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class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_sport"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/rugby" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Rugby</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/six-nations/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Six Nations</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/gaelic-games" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gaelic Games</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/soccer" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Soccer</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/golf" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Golf</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/racing" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Racing</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/athletics" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Athletics</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/boxing" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Boxing</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/cycling" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Cycling</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/hockey" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Hockey</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/sport/tennis" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Tennis</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/your-money" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Money</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_your-money" aria-label="Show Your Money sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_your-money"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/tags/pricewatch" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Pricewatch</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/budget/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Budget 2025</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/crime-law" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Crime & Law</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_crime-law" aria-label="Show Crime & Law sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_crime-law"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/crime-law/courts" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Courts</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Property</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_property" aria-label="Show Property sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_property"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/residential" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Residential</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/commercial-property" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Commercial Property</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/property/interiors" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Interiors</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/food" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Food</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_food" aria-label="Show Food sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_food"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/drink" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Drink</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/recipes" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Recipes</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/food/restaurants" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Restaurants</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/health" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Health</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_health" aria-label="Show Health sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_health"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-family" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Family</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Fitness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-wellness" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Your Wellness</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/health/your-fitness/get-running" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Get Running</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Life & Style</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_life-style" aria-label="Show Life & Style sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_life-style"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fashion" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fashion</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/tags/beauty/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Beauty</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/fine-art-antiques" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Fine Art & Antiques</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/gardening" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gardening</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/people" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">People</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/life-style/travel" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Travel</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/culture" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Culture</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_culture" aria-label="Show Culture sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_culture"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/art" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Art</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/books" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Books</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/film" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Film</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/music" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Music</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/stage" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Stage</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/culture/tv-radio" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">TV & Radio</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/environment" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Environment</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_environment" aria-label="Show Environment sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_environment"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/environment/climate-crisis" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Climate Crisis</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/technology" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Technology</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_technology" aria-label="Show Technology sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" height="20" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 416C247.812 416 239.62 412.875 233.38 406.625L41.38 214.625C28.88 202.125 28.88 181.875 41.38 169.375C53.88 156.875 74.13 156.875 86.63 169.375L256 338.8L425.4 169.4C437.9 156.9 458.15 156.9 470.65 169.4C483.15 181.9 483.15 202.15 470.65 214.65L278.65 406.65C272.4 412.9 264.2 416 256 416Z"></path></svg></span></button></div><div class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-container "><ul class="b-header-nav-chain__subsection-menu" id="header_sub_section_technology"><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/big-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Big Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/consumer-tech" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Consumer Tech</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/data-security" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Data & Security</a></li><li class="subsection-item" data-testid="nav-chain-subsection-item"><a class="c-link" href="/technology/gaming" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Gaming</a></li></ul></div></li><li class="section-item" data-testid="nav-chain-section-item"><div data-testid="nav-chain-section-item-subsection" class="c-stack b-header-nav-chain__subsection-anchor subsection-anchor " data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><a class="c-link" href="/science" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Science</a><button aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="header_sub_section_science" aria-label="Show Science sub sections" class="c-button c-button--medium c-button--default submenu-caret" type="button"><span><svg class="c-icon" width="20" 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b-flex-chain__grid-container__12 gap" style="--c-stack-gap:var(--global-spacing-0)"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-grid b-it-overline-block"><div class="c-stack wrap" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="start" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><span class="c-pill c-it-subscriber-pill b-it-overline-block__subscriber-pill">Subscriber Only</span><span class="c-stack b-it-overline-block__text" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-link false" href="/your-money/">On The Money Newsletter</a></span></div></div><h1 class="b-it-headline">From surprise charges to new scams: The perils of Christmas online shopping</h1></div></div></div></div><h2 class="b-it-subheadline ">Occasional delivery issues aside, there will be other things online shoppers will have to contend with that can be equally, if not more, problematic, such as taxes </h2></div><div class="c-grid b-it-right-rail-advanced__rail-container"><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__main-interior-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-stack b-it-right-rail-advanced__main-interior-item-1" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="c-grid b-it-lead-art__wrapper"><figure class="c-media-item b-it-lead-art"><div class="b-it-lead-art__image-wrapper" style="aspect-ratio:1024 / 683"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Almost eight in 10 people with an internet connection shopped online last year, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office with the percentage climbing to over 90 per cent in households with young children" class="c-image b-it-lead-art__btn-full-screen-open" loading="eager" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YKJSW2TJCRDTHPGRNJ2LNFTI5Q.jpg?auth=fde536acc110e990d5f793eeef81804f537c0ae2c7fe11eac033f02698f4b5e4&smart=true&width=1024&height=683" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YKJSW2TJCRDTHPGRNJ2LNFTI5Q.jpg?auth=fde536acc110e990d5f793eeef81804f537c0ae2c7fe11eac033f02698f4b5e4&smart=true&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YKJSW2TJCRDTHPGRNJ2LNFTI5Q.jpg?auth=fde536acc110e990d5f793eeef81804f537c0ae2c7fe11eac033f02698f4b5e4&smart=true&width=440&height=293 440w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YKJSW2TJCRDTHPGRNJ2LNFTI5Q.jpg?auth=fde536acc110e990d5f793eeef81804f537c0ae2c7fe11eac033f02698f4b5e4&smart=true&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YKJSW2TJCRDTHPGRNJ2LNFTI5Q.jpg?auth=fde536acc110e990d5f793eeef81804f537c0ae2c7fe11eac033f02698f4b5e4&smart=true&width=1024&height=683 1024w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YKJSW2TJCRDTHPGRNJ2LNFTI5Q.jpg?auth=fde536acc110e990d5f793eeef81804f537c0ae2c7fe11eac033f02698f4b5e4&smart=true&width=1440&height=960 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 400px, (max-width: 440px) 440px, (max-width: 800px) 800px, (max-width: 1024px) 1024px, (min-width: 1025px) 1440px" width="1024" height="683"/></div><figcaption class="c-media-item__fig-caption"><span class="c-media-item__caption">Almost eight in 10 people with an internet connection shopped online last year, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office with the percentage climbing to over 90 per cent in households with young children </span></figcaption></figure></div><div id="fusion-static-enter:html-block-f0fJ3wc3wXQH5Cr" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fJ3wc3wXQH5Cr"></div><div><hr class></div><div id="fusion-static-exit:html-block-f0fJ3wc3wXQH5Cr" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0fJ3wc3wXQH5Cr"></div><div class="b-newsletter-block newsletter-sub-wrapper c-border__bottom "><div class="c-stack b-newsletter-block__horizontal" data-style-direction="inherit" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div class="image-wrapper_side right"><div style="aspect-ratio:84 / 84;background-color:var(--global-neutral-1)" class=""><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="On The Money" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com%2Firishtimes%2FC5IJRWJKRVHG3EOKA5ZIM32SD4.png?auth=5d251fe450cfc53bbd4373fccf1911e661156eeba15c5ae41e1da3df2bcf22a0&width=84&height=84" 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11:15</div></div></div><div class="c-grid b-it-social-share-block b-it-social-share-block__space-above"><div class="c-stack b-it-social-share-block__container" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="start" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><ul class="c-stack b-it-social-share-block__main-section main_section" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:0"><li><a href="" title="Listen | 07:44" class="b-it-social-share-block__link social_share_btn_tts article-play-sub-btn" rel="nofollow"><svg class="c-icon" width="48" height="48" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" fill="currentColor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><path d="M256 32C114.52 32 0 146.496 0 288v48a32 32 0 0 0 17.689 28.622l14.383 7.191C34.083 431.903 83.421 480 144 480h24c13.255 0 24-10.745 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16h48v96zm48 72c-13.25 0-24-10.75-24-24 0-13.26 10.75-24 24-24s24 10.74 24 24c0 13.25-10.75 24-24 24z"></path></svg></a></li></ul></div></div></li></ul></div></div><article class="b-it-article-body article-body-wrapper article-sub-wrapper"><p class="c-paragraph">Hello again and welcome to the On the Money newsletter. This week we are looking at the pros and cons of doing your <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/christmas" target="_blank">Christmas</a> shopping online.