Deal of the week


Two attractive deposit products launched this week. AIB's three-year fixed rate paying 10% gross is a market leader and is available to anyone with between €25,000 and €2m to spare. You can opt to have interest as a regular payment or let it accumulate for the term. Halifax has also introduced a competitive 7% two-year fixed-rate which may suit customers with less to put by because deposits as low as €2,500 are possible.


Tip of the week


Make-up is, apparently, very expensive so it pays to be smart with your empties. Avail of schemes like that run by M.A.C., where, out of concern for the environment – and an incentive to get you coming back for more, of course – the company will take back your empty containers at its in-store counters or online in exchange for a free lipstick. You will need to have bought six M.A.C. products in the first place to qualify but, if you're a fan, the lipstick is a bonus.


Bad value of the week


Money Talks has been in the market for a new television and the difference in pricing from store to store is frankly astonishing and I am not talking about sterling versus euro here. Pricing a Toshiba 32in flat-screen television revealed one Irish retailer (Power City to give them their due) selling it online for €374.95 when collected in store but the same television cost €395 at online retailer Pixmania – a difference of just over €20 and it's available elsewhere for more than €400. It pays to shop around.


Recession Rates


If you have mortgage debt problems then be sure to read the 'Repossession Guide', which tells you everything you need to know about the process, the banks, and your rights. Just type 'Repossession Guide' into Google.


The guide is free.