DIY: You can start a group scheme in your own company, retirement group or even your football team and avail of standard discounts with a group of as little as six people (VHI and BUPA).

Join the club: If you are not on the mailing list of your college, university, union, trade or professional organisation, make a call and get your name added, you could be missing out. Or if you're not already a member you could actually pay the subscription if the sums add up.

Homework: If you take the trouble to read the newsletters and leaflets sent to you by whichever group you belong to, you might find a useful or money-saving scheme to sign up to.