender’s much higher variable rate.
This could be as high as 4.5pc, but rates as low as 3pc are available. Savings of €1,780 are achievable, Switcher said.
Adding a driver to a motor insurance policy can cut the cost by €200 a year.
Switching to supermarket own-brand items can shave €2,700 a year off grocery bills.
Commercial director at Switcher.ie Eoin Clarke said his firm’s analysis of big-label v own-brand items across Ireland’s major supermarkets shows families could cut their food bills by around 50pc just by choosing the supermarket’s value range.
Swapping your mobile-phone plan to a SIM-only one can deliver savings of €384 a year. If the handset is already paid off, continuing on a bill-pay contract means overspending.
There are many ways cash-strapped consumers can improve their finances. Stock image: Getty
The cheapest SIM-only plans, with unlimited data and calls, start at around €12 a month, compared with a €45 bill-pay plan.
Switching broadband provider can lead to savings of €360 a year.
“If you’re out of [internet] contract, you could be paying €60 a month for a plan that new customers get for €30. Making the switch could not only save you €360 per year, but you’ll likely enjoy faster speeds too,” Mr Clarke said.
“Our analysis shows there are thousands of euro in potential savings up for grabs if consumers take a few simple steps.”
Small changes, applied consistently, really do add up
He said that not all savings rely on switching.
“Everyday choices, like using energy more efficiently or choosing supermarket own-brand products, can lighten bills without sacrificing comfort or quality. Small changes, applied consistently, really do add up.”
He said some of the biggest gains come from tasks we tend to delay, like reviewing your mortgage rate, switching energy plans or seeking out a new broadband deal.
The Switching Saturday supplement in the print version of today’s Irish Independent includes recommendations on good-value health insurance plans listing mid-level schemes, plans with day-to-day cover, corporate plans and private-room corporate plans.
Details on how to get the best electricity and gas deals are also outlined, and a step-by-step guide on how to switch your mortgage.