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Over the next three or four weeks Ireland’s delivery drivers will be run ragged dropping off millions of packages worth hundreds of millions of euro at the doors of consumers from Donegal to Dingle.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Most of the deliveries will be processed correctly and will arrive safely and promptly. They will also be what they are supposed to be when they are opened and there won’t be any unpleasant tax surprises attached to the deliveries.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">But with Irish people set to shop online in record-breaking numbers this Christmas, there will inevitably be many people who end up wondering if the shift to online shopping was worth it. There will be many others who will end up being ripped off or let down or facing less than jolly tax bills.</p><div id="fusion-static-enter:html-block-f0frCB4hReP77YJ-3-6-0" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0frCB4hReP77YJ-3-6-0"></div><div><div style="border-block-start: 4px solid var(--global-neutral-2);font-family:var(--font-family-secondary);font-weight: var(--c-heading-font-weight);font-size:1.1rem; padding-top:0.8rem;margin-top:2rem;">READ MORE</div></div><div id="fusion-static-exit:html-block-f0frCB4hReP77YJ-3-6-0" style="display:none" data-fusion-component="html-block-f0frCB4hReP77YJ-3-6-0"></div><div class="c-grid b-top-table-list"><div class="c-grid b-top-table-list-small-container b-top-table-list-small-container--2"><article class="c-grid b-top-table-list-small b-top-table-list-small--right"><h2 class="c-heading"><a class="c-link" href="/your-money/2022/11/21/on-the-money-the-personal-finance-newsletter-from-the-irish-times/">On the Money: the personal 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class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4YI7TDJ4VF4FN7L22PSXTQBAFI.jpg?smart=true&auth=b8a01d891ba553fd5dfff38ce8f7c3bfbdfa77792f312b639344b9fac9889c50&width=800&height=533" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4YI7TDJ4VF4FN7L22PSXTQBAFI.jpg?smart=true&auth=b8a01d891ba553fd5dfff38ce8f7c3bfbdfa77792f312b639344b9fac9889c50&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4YI7TDJ4VF4FN7L22PSXTQBAFI.jpg?smart=true&auth=b8a01d891ba553fd5dfff38ce8f7c3bfbdfa77792f312b639344b9fac9889c50&width=600&height=399 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4YI7TDJ4VF4FN7L22PSXTQBAFI.jpg?smart=true&auth=b8a01d891ba553fd5dfff38ce8f7c3bfbdfa77792f312b639344b9fac9889c50&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4YI7TDJ4VF4FN7L22PSXTQBAFI.jpg?smart=true&auth=b8a01d891ba553fd5dfff38ce8f7c3bfbdfa77792f312b639344b9fac9889c50&width=1200&height=799 1200w" width="800" height="533"/></figure></a><hr class="c-divider"/></article><article class="c-grid b-top-table-list-small b-top-table-list-small--right"><h2 class="c-heading"><a class="c-link" href="/your-money/2025/02/28/winter-electricity-bills-should-spur-homeowners-to-hunt-down-better-offers/">Electricity bills: What are your options for cheaper deals as prices surge?</a></h2><a class="c-link" href="/your-money/2025/02/28/winter-electricity-bills-should-spur-homeowners-to-hunt-down-better-offers/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><figure class="c-media-item"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Electricity bills: What are your options for cheaper deals as prices surge?" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AN26BRJBAYCQOX7DCCAXIR5T3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=f6c38c74a6ccc41d58ab593207ca59c075c02f0a4425300836ff2bd1a1a6c455&width=800&height=533" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AN26BRJBAYCQOX7DCCAXIR5T3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=f6c38c74a6ccc41d58ab593207ca59c075c02f0a4425300836ff2bd1a1a6c455&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AN26BRJBAYCQOX7DCCAXIR5T3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=f6c38c74a6ccc41d58ab593207ca59c075c02f0a4425300836ff2bd1a1a6c455&width=600&height=399 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AN26BRJBAYCQOX7DCCAXIR5T3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=f6c38c74a6ccc41d58ab593207ca59c075c02f0a4425300836ff2bd1a1a6c455&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AN26BRJBAYCQOX7DCCAXIR5T3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=f6c38c74a6ccc41d58ab593207ca59c075c02f0a4425300836ff2bd1a1a6c455&width=1200&height=799 1200w" width="800" height="533"/></figure></a><hr class="c-divider"/></article><article class="c-grid b-top-table-list-small b-top-table-list-small--right"><h2 class="c-heading"><a class="c-link" href="/business/2025/02/27/the-latest-housing-crisis-solutions-which-could-work-and-which-are-hare-brained/">The latest housing crisis ‘solutions’: Which could work and which are hare-brained?</a></h2><a class="c-link" href="/business/2025/02/27/the-latest-housing-crisis-solutions-which-could-work-and-which-are-hare-brained/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><figure class="c-media-item"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="The latest housing crisis ‘solutions’: Which could work and which are hare-brained?" class="c-image" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg?focal=684%2C407&auth=0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331&width=800&height=533" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg?focal=684%2C407&auth=0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331&width=400&height=266 400w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg?focal=684%2C407&auth=0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331&width=600&height=399 600w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg?focal=684%2C407&auth=0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331&width=800&height=533 800w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg?focal=684%2C407&auth=0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331&width=1200&height=799 1200w" width="800" height="533"/></figure></a><hr class="c-divider"/></article></div></div><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Almost eight in 10 people with an internet connection shopped online last year, according to figures from the <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/central-statistics-office" target="_blank">Central Statistics Office</a> with the percentage climbing to over 90 per cent in households with young children.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">It is easy to see the appeal. The choices we have are virtually limitless in the online world and there is real value to be found. It is hassle free and can be done from the comfort of your couch or bed and, as long as you do it in plenty of time for Christmas, you won’t find yourself stressing about whether or not the perfect gift will find its way under your tree ahead of the big day.</p><div id="arcad-feature-f0fA5zOjVt7q5My-3-6-3-18f5a63be473dd" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature" style="--mobile-display:block;--tablet-display:block;--desktop-display:block"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:550px"><div id="arcad_f0fA5zOjVt7q5My-3-6-3-18f5a63be473dd" class="arcad ad-550x250"></div></div></div><p class="c-paragraph paywall">According to research from <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aib" target="_blank">AIB</a>, Irish shoppers are likely to break previous records for online spending this weekend.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">On <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/black-friday" target="_blank">Black Friday</a> last year €105 million was spent by Irish shoppers on almost 1 million transactions. The day saw €4.3 million spent every hour, €73,000 every minute or €1,200 every second, with the busiest hours for spend between 10am and 11am and over 57,000 transactions in that hour.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Many estimates point to this year being even busier which means that in the time it takes you to read this sentence, Irish consumers will have spent just over €20,000.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">The good news is that consumers have far more rights when it comes to shopping online than they do when shopping in person.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">They can return products for any reason whatsoever, a right people do not have if they spend their money in physical stores although the online shoppers do have to post the products back and sometimes incur costs when they do so.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">That, as anyone who has ever had to do it, can be a real hassle. But returns are not the only delivery issue we are facing.</p><div id="arcad-feature-f0fq2HIufcDr5Mt-3-6-4-9e9d343b82c41" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature" style="--mobile-display:block;--tablet-display:block;--desktop-display:block"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:550px"><div id="arcad_f0fq2HIufcDr5Mt-3-6-4-9e9d343b82c41" class="arcad ad-550x250"></div></div></div><p class="c-paragraph paywall">As the numbers shopping online grow so too do the demands on delivery companies and delivery drivers.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">On a busy day – and every day between now and Christmas Eve will be a busy day – they are working from dawn to dusk (and often far beyond dusk) and will be expected to deliver a huge volume of boxes.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">That goes some way towards explaining why some drivers don’t have the time to wait for you to answer the door so they will knock and leave the parcel at the doorstep. That is grand if you answer just as they drive away. It is not so grand if you are not at home.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">In the recent past we have documented how enthusiastic dogs have wolfed down clothes left in gardens and highlighted expensive technology in “steal me” boxes being left on the street for all the world to see.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Books, art and other gifts have been left by delivery drivers in wheelie bins – to keep them dry – which is all well and good unless the recipient does not know it has happened, and they leave the bins – with the deliveries – out for collection.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">We have heard from many readers over many months who have seen parcels go missing. They do, however, at least have some redress.</p><div id="arcad-feature-f0f8wZfBvAILa7G-3-6-5-3c27f5c0f4a89" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature" style="--mobile-display:block;--tablet-display:block;--desktop-display:block"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:550px"><div id="arcad_f0f8wZfBvAILa7G-3-6-5-3c27f5c0f4a89" class="arcad ad-550x250"></div></div></div><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Ultimately, a shopper’s contract is with the retailer and if they pay for a product that does not arrive or is destroyed by weather or eaten by a dog after being left outside, the consumer has the right to a replacement or a refund. The retailer can then pursue the delivery company.</p><h3 class="b-it-article-body__h3 paywall">Surprise taxes and charges</h3><p class="c-paragraph paywall">But the odd delivery issue aside, there will be other things online shoppers will have to contend with that can be equally, if not more, problematic.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Surprise taxes and charges are up there with the worst of them.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Many websites attractive to Irish consumers are based in Britain and once it left the EU, a whole new tax regime kicked in as our friend across the Irish Sea became known as a third country which, in tax terms, puts it on a par with China, South Africa and Argentina.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">By now, the majority of larger British-based companies take tax changes into account in the price Irish shoppers pay at the checkout online.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Smaller operators, however, might not be as tax efficient and that is leading to some hefty pre-delivery tax demands.</p><div id="arcad-feature-f0fNnztKDMLLaTe-3-6-6-476eee7e64f1d" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature" style="--mobile-display:block;--tablet-display:block;--desktop-display:block"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:550px"><div id="arcad_f0fNnztKDMLLaTe-3-6-6-476eee7e64f1d" class="arcad ad-550x250"></div></div></div><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Irish VAT applies to goods from third country retailers if it costs more than €22. Customs fees apply to purchases of more than €150. There is also an administrative fee charged by delivery companies, with all the additions often taking the gloss off overseas purchases.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">It is worth noting that the €150 threshold, under which items can be bought duty free, could soon be abolished as the EU is keen to impose customs duties on cheap goods bought from Chinese online retailers including Temu and <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/shein/">Shein</a> in an effort to stem a surge in what the EU sees as unfair competition.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Last year 2.3 billion items below the duty-free €150 threshold were imported into the EU, according to the commission.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">There is also likely to be some confusion caused by companies based in other countries using websites with .ie domains.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Up to 10 per cent of the .ie domains are registered to an overseas owner, with businesses based in Britain being the most likely to seek such an address.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">And then there are scams. One fairly new one to watch out for – one that is linked to the .ie issue we have just mentioned – sees ads for websites promising heavily discounted clothes and accessories popping up on people’s social media feeds.</p><div id="arcad-feature-f0fn39YE5eOLals-3-6-7-cd978f04c4259" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature" style="--mobile-display:block;--tablet-display:block;--desktop-display:block"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:550px"><div id="arcad_f0fn39YE5eOLals-3-6-7-cd978f04c4259" class="arcad ad-550x250"></div></div></div><p class="c-paragraph paywall">The ads take users to websites which look like they are Irish retailers, JohnnysJeansGalway.ie, for example (we checked and there is no such site but if you are called Johnny and you are selling jeans in Galway, we can only apologise).</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">These sites make all sorts of promises about sales and the like but the products – if they arrive at all – will not be what the shopper thought they were going to be and they will have come from far, far away leaving the customer with virtually no right to redress.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">Then, of course, there will be the waves of spam calls and texts claiming that people have charges due to <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/an-post" target="_blank">An Post</a>, <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ups" target="_blank">UPS</a>, <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dhl" target="_blank">DHL</a> or the likes to free up delivery of a parcel.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">All of this does not mean online is bad – it is great but people need to shop carefully and be aware of the consequences of their spending decisions now and in the future. And, as ever, it is always a good idea to shop local.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall">According to a report from Guaranteed Irish, every €20 spent with an Irish company is worth €30 to the local economy. If the money is spent with a giant multinational based in Swindon or Shanghai, it is just hoovered out of the country never to be seen again.</p><p class="c-paragraph paywall"><i>You can contact us at </i><a href="mailto:OnTheMoney@irishtimes.com"><i>OnTheMoney@irishtimes.com</i></a><i> with personal finance questions you would like to see us address. If you missed last week’s newsletter on the financial supports available for carers, you can read it </i><a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2024/11/22/a-helping-hand-with-the-cost-of-caring-what-supports-are-available/" target="_blank"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i></p></article><div id="lazy_7685" class="lazy_container"><div class="b-flex-chain"><div class="b-flex-chain__grid-container b-flex-chain__grid-container__12 gap"><div class="c-stack grid-item " data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap"><div data-testid="article-container" class="c-stack b-article-tag" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="center" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="wrap"><a class="c-pill" href="/tags/on-the-money/">On The Money</a><a class="c-pill" href="/tags/christmas/">Christmas</a><a class="c-pill" href="/tags/christmas-gifts/">Christmas gifts</a><a class="c-pill" href="/tags/black-friday/">Black Friday</a></div><div class="c-stack b-flex-promo-list-block" data-style-direction="vertical" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="unset" data-style-inline="false" data-style-wrap="nowrap" style="--c-stack-gap:1rem"></div><div class="floating-subscribe"></div><div id="arcad-feature-f0fxlXV57SJ370m-3-7-3-10eaf357c801c9" class="default__StyledAdUnit-sc-1moicrg-0 gKEhzJ arcad-feature" style="--mobile-display:block;--tablet-display:block;--desktop-display:block"><div class="arcad-container width_100" style="max-width:728px"><div id="arcad_f0fxlXV57SJ370m-3-7-3-10eaf357c801c9" class="arcad ad-728x90"></div></div></div><hr class="c-divider b-it-divider-block"/><div class="c-grid b-it-header-block"><div class="b-it-header-block__header-block font-normal "><div class="c-stack b-it-header-block__heading-h5 font-normal" data-style-direction="horizontal" data-style-justification="start" data-style-alignment="center" 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href="/your-money/2025/02/28/winter-electricity-bills-should-spur-homeowners-to-hunt-down-better-offers/" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><img data-chromatic="ignore" alt="Electricity bills: What are your options for cheaper deals as prices surge?" class="c-image b-flex-promo-card__mobile-image-3-2 b-flex-promo-card__desktop-image-16-9" loading="lazy" src="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AN26BRJBAYCQOX7DCCAXIR5T3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=f6c38c74a6ccc41d58ab593207ca59c075c02f0a4425300836ff2bd1a1a6c455&width=274&height=154" srcSet="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AN26BRJBAYCQOX7DCCAXIR5T3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=f6c38c74a6ccc41d58ab593207ca59c075c02f0a4425300836ff2bd1a1a6c455&width=200&height=112 200w, https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AN26BRJBAYCQOX7DCCAXIR5T3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=f6c38c74a6ccc41d58ab593207ca59c075c02f0a4425300836ff2bd1a1a6c455&width=400&height=224 400w, 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type="application/javascript">window.Fusion=window.Fusion||{};Fusion.arcSite="irishtimes";Fusion.contextPath="/pf";Fusion.deployment="168";Fusion.globalContent={"_id":"U23EPJDTA5D4ZOXHEZGFZVMMKI","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":464,"audio_url":"https://d22tbkdovk5ea2.cloudfront.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/0f555bb2-0c33-4991-9403-aa5dae3b71e0/versions/1732889391/media/3929ec51fa11ee6986032822c4175e40_compiled.mp3","clipboard":{},"has_published_copy":true,"is_published":true,"publish_date":"2024-11-29T11:19:39.836Z"},"address":{},"canonical_website":"irishtimes","comments":{"allow_comments":false,"display_comments":false,"moderation_required":false},"content_elements":[{"_id":"YQSR232A45FXVCEK5V5IJ4BGPA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932583,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Hello again and welcome to the On the Money newsletter. This week we are looking at the pros and cons of doing your <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/christmas\" target=\"_blank\">Christmas</a> shopping online.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UGQJYZV4X5GTDE6OHI7SL3RHEE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732877173165,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Over the next three or four weeks Ireland’s delivery drivers will be run ragged dropping off millions of packages worth hundreds of millions of euro at the doors of consumers from Donegal to Dingle.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"UX2AJBAEF5FLHG63HBVRU3XIEA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932584,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Most of the deliveries will be processed correctly and will arrive safely and promptly. They will also be what they are supposed to be when they are opened and there won’t be any unpleasant tax surprises attached to the deliveries.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"DCFTYK4PJNHX3MMWMXZHDLEV5A","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932585,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"But with Irish people set to shop online in record-breaking numbers this Christmas, there will inevitably be many people who end up wondering if the shift to online shopping was worth it. There will be many others who will end up being ripped off or let down or facing less than jolly tax bills.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"DQNCX2VKANHNPAVZERZFCD55TM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932587,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Almost eight in 10 people with an internet connection shopped online last year, according to figures from the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/central-statistics-office\" target=\"_blank\">Central Statistics Office</a> with the percentage climbing to over 90 per cent in households with young children.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"T7YKZKPB4RDT3MRAV2TI2YV6FI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932588,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"It is easy to see the appeal. The choices we have are virtually limitless in the online world and there is real value to be found. It is hassle free and can be done from the comfort of your couch or bed and, as long as you do it in plenty of time for Christmas, you won’t find yourself stressing about whether or not the perfect gift will find its way under your tree ahead of the big day.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"IULJA45LEJERRPSOX4HS7TGC54","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932590,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"According to research from <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/aib\" target=\"_blank\">AIB</a>, Irish shoppers are likely to break previous records for online spending this weekend.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"PSR7NTL2AFC4LPHIRYJPOJAGLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932591,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"On <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/black-friday\" target=\"_blank\">Black Friday</a> last year €105 million was spent by Irish shoppers on almost 1 million transactions. The day saw €4.3 million spent every hour, €73,000 every minute or €1,200 every second, with the busiest hours for spend between 10am and 11am and over 57,000 transactions in that hour.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"CZWC6EAPMFGHDOGMKEM232YFVM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932592,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Many estimates point to this year being even busier which means that in the time it takes you to read this sentence, Irish consumers will have spent just over €20,000.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"MWWLP24TBBFAPHTEIL2BIKWA5E","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932593,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"The good news is that consumers have far more rights when it comes to shopping online than they do when shopping in person.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"BTRTH7T2UJGWRJ5Z6TSL7UGWC4","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932594,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"They can return products for any reason whatsoever, a right people do not have if they spend their money in physical stores although the online shoppers do have to post the products back and sometimes incur costs when they do so.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"TFNDVAUYFBHOZEPMMHFGBW2QKI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932595,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"That, as anyone who has ever had to do it, can be a real hassle. But returns are not the only delivery issue we are facing.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"ZMQWBSA4ZREV3AB3LMN4KFECMM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932596,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"As the numbers shopping online grow so too do the demands on delivery companies and delivery drivers.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"SRU56O7COFHV5AZ55JFZRVH52I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932597,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"On a busy day – and every day between now and Christmas Eve will be a busy day – they are working from dawn to dusk (and often far beyond dusk) and will be expected to deliver a huge volume of boxes.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"YFLWEIZHIVALZHDNWCSPHMTSCU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932598,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"That goes some way towards explaining why some drivers don’t have the time to wait for you to answer the door so they will knock and leave the parcel at the doorstep. That is grand if you answer just as they drive away. It is not so grand if you are not at home.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"EIOI2XN6GBFNRMN7OJLOB77HZI","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932599,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"In the recent past we have documented how enthusiastic dogs have wolfed down clothes left in gardens and highlighted expensive technology in “steal me” boxes being left on the street for all the world to see.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"E5QNW7XE7JGQLKC6FIIHWVDRRU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932600,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Books, art and other gifts have been left by delivery drivers in wheelie bins – to keep them dry – which is all well and good unless the recipient does not know it has happened, and they leave the bins – with the deliveries – out for collection.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"PSLZZELPSZEQJKJVH4BATZFZPU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932601,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"We have heard from many readers over many months who have seen parcels go missing. They do, however, at least have some redress.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"3BMU4NZAWFEDTOJUZBJGXVESRA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932602,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Ultimately, a shopper’s contract is with the retailer and if they pay for a product that does not arrive or is destroyed by weather or eaten by a dog after being left outside, the consumer has the right to a replacement or a refund. The retailer can then pursue the delivery company.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"AWLQT63HRFH3HD66EHRI74G26Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1732879150551,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Surprise taxes and charges","level":3,"type":"header"},{"_id":"FHALSWF37JDBNNKPXUNTG74HXA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932603,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"But the odd delivery issue aside, there will be other things online shoppers will have to contend with that can be equally, if not more, problematic.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"6AFQBEH63RBK7FHATEOTG2IWGE","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932604,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Surprise taxes and charges are up there with the worst of them.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"NT4Q6BZKHZCYTIO6N7QWOWHS3I","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932605,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Many websites attractive to Irish consumers are based in Britain and once it left the EU, a whole new tax regime kicked in as our friend across the Irish Sea became known as a third country which, in tax terms, puts it on a par with China, South Africa and Argentina.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"ZDTUXXJHAVBXZOAVF4XMVMZFCQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932606,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"By now, the majority of larger British-based companies take tax changes into account in the price Irish shoppers pay at the checkout online.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"A7EIRWGV7ZDBJCYCEJW3HCVL2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932607,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Smaller operators, however, might not be as tax efficient and that is leading to some hefty pre-delivery tax demands.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"PADMQWW5EFB7FIQ32XT2S2L5QU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932608,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Irish VAT applies to goods from third country retailers if it costs more than €22. Customs fees apply to purchases of more than €150. There is also an administrative fee charged by delivery companies, with all the additions often taking the gloss off overseas purchases.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"5PTEU3XW7ZGMBJTXGUB2USRJGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932609,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"It is worth noting that the €150 threshold, under which items can be bought duty free, could soon be abolished as the EU is keen to impose customs duties on cheap goods bought from Chinese online retailers including Temu and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/shein/\">Shein</a> in an effort to stem a surge in what the EU sees as unfair competition.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"UTOUHPFTXNG7DOBA4AJAJOXDVY","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932610,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Last year 2.3 billion items below the duty-free €150 threshold were imported into the EU, according to the commission.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"AKGXFV5XFZDA5JDFCEXT4KIMOQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932611,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"There is also likely to be some confusion caused by companies based in other countries using websites with .ie domains.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"ZOCUIQJFOBFX5PRGMSNHZHSXPM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932612,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Up to 10 per cent of the .ie domains are registered to an overseas owner, with businesses based in Britain being the most likely to seek such an address.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"MWK3RLABYNHR7JOWAFY74KMFMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932613,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"And then there are scams. One fairly new one to watch out for – one that is linked to the .ie issue we have just mentioned – sees ads for websites promising heavily discounted clothes and accessories popping up on people’s social media feeds.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"ULF33J5QLFAA5EBKGIJLKZL5QA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932614,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"The ads take users to websites which look like they are Irish retailers, JohnnysJeansGalway.ie, for example (we checked and there is no such site but if you are called Johnny and you are selling jeans in Galway, we can only apologise).","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"GLDHTZJ5WNCL5LFHPZU3RFW3SU","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932615,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"These sites make all sorts of promises about sales and the like but the products – if they arrive at all – will not be what the shopper thought they were going to be and they will have come from far, far away leaving the customer with virtually no right to redress.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"LD6VFHKO2RHU5L2EPW5GXAE5DM","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932616,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"Then, of course, there will be the waves of spam calls and texts claiming that people have charges due to <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/an-post\" target=\"_blank\">An Post</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/ups\" target=\"_blank\">UPS</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/dhl\" target=\"_blank\">DHL</a> or the likes to free up delivery of a parcel.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"BT2NCEAIHNBWNBBCDIDEPDZ4MA","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932617,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"All of this does not mean online is bad – it is great but people need to shop carefully and be aware of the consequences of their spending decisions now and in the future. And, as ever, it is always a good idea to shop local.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"3CFGVRZ4GFBYPD7Y5HRUPJ6QQQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1732815932618,"comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"According to a report from Guaranteed Irish, every €20 spent with an Irish company is worth €30 to the local economy. If the money is spent with a giant multinational based in Swindon or Shanghai, it is just hoovered out of the country never to be seen again.","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"},{"_id":"YLKU5OFOMNG55EERTBTRRJBTMA","additional_properties":{"_id":"P2A6BHNBIRDJPHUVTHXQXZM7TM","comments":[],"inline_comments":[]},"content":"<i>You can contact us at </i><a href=\"mailto:OnTheMoney@irishtimes.com\"><i>OnTheMoney@irishtimes.com</i></a><i> with personal finance questions you would like to see us address. If you missed last week’s newsletter on the financial supports available for carers, you can read it </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2024/11/22/a-helping-hand-with-the-cost-of-caring-what-supports-are-available/\" target=\"_blank\"><i>here</i></a><i>.</i>","type":"text","paywall":"paywall"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"created_date":"2024-11-28T17:44:50.703Z","credits":{"by":[{"_id":"conor-pope","type":"author","version":"0.5.8","name":"Conor Pope","image":{"url":"https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/2693e910-3117-4a22-aacf-74cecf13edc4.png","version":"0.5.8","type":"image","auth":{"1":"29da74a47c5797c2b70b72406a3abc3a71e2b57912c31204c1a02b3f11728561"}},"description":"Conor Pope is Consumer Affairs Correspondent, Pricewatch 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href=\"http://www.irishtimes.com/tags/warren-buffett\" rel=\"\" title=\"http://www.irishtimes.com/tags/warren-buffett\">Warren Buffett</a>’s annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders was full of its usual folksy charm, but his latest missive was more notable for what it didn’t say than what it did (disclosure: I own shares in Berkshire).","type":"text"},{"_id":"RRIEULUSYNF33HFS552FC2SL3M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Buffett has been selling stocks and raising cash over the last year. Does he think stocks are overvalued? Does he think Berkshire Hathaway itself is overvalued, given how share buy-backs have dried up? Or is Buffett, who is 94, raising cash so his designated successor, Greb Abel, will have the flexibility he needs when he takes over?","type":"text"},{"_id":"XA5UY7AIVFHW3KTNSVMSQVMZL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Buffett tried to sound dismissive about “what some commentators currently view as an extraordinary cash position”. Yes, Berkshire’s public stock investments fell in 2024 from $354 billion (€340 billion) to $272 billion, but the value of its (much bigger) holdings in private, non-quoted companies rose.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6JSGKZRTCZHKZCMC2CIYX7FHCQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The great majority of your money remains in equities,” Buffett wrote. “That preference won’t change.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"7P2JBKB2RJBODOLXG7ERF6OQFQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Maybe, but Buffett downplays Berkshire’s stock sales by noting its portfolio fell from $354 billion to $272 billion. This framing masks the scale of his selling – a net $134 billion in stock sales – since rising markets softened the impact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XJD2NDRSTRDBRF4OAK2W6ZU3RM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Buffett didn’t discuss why Berkshire’s cash pile doubled, from $167.6 billion to $334.2 billion, in 2024, and why cash accounts for almost a third of Berkshire’s assets – the highest percentage since 1990.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7U5CSRGYMNG7JA6ADPBJVBYK7A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Nor did he explain why Berkshire hasn’t bought back its own stock since May 2024, its longest pause since Buffett gained greater flexibility to repurchase shares in 2018.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5GYFHSC6UVE2XBL6YLV5QQC3JU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Buffett may insist he isn’t hoarding cash, but his actions suggest growing caution about valuations – or that he’s positioning Berkshire for something big.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Proinsias O'Mahony"}},"name":"Proinsias O'Mahony"}]},"description":{"basic":"Sage of Omaha has been selling stocks and raising cash over the last year. 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Energy prices are back in the news, as they tend to be at this time of year when the big winter bills hit our doormats.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJCIHKUHSZFURKRVALEARCQKIY","additional_properties":{},"content":"They usually land with a thud. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CJ6LCC6T4VC3BAC2HHE6PVX6DQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Figures from the <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/central-statistics-office/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/central-statistics-office/\">Central Statistics Office</a> last week showed that wholesale electricity prices jumped by a shocking 67 per cent between January last year and last month. The price jumped by more than 20 per cent between December and January alone.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MQCPJAZW7RGCLHCP36KGBJEZPQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Wholesale prices are the prices paid by the suppliers of your electricity to the companies generating that power and so that sort of increase gives cause for concern, even if wholesale prices are still down about 50 per cent from the post-Ukraine invasion peak, according to the CSO.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNKVBGUWWVBD7PYKUBCOF4SMEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Observers, including Bonkers.ie’s Daragh Cassidy, caution that wholesale prices at those levels mean consumers can expect little in the way of price cuts for their electricity usage this year. And even if prices do fall, regulator-sanctioned charges to electricity suppliers for grid updates likely later this year may well be passed on to householders.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6VQ2HOTJZBCCJOPGE7UREPPC4M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Even before those figures emerged, Ireland was paying, by some distance, the highest price for electricity across the EU. <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/eurostat/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/eurostat/\">Eurostat</a> data shows Irish households were paying an average of 38.56 cent per kilowatt hour of electricity in the first half of last year before VAT and other taxes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FWGPARWBPRFK3ERGUQEHQDIIPA","additional_properties":{},"content":"That is over eight cent ahead of Luxembourg, the next most expensive, and a full 10 cent/kWh ahead of people in Germany. The EU average was 21.87 cent/kWh while, across the euro zone, it was 23.78 cent/kWh.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SELR4VIQKVEVLEHNAI5FX2BRXY","additional_properties":{},"content":"When it comes to electricity prices, we are, it appears, very much in a league of our own.","type":"text"},{"_id":"32MEBSVZVBC7JL6NQAOP5FQBDU","additional_properties":{},"content":"So it makes more sense than ever to keep an eye on your bills, the little changes you can make that might reduce them and also take the time to shop around each year for the best value.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2QQE467WUFAUZPCWRGZVKBC4DU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Switching between electricity providers is more pain-free than moving bank or even than moving your car or home insurer, so there’s no reason to stick with a company offering you a less competitive deal.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T3ANUJQBKJB53DZLRAESRAXOEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Anyone on standard rates will be paying around 35 or 36 cent per kilowatt hour including VAT for their electricity at present,” Cassidy says. “But rates under 25 cent are on offer from some suppliers to new customers for a year, which equates to a saving of over €400 a year for the average household.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5UB6JRAJZFCXFNTQS3PFALWYAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"There are currently 11 providers in the Irish electricity market – seven of whom also offer “dual fuel” bundles for households with electricity and gas.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KBUA6HMVYRCUFGMZDC2JCXK7ZI","additional_properties":{},"content":"They are: <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-ireland/\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/electric-ireland/\">Electric Ireland</a>, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/energia/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/energia/\">Energia</a>, SSE Airtricity, <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bord-gais/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/bord-gais/\">Bord Gáis</a> Éireann, Flogas, Yuno Energy, Prepay Power, Pinergy, EcoPower and Waterpower.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KMPFNBEYV5CA5K7W3PHUQYCVXY","additional_properties":{},"content":"A quick run through a price comparison website such as Bonkers.ie or Switcher.ie will let you compare plans on offer. There are a few things they will want to know, including whether you live in an urban or rural area, whether you have a standard meter or a more modern smart meter, whether you have a special night meter and whether you want to include cashback offers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UUKH63EWOZEENELHKX3VZTSZ4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"They will also ask whether you know how much electricity you use. If you know, great, you’ll get a more accurate estimate of what you might expect to pay. But don’t worry if you don’t have that detail to hand: you can simply ask for a quote based on national average use – which seems to be 4,200 kilowatt hours – and at least you will be comparing each of the offers on a like-for-like basis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"55UHZZBMUJHHTHLAMO2GSQAQ4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Given that you will generally only get offers from providers other than your current one, you may not see your current supplier on the list on these sites. That doesn’t mean you cannot get in touch with them and ask for their best offer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AAOYVONLIZHUVO7D7CAQRXIVAA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Obviously the bottom line is the key thing and, on the basis of national average usage in an urban area with a standard 24-hour meter, the annual projected cost ranges from €1,270.44 to €2,043.98. That’s a difference of close to €775 a year or almost €65 a month, which is significant. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4UY4HOBBARGMJOOPN47XZRZAAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"And remember, those are special introductory offers. The standard rate on your existing plan is likely to be higher.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BCGFUOTG2ZASPCQXUBXCK42EQE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Given that your usage is likely to be somewhat different from the “national average”, there are a couple of things you should keep an eye on.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JIOKSVN3OVGYXED5SWEM6TBPWQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"First, and most importantly, the unit rate. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RHVBIJP4XRGZLA4GB4TIBBUGB4","additional_properties":{},"content":"At the national average usage of 4,200 kWh a year, the market leader right now is Energia according to the price comparison sites. Its €1,270.44 estimated annual bill is based on a unit price of 21.66 cent per kWh. Allow for 9 per cent VAT, this rises to 23.6094c/kWh.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TXN6I4RCAZHU3JK6IDWO6CPCJU","additional_properties":{},"content":"On top of that you’ll have an annual standing charge which can also vary from supplier to supplier – it’s €217.08 at Energia (€236.62 incl. VAT) and the annual public service obligation (PSO) levy we all have to pay which, in this case, would be €38.74 (€42.23 incl. VAT).","type":"text"},{"_id":"S6FUG6BI25B2TIWN5CCY5TBTYU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Second best right now is Bord Gáis Éireann, where the unit rate is over a cent higher at 22.86c/kWh (24.9174 cent incl. VAT), with a more competitive annual standing charge of €200.50 (€218.55 incl. VAT) and the same PSO levy. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WQEYOSYR45HH5OJWU3J3J3C45Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Third comes Electric Ireland, and this is where it gets interesting. Its unit charge is 22.32c/kWh (24.3288 cent incl. VAT). That is lower than the Bord Gáis rate but, for people using electricity at the national average, that cheaper unit rate is more than offset by a €230.06 (€250.77 incl. VAT) annual standing charge.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MCRS3CTD4ZFJHKIQAQGKBHNJ34","additional_properties":{},"content":"Over the course of a year on the basis of the parameters given, Electric Ireland at €1,314.80 a year will cost you €7.50 more than Bord Gáis’s €1.307.30.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CXWFEXWQGZGRXK24QWEDWCWKBU","additional_properties":{},"content":"But if your household uses more electricity than the national average, that lower unit price at Electric Ireland means it might be a better choice for you than Bord Gáis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WOBWXNFCOJEUPDAPWSLVOUFZ4U","additional_properties":{},"content":"Interestingly, Bord Gáis also offers the fourth most competitive plan but that’s at a higher unit rate of 23.87c/kWh (26.0183 cent incl. VAT) so I am not quite sure why anyone would go for that.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VGUQNRX2ABE4XHUYUWY4JGTM5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"It is worth noting also that Bord Gáis does offer a €50 “welcome bonus”, which would make its more competitive plan the market leader in terms of overall cost in that first year. You do need to look at all elements of the package offered and your usage to get an accurate fix on which is best for you.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GEGPQNREERDHBBD2CYVB3AYYMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Of the big players, even before the price increase announced on Friday, SSE Airtricity is currently the least competitive at €1,402.52 for the year, with a unit charge on its best offer of 24.45c/kWh (26.6505 cent incl. VAT) and annual standing charge of €221.08 (€240.98 incl. VAT).","type":"text"},{"_id":"3K2LJLFSLBGYPNY3FG7MLPLQVQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"All plans tend to have 12-month lock-in periods and it is good practice to switch, or threaten to, each year to secure the best package available.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RCKJ74ZVWJFRPHK32UARJ5EA4U","additional_properties":{},"content":"It is also worth bearing in mind that the pricing on all the plans quoted above is variable. That means you can sign up at the advertised price and find the price rising over the course of your one-year contract. This is because these plans are normally structured as percentage discounts from the standard rate. If the standard rate goes up, you still get that percentage discount but the price still rises.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AT7CSEXH7JFAPKPKTXKXSTM53Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"You can generally get out of the one-year lock-in if a far better offer comes along but you will face an early exit charge – usually about €50. You can also expect to be obliged to pay by direct debit and work with paperless billing for the most competitive deals.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UDTI36OE3RBX5O3EW4IKLJXAXQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The deals we have looked at are for those in urban areas on standard 24-hour meters. There are night-time rates available and smart meter options that may, or may not, make more sense for you depending on your pa6tern of usage.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CY7EXUJ22JDDBGDQ54X35GXJAM","additional_properties":{},"content":"For reasons that I do not fully understand, people whose bill tells them they are classed as rural will pay slightly more than all the figures listed above.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LC7LNLJCQFGW5GHVXJCDNNSBFA","additional_properties":{},"content":"And finally, remember, almost all of these deals are for one year. If you do nothing at that point, you can find yourself moving back off the discounted rates again, jacking up your bill. So it pays to make a note in your diary a couple of weeks before your 12-month contract period comes to an end.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PYOEE45QK5GG7PICSELX5KKOXQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>You can contact us at </i><a href=\"mailto:OnTheMoney@irishtimes.com\"><i>OnTheMoney@irishtimes.com</i></a><i> with personal finance questions you would like to see us address. If you missed last week’s newsletter by Joanne Hunt on how driving more slowly can save you money, you can read it </i><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2025/02/21/slow-down-on-the-road-to-save-yourself-money/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2025/02/21/slow-down-on-the-road-to-save-yourself-money/\"><i>here</i></a><i>. </i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Dominic Coyle"}},"name":"Dominic Coyle"}]},"description":{"basic":"Irish electricity prices are the highest in the EU but there are steps you can take to pay as little as possible "},"display_date":"2025-02-28T10:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Electricity bills: What are your options for cheaper deals as prices surge?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"On The Money Newsletter"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"AN26BRJBAYCQOX7DCCAXIR5T3E","auth":{"1":"f6c38c74a6ccc41d58ab593207ca59c075c02f0a4425300836ff2bd1a1a6c455"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/AN26BRJBAYCQOX7DCCAXIR5T3E.jpg"}},"subtype":"editors-note","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/your-money/2025/02/28/winter-electricity-bills-should-spur-homeowners-to-hunt-down-better-offers/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"NVIATTWGAJARLDOC6ZJZ4Y22JQ","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":515,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/b0e24446-d881-427e-a1fb-0b1faf319c25/versions/1740743491/media/1885e5ee3c07138d963ec8311e641fb3_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/business/2025/02/27/the-latest-housing-crisis-solutions-which-could-work-and-which-are-hare-brained/","content_elements":[{"_id":"Q2K53XRRDVHDVA46452O4BFLRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740592488141},"content":"The ideas on the property market are coming thick and fast. The disappointing level of housing completions last year – just over 30,000 – has set alarm bells ringing in Government and <a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/02/21/government-to-invest-more-than-6bn-in-public-housing-this-year-says-taoiseach/\" target=\"_blank\">Taoiseach Micheál Martin </a>said the Government needs to work out how to get completions up to 50,000 plus a year. But which of the ideas now being floated makes sense and which are better forgotten? And what might actually happen?","type":"text"},{"_id":"H6DLDSEUIVCRTDTIBKMRH4OC2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740592488142},"content":"Let’s first note that there are two main types of intervention – those involved in trying to increase supply and those supporting demand by helping people to buy, Higher supply is key. Demand supports are popular, but once introduced are hard to do away with and can keep prices higher.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QDOC7NXB6VDCDJZHJLV6WI7WNU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740592488143},"content":"Here is what is on the agenda of the new Government, drawing on th<a href=\"https://www.finegael.ie/programme-for-government-2025/\" target=\"_blank\">e Programme for Government </a>and a variety of leaks and ministerial comments and how to make sense of it all.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MRQ7ZCBEFNGK5PTJHV7V7K37FU","additional_properties":{},"content":"1. Planning and zoning:","type":"header"},{"_id":"AW6U4FLWWNFPBFCQS5RBRAOR3U","additional_properties":{"_id":1740666624002},"content":"More land needs to be zoned for housing – in the right areas. There is talk in the air about pushing local authorities to move more quickly in zoning land and of greater Government powers to make them do so, or go over their heads. Let’s take a step back here first. The Government needs to quickly finalise a revision to what is called the National Planning Framework (NPF), which is the framework for development across the State. This is due in the summer, we are told. In turn it needs to make sure that these guidelines flow down into regional and local authority development plans. This is all detailed work and not as glamorous as a new “ scheme “ but it is vitally important to set the groundwork.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MM5MIH3ITVEBXKOLYTQRFNP7BI","additional_properties":{},"content":"2. The new Planning Bill:","type":"header"},{"_id":"E5DB53Y3ZZFZLH7U6VT24Y7U5Q","additional_properties":{"_id":1740666624004},"content":"Speaking of things that are not too glamorous, here we also come to the new 870 page Planning Act, passed in the dying days of the old government. This is designed to speed planning and development – though some of its provisions are controversial. It will probably take 18 months plus to implement it in full via ministerial orders. And only after that will we see if it does enough to speed development. Had the new planning act and the NPF been progressed more quickly by the last government, we could be further down the road now. But as they say, we are where we are.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JNB7HV6I25D3DDDCUQDMETN2AQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"3. A new Strategic Housing Activation Office office:","type":"header"},{"_id":"DUDXPAU5AZD6PEA3D5FAEXGJTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740666624006},"content":"The Commission on Housing had called for a powerful independent executive to oversee housing delivery, a plan immediately dismissed by the Department of Housing as introducing another layer of bureaucracy. The Programme for Government, however, revived the thought, promising a special “unit” within the Department of Housing to co-ordinate land, water, power and the vital delivery issues. Now – with the Taoiseach and Ministers starting to reference the Housing Commission in detail for the first time – we are promised the new activation office. Anything which helps to join up the various bits of housing delivery – planning, water, power supply and so on – is welcome. Along with a Cabinet subcommittee it could take on an important role. However, it will not be easy. Housing Minister James Browne promised in a Sunday Independent interview to appoint a ” maverick” outsider to head the office; one close observer said that this person ” will need to descend from the sky wearing red underpants and a cape,” to have the desired impact.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HK75UNZIONGYZMIZPHSZPAC72Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"4. Tax breaks and supports for developers:","type":"header"},{"_id":"XYRU7G5EHBH53MYJJXNACRPDMI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740666624008},"content":"An Irish Times report that the Government was considering new tax breaks was followed by talk of the return of Celtic-Tiger style incentives and also specific incentives aimed at particularly kinds of development, Finance minister Paschal Donohoe slapped down the return of Celtic Tiger type tax breaks but his comments did seem to leave room for more focused measures and the idea still seems to be in the mix.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PMOH3DRMZFC5ZEWRFOOT43SIBE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740650972206},"content":"Whatever happens to tax breaks, the Government will certainly continue to provide significant and increasing supports to developers, already happening through a variety of programmes such as the two<a href=\"https://www.housingagency.ie/CroiConaitheCities\" target=\"_blank\"> Croi Cronaithe schemes</a> and a variety of other schemes used to support cost rental housing and provide financing for development. This is in addition to the activities of the Land Development Agency, now going beyond State land to develop other properties which already have planning permission and State support for Approved Housing Bodies and local authorities to provide social, affordable and cost rental housing. which has also stepped up sharply. A significant chunk of the housing budget is now going on some of these schemes and it seems more are now on the way. The Programme for Government also promises a new compulsory purchase order bill with strengthened powers to allow the State to buy unused land.","type":"text"},{"_id":"33EIWZ5AVJEJRKK6QMJG65FWFM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740651703495},"content":"Massive resources are being deployed here – accounting for a big chunk of the overall direct State spend of €6 billion on housing this year. One way or another all involve the State stepping in to close what is seen as a “viability gap” facing developers and to try to influence the location and type of what they are doing. The Department of Public Expenditure has warned that spending resources at this level cannot continue indefinitely and the Department of Finance is known to have serious concerns about State exposure in some areas, such as the activities of approved housing bodies. However, the Coalition is looking at stepping up its guarantees and supports to developers further, with the Programme for Government promising a ” backstop” under which the State would take on some apartments for cost rental itself as an extension of some of the existing schemes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ORNN3CTTBZGUNFTT3CZBIKUFUQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740666624011},"content":"While the blizzard of schemes is confusing, the key point is that the State is intervening at various stage of the process to spend money to help bring projects on stream and more is on the way via either spending of tax breaks. While State supports are clearly needed, there is no published assessment of the schemes already under way and some of the money is effectively to compensate builders and developers for other problems – such as the high costs of building in Ireland and interminable planning delays. A good strategy would also address these crucial factors and ensure the costs are brought down and – crucially – delays and uncertainty caused by planning and water, wastewater and electricity provision are addressed. In development, time is money. And some of the subsidies the State is paying are effectively to compensate for delays and costs imposed by the system and its own agencies.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AG5F4LGK3FFOTOPACHKKIBXEEQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"5. Starter Homes:","type":"header"},{"_id":"23OC2PIMKRHDFJFHZ2YWE7FFFY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740666624013},"content":"The Government is promising a new “starter home scheme” to “promote home ownership. However, as outlined in the Programme for Government this mainly entails supporting buyers via an expanded Help to Buy Scheme and an expansion of the First Home Scheme – in which the State takes an equity stake – to include second-hand homes. These demand supports are controversial – the State says that by helping buyers they also encourage supply, but critics say they only push up prices. Gradually phasing out these supports over time would seem a better plan and extending the First Home Scheme to second-hand houses shows that how, once introduced, demand schemes tend to expand. With such dire shortage in the second hand market, extending this scheme seems to have little logic, bar helping those who bought originally under the scheme to sell on their property to another first-time buyer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4X63VWMNINFKPD3JPZMRKAAWBU","additional_properties":{},"content":"6. Planning relief for back garden development:","type":"header"},{"_id":"RJALYG57VFBWRPOHK5X2VKPVTM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740666624015},"content":"The well-discussed cabin in the back garden proposal – under which no planning would be required under certain circumstances – seems a sensible enough move, even if discussion is needed on what would qualify. And, crucially, would it just be for use of family members or for increasing rental supply too. There are signs of suburban pushback, with ministers reportedly concerned about suburban cabin sprawl. Here we get into the NIMBY arguments which have made it harder to develop anything in built-up areas. Why not set some rules and trial the cabins quickly in a few areas? The huge shortage of options for many families and or rental property means it is worth a try. But this is now going into a “consultation process” and “stakeholders” may try to drive a stake through its heart by restricting it with too many conditions.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IIYJUO3FBJHTDHWAA7UG2JSPMU","additional_properties":{},"content":"7. Changing rental rules:","type":"header"},{"_id":"2TTYZMPLAFFDBC3XAIDDG62XQM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740666624017},"content":"In fairness to the Government, this is a politically impossible one. Rental pressure zones, which limit rent increases in many areas, appear to be a factor cutting inward investment and reducing private rental supply. But changing the system will, in some areas, inevitably lead to higher rents, even if existing tenants can be protected. Some change in the rules is needed, but not a free-for-all, and it needs to be accompanied by a drive to address the other problems surrounding apartment building and also accelerate cost rental supply. If the Government abandons the zones and all that happens is more high-priced units come on to the market, it will be storing up big trouble for itself.","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"premium"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Cliff Taylor"}},"name":"Cliff Taylor"}]},"description":{"basic":"There are many ideas to ease the housing crisis but not all are equal"},"display_date":"2025-02-27T12:10:07.566Z","headlines":{"basic":"The latest housing crisis ‘solutions’: Which could work and which are hare-brained?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Smart Money"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU","auth":{"1":"0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331"},"focal_point":{"x":684,"y":407},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg"},"lead_art":{"_id":"KK4SB47PCZBH7EYG336TD7HP34","type":"image"}},"subtype":"analysis","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Business"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/business/2025/02/27/the-latest-housing-crisis-solutions-which-could-work-and-which-are-hare-brained/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"KG3G7IISLZFT3LYWJ27GJ4RINU","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":138,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/5469/podcasts/a63d48b0-f347-4560-8b42-4a67b2be5f5d/versions/1740488639/media/cf6ce8696eecd1c1f7325014b71c7ff2_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/property/residential/2025/02/27/can-our-estates-managment-company-ask-our-neighbour-to-take-down-his-fairy-lights/","content_elements":[{"_id":"JEYVCB7525GWJM5QIV4X3FXSP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740566264444},"content":"<b>I know this will appear very late in the day, but I am thinking ahead to next </b><a href=\"https://www.irishtimes.com/tags/christmas\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Christmas</b></a><b>. My neighbour across the road installs very over-the-top flashing lights for the festive season. These shine through our front door and windows during the day and all through the night when we’re trying to go to sleep.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"45SD6J7VDRC5XMMZEYDNORO4NE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740566264445},"content":"<b>I mentioned it casually in conversation to him but he laughed and has done nothing about it. Our estate has a very engaged management company and I’m wondering if approaching them would be the best option.</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"UF2MWO32AZDEXGIVA2T4QGK77Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740566264446},"content":"<b>Am I within my rights to ask our management company to request that the lights be turned off at a certain time or is there a way to establish a new rule regarding lights and decorations?</b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"YIACGCRCDNA6TFM4EHB2BM4JHI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740566264447},"content":"The role of the management company is to represent all owners in the development and in this regard, it does have a responsibility to assist you with this issue. You should contact the relevant person and discuss this issue with them. They will be able to advise you what measures they can take. They could bring your query to your neighbour and make a request to have the lights adjusted or turned off at particular times, etc. A mutual arrangement may be made that will work for both parties.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RS4YTUTEOBAHNODSSX5DWNR57U","additional_properties":{"_id":1740566264448},"type":"image"},{"_id":"2S42TG5IQZGR7DF2GKDM4GO7ZQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740566264449},"content":"In general, when it comes to the wattage and coverage of lights in a development, it is measured by unit of lux and there are standards that should be met. The National Standards Authority of Ireland publish the standards for external lighting installations. If the lighting is much higher in wattage or coverage than it should be, it may be a simple job to have this reduced by agreement with the management company.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4COQGAQ2NBHPROZ3PWBFRGHURA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740566264450},"content":"‘I’m worried that a wind farm construction entrance close to my home will cause damage and disruption. What can I do?’","type":"interstitial_link"},{"_id":"OPFDWPU5EBCVTCUVZBDCRS67NM","additional_properties":{"_id":1740566264451},"content":"In addition to this, you could also consider some type of light shield for the short period of time that the festive lights are in place to avoid such light spillage and annoyance to you in your property.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5P773WOYCNDMRKSVZLJAAPGUNY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740566264452},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.akproperty.ie/about-us.html\"><i>Aisling Keenan</i></a><i> is a property managing agent and consultant and an associate member of the </i><a href=\"https://scsi.ie/\"><i>Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland</i></a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"HXIPGXYQSBESVIT4PVQJ5UGFGQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740566264453},"content":"<i>Do you have a query? Email </i><a href=\"mailto:propertyquestions@irishtimes.com\"><i>propertyquestions@irishtimes.com</i></a>","type":"text"},{"_id":"ACMNRM4YJZBOPKGCH6AURE5NTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740566264454},"content":"<i>This column is a readers’ service. The content of the Property Clinic is provided for general information only. It is not intended as advice on which readers should rely. Professional or specialist advice should be obtained before persons take or refrain from any action on the basis of the content. The Irish Times and it contributors will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on any content</i>","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"metered"},"credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"‘My neighbour across the road installs very over-the-top flashing lights for the festive season’"},"display_date":"2025-02-27T04:58:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘Can our estate’s management company ask our neighbour to take down his flashing fairy lights?’","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Property Clinic"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"U62BDJTSW5G6FAZCYNX5OSJFJI","auth":{"1":"a105add9e9f3f5fc1c39c4fe48c4cbc93623f7093acc7dd8607d38c8da744b49"},"focal_point":{"x":1135,"y":500},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/U62BDJTSW5G6FAZCYNX5OSJFJI.jpg"}},"subtype":"default","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Residential"},{"name":"Your Money"},{"name":"Property"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/property/residential/2025/02/27/can-our-estates-managment-company-ask-our-neighbour-to-take-down-his-fairy-lights/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/property/residential","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Residential"}}}},{"_id":"BVIPNWLSLZCNRC27D4I2NBJUZM","additional_properties":{"audio_duration":599,"audio_url":"https://beyondwords-cdn-b7fyckdeejejb6dj.a03.azurefd.net/audio/projects/8948/podcasts/34d4d83d-0642-4585-b1ca-0a528cdaefdc/versions/1740508175/media/9375f4730dccce488bf3924d61aeaa0e_compiled.mp3"},"canonical_url":"/your-money/2025/02/26/is-it-better-to-get-paid-weekly-or-monthly/","content_elements":[{"_id":"F4OZCXY7ZNA4JNTLCU7KQOUPAU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534066},"content":"Pay-day is one of the most eagerly awaited days of the month, but do you know how your pay gets calculated? Does the day or date of the month you get paid make a difference? Do you get paid more in a leap year? And why do some months feel so much longer than others?","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAUIA573RNBYXJEEUSRE3L5XXI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534067},"content":"Two payroll experts pull back the curtain on the mysteries of payroll.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RYJ22IOICBGUXLLEKEMMDSXQMQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534068},"content":"If your job is salaried, getting paid a predictable sum every month is great. The downside is that some months you’ll have to work more days than others for the same money.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FEBNMCXORBDRVOJUDY7XPPPPRQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534069},"content":"“If you’re paid monthly, you get one-twelfth of your annual salary each month, regardless of the number of workdays in the month,” Chartered Accountants Ireland tax lead Gearóid O’Sullivan says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DH2OCZAOPJDCRCQKMLNYW5VVYY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534070},"content":"Take Niamh, she’s on an average salary of €49,700 a year. Her take-home pay is about €3,300 a month. This month [February], she will work 19 days for her money. In July however, she will work almost a week more for the same pay.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5K5K566WGBHN7DJXVJ7MQBHHGU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534071},"content":"The vagaries of the calendar mean July has 23 working days this year. Niamh will work four more days than in February. She will be footing the extra commuting costs, lunch expenses for these extra days too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WAU3FEIMO5HDBH4TB6O3WCNRTY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534072},"content":"Do people who get paid weekly or fortnightly fare better?","type":"text"},{"_id":"RRZ4THPI7VCD3BWX57KKPZF5LE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534073},"content":"“I would say, if you have the option to get paid weekly or fortnightly, go for it,” says Dearan Boyle, who is payroll manager at HR and payroll services company, the ICE Group.","type":"text"},{"_id":"62YNSGZ2ANG7TJXXKQ7CZN4LUY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534074},"content":"“The man on the street thinks there are four weeks in the month, but that would only make 48 weeks every year. There are actually 52.14 weeks in the year. That is eventually going to result in a ‘week 53’ for payroll purposes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DISXMT3DTZHCBAYVHBIUNWGZSU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534075},"content":"“The thing about monthly pay is there are only ever 12 months in the year. But weekly-paid people are going to have a ‘week 53’, or 53 pay periods instead of 52, so you gain an extra week’s pay there.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EP4WJN7COFH3RNJVEI4L5USFAQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534076},"content":"“Week 53″ occurs when there is an extra pay-day in the year. This happens when a pay-day falls on December 31st, or on December 30th or 31st in a leap year. Additional pay-days can apply to employees who are paid on a weekly, fortnightly or four-weekly basis. It does not affect monthly-paid employees, he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4FBKD6Z5YZAPBMZ3QP4JDM4ZP4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534077},"content":"It’s not an exact science, he says, as it depends on when your pay-day is, but many people who are paid weekly will get an extra week’s pay while those paid monthly will not.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EOHIPFQUNNCATEV5WNT75VIRKA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Leap years","type":"header"},{"_id":"SMG7TOIDPBFGRE7SVP3JYSV2YQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534079},"content":"Every four years, there’s an extra day in February. Will you get paid for it? If employees are paid an annual salary and receive the same basic pay every month, they will have no entitlement to an extra day’s pay, despite possibly having to work an extra day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WLCIXNLGFRCTBF3JF34RQ5I5GU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534080},"content":"A salaried employee receives a set salary for the year. So long as the annual salary complies with the law on paying national minimum wage, there will be no obligation to pay the employee for hours worked on the extra day.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QC4BOHHDOFAALDTF32MN2VKHTI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534081},"content":"Some employers may pay you the additional day at their own discretion, Boyle says. “Here at ICE, we get an additional day’s pay. That said, if you are salaried and paid monthly, there is no automatic statutory entitlement to an additional day’s pay.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"GG6Q3HTUKRD4VLIRBE6RRUKR4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534082},"content":"If you’re paid an hourly rate based on hours worked or the amount of work you do, your employer will be obliged to pay you for all the time worked.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FE35UPIKTREJBMDIUEJ3KY5O2U","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534083},"content":"The date you get paid is decided by your employer. You could request to get paid at a different interval, but this would be at your employer’s discretion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LRSERIQW6NEILH5ERTAUMXDGTQ","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534084},"content":"Parts of the public service, one of the biggest employers in the State, pay fortnightly. You could argue that paying monthly would save the State money, given that additional pay-days can apply to employees who are paid on a weekly or fortnightly basis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CUURLC4435GE3KOX2Q6BXKD6E4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534085},"content":"Different employers use differing payroll systems, of course. Some calculate weekly or fortnightly pay by the exact weekly divisor of 52.14 or the fortnightly divisor of 26.07. This would mitigate the additional pay when this scenario arises.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ZSOYUNZSNBAXJ7IPNAAH2TGPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534086},"content":"It would be in an employer’s interest to pay staff monthly.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B5MWLRSPPVHMHHU374CYTIVTUY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Long months","type":"header"},{"_id":"7RIQERNUWNFHXI534VDQNOPAKY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534088},"content":"You know that feeling that it’s a long month when the wait for pay-day seems interminable? It’s real. Not all months are equal – and it’s not just to do with the number of working days in the month either.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7GNFRDBRSZC5PFEPASNX2O2DFA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534089},"content":"What day of the week the month begins, bank holidays and the number of weekends between pay-days can all play havoc with your cash flow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RES4MME2UBHAJAI3GT7ZL5SJ2M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534090},"content":"Many employers will pay early in December for example. You’re glad of the pre-Christmas cash. And payroll departments and banks can get the work out of the way. The downside is there will be a far longer wait for your next pay cheque.","type":"text"},{"_id":"KKUCWH3O4BBP3PJWYLGAX2X53A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534091},"content":"“They pay you earlier in December, but they are not going to pay you early in January,” Boyle says. “You are waiting seven weeks for pay after Christmas. It’s a killer and it happens every single year, so you have to plan for it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"JDALUDBENNCK3DKAVMCAS4DKWI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534092},"content":"Easter can skew things too. Easter Monday is a public holiday, so your pay-day can be thrown by this too. You may get paid earlier than you would like.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EDFTIQSHVFC7FIJ3VAN7IIIU7M","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534093},"content":"“You are never going to pay someone late, but you might have to pay them earlier than usual,” Boyle says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IL47NUFIKFAYPHPS7E7Z3CHEO4","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534094},"content":"For example, a person who usually gets paid on the 20th of the month will get paid on Thursday, April 17th, this year. Easter Sunday is on April 20th. There will be five weekends before their next pay-day in May.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S3RAG4DKHZGNNOYYTHXJFQQYPY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534095},"content":"It’s not just Christmas and Easter that can throw things off.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AQCYAPEBBJGTFPXGEAW52VCWUI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534096},"content":"“July can be a notoriously long month if you are paid monthly, especially for those who are paid the last working day of the month,” Boyle says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HS6PU5KOB5CD5L5ODPJO77KGDU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534097},"content":"Getting paid on Monday, June 30th, means they will not get paid again until the Thursday of the fourth week of July, which is 31 days away.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SQGQKO7MWZCTXKQEAA5FOXO47A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534098},"content":"“You will have 23 working days in July, and nearly five weeks before you get paid,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IBW4IRRXCZGJJOJ3BRCMPFKLKU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534099},"content":"Their next pay-day is Friday, August 29th. With a public holiday, that month will have just 20 working days.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LAEI77OA3ZGMDBEEHJI4UAHT6U","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534100},"content":"If your pay-day is the last day of the month, in the months that this falls on a Monday, there can be an extra weekend to get through before you get paid, he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R3SBHK3XVNCJLM62JNXFJ6IB4A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534101},"content":"“Always look at the first of the month too. If it falls on a Friday, it’s going to be a long month,” Boyle says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NKEDNNOULNBCHF3LCJVJPGM5LE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534102},"content":"Those whose pay schedule is the 28th of the month will get paid Friday, June 27th this year and again on Monday, July 28th. Their pay cheque must stretch to cover one weekend in June and then another four in July.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WOH227MWBJCU3B6AXSTMAJZFLI","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534103},"content":"“It’s still a long month because there is an extra weekend in there for you,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4MVEUOKL3VEHNAVMB4R27FELLA","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534104},"content":"“July is always a busy month for holidays. If you go away in the middle of the month and come back, you will still be waiting to be paid.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"74NQZLWV3FCORCUULSJTOLSPC4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Budgeting","type":"header"},{"_id":"2DMKYD37ERFHNGTPBUFUNTG544","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534106},"content":"“What date do I get paid?” is not a question many of us think to ask in a job interview, yet it can make a big difference to your cash flow and ability to budget.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TS5IC22BUVGVPGYMEFSBUEPR44","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534107},"content":"“If you are taking up a new job, always ask what the pay date is,” Boyle says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HXQQEQWBJJGPDPQJM42LG5JHTE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534108},"content":"“If you get paid on the 20th of the month, or before, and you get paid every month, you may be able to budget better. But if it’s always on the last working day of the month, you could get paid on a different day every single month,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LR3VLK4ZVRDUXNQHUSC66N4HXU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534109},"content":"Never time your direct debits to come out the very next day. “If you get paid on the last working day, always have them come out the second of the month, or two or three days after,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R252IE7ZQFB4HM3GSH7OZO7QEY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tax credits","type":"header"},{"_id":"ICVQTHMJKJH3FL4NKVFAEXBHCY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534111},"content":"Some people earning the same money can have very different pay cheques.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VTEGDN6SABH3ZFWU5WMFDLX7CU","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534112},"content":"“The biggest query you will get is two people doing the same job with the same hours and pay and one wondering, ‘How come he took home more than I did?’,” Boyle says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EVDWOHLO4BECXIRFLG3P54J254","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534113},"content":"It can be because of differing pension contributions or because one is smarter at claiming what is owed to them.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CR7EFG6UJJCE3KZOL4FXLQFA34","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534114},"content":"The Revenue Commissioners estimate PAYE workers left close to €400 million in tax rebates unclaimed in 2023.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LXOAJZBE5BF7FDSCT37S546R3E","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534115},"content":"It is urging workers to claim back tax reliefs owed to them on items such as rent, mortgage interest, prescriptions and health expenses and to claim working-from-home relief.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IAX4Y3H7VREYVCP3TU5QVBEI4Y","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534116},"content":"You may be able to claim remote working relief for heating, electricity and broadband. “In some cases, an employer can contribute to these costs with a working-from-home allowance, paid tax-free up to €3.20 a day,” O’Sullivan says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FXNNPWQMENG63E7YPGE2VSPIHE","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534117},"content":"Using Revenue’s real-time tax credit service in MyAccount, PAYE workers can claim expenses in real time and get a bump in their next pay cheque. Alternatively you can claim at the end of the year, claiming for up to the previous four tax years too.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OVNNIFGR3RHTLMVBOB7AMWQQLY","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534118},"content":"If you get married and want to be jointly assessed or if your child has been diagnosed with a disability, for example, it’s not payroll you need to tell, it’s Revenue. You can update your profile online yourself to claim the relevant tax credits.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W6MUSAUEVRAOHPBNNXDK77EN6A","additional_properties":{"_id":1740475534119},"content":"“There is no point telling your employer, because if Revenue doesn’t know, payroll won’t know. 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