Cost of Living

Read more articles about the cost of living from your personal finances to the global economy

All I have to show for my seven-month wait for Eir broadband are disgruntled neighbours

All I have to show for my seven-month wait for Eir broadband are disgruntled neighbours

Pricewatch: The company says it ‘deeply regrets the prolonged delay in the installation of this customer’s broadband’

By Conor PopeTue Oct 17 2023 - 06:01

Budget 2024: First three lump sums to be paid next month

Budget 2024: First three lump sums to be paid next month

Timetable revealed for payment of nine once-off supplements

By Harry McGee and Jennifer BrayTue Oct 17 2023 - 00:01

Grocery inflation slows again but supermarket prices are still going up

Grocery inflation slows again but supermarket prices are still going up

Prices still about 10.5% higher now than this time last year, but retail analysts Kantar upbeat about further falls in inflation

By Conor PopeMon Oct 16 2023 - 13:15

Bond market rout supports ECB pause, says Spanish central bank chief

Bond market rout supports ECB pause, says Spanish central bank chief

Pablo Hernández de Cos says higher borrowing costs underline governments’ need to reduce deficits next year

By Martin ArnoldMon Oct 16 2023 - 11:23

Ulster Bank and the mystery of the shifting tracker repayments

Ulster Bank and the mystery of the shifting tracker repayments

Pricewatch: Variations in tracker mortgage payment increases following hikes in ECB interest rates left a reader puzzled

By Conor PopeMon Oct 16 2023 - 11:01

ECB seen preserving peak rates until second half of next year

ECB seen preserving peak rates until second half of next year

Survey result chimes with latest comments from ECB officials

By Alexander Weber and Harumi IchikuraMon Oct 16 2023 - 07:37

‘I have been chasing a Fitbit refund since April 2022.’ An infuriating 18-month wait

‘I have been chasing a Fitbit refund since April 2022.’ An infuriating 18-month wait

Pricewatch: A product recall in 2022 left a reader badgering the Google-owned maker of activity trackers for $299

By Conor PopeMon Oct 16 2023 - 06:01

Did the settled generation of over-45 homeowners really need mortgage interest relief?

Did the settled generation of over-45 homeowners really need mortgage interest relief?

Squeezed renters and younger first-time buyers, already under financial pressure, are likely to feel a bit miffed about this budget measure

By Cliff TaylorSat Oct 14 2023 - 06:30

For well over a decade tracker mortgage holders were on the pig’s back. Things have changed

For well over a decade tracker mortgage holders were on the pig’s back. Things have changed

Mortgage holders who have been paying high interest rates for years are annoyed about plans for morgage interest relief for a minority on trackers

By Conor PopeSat Oct 14 2023 - 06:06

‘You couldn’t make it up’: David McWilliams gives his verdict on Budget 2024

‘You couldn’t make it up’: David McWilliams gives his verdict on Budget 2024

Housing is the biggest problem facing the State, and this Government’s budget interventions are contradictory and short-sighted

By David McWilliamsSat Oct 14 2023 - 06:00

Inflation rises to 6.4% in September

Inflation rises to 6.4% in September

Housing, water, electricity and fuel costs saw the largest increases in the past year, driven by the soaring costs of mortgage interest repayments

By Ellen O’ReganThu Oct 12 2023 - 12:20

As it happened: Budget 2024 fallout sees sharp exchanges in the Dáil

As it happened: Budget 2024 fallout sees sharp exchanges in the Dáil

Sinn Féin leader says Donnelly was ‘thrown under the bus’ while Taoiseach accuses SF of being ‘seriously high tax’ party

By Fiachra Gallagher and Jack PowerWed Oct 11 2023 - 20:09

Mortgage interest and cost of living package dominate readers’ budget questions

Mortgage interest and cost of living package dominate readers’ budget questions

Budget 2024: Focus also falls on landlord tax and the absence of further retrofit support, while businesses struggle to find good news

By Dominic CoyleWed Oct 11 2023 - 16:38

‘Spend and save’ budget unveiled with tax giveaways and mortgage relief

‘Spend and save’ budget unveiled with tax giveaways and mortgage relief

Tax cuts costing €1.1bn in the first budget presented by a Fianna Fáil Minister for Finance since 2010

By Pat LeahyWed Oct 11 2023 - 06:14

Budget 2024 calculator: How this year’s budget will affect your income

Budget 2024 calculator: How this year’s budget will affect your income

What does the budget mean for you and your money? Use the PwC interactive calculator to help you estimate your taxes and disposable income for the year ahead

Tue Oct 10 2023 - 21:45

As it happened: Budget 2024 brings mortgage relief and USC cuts

As it happened: Budget 2024 brings mortgage relief and USC cuts

Sinn Féin says Coalition produced ‘budget for landlords’ while teaching bodies say it will not address recruitment and retention challenges

By Conor Pope, Laura Slattery and Jack PowerTue Oct 10 2023 - 21:33

Christmas ‘treats’ in budget will not improve lives of poorest households, say advocacy groups

Christmas ‘treats’ in budget will not improve lives of poorest households, say advocacy groups

Budget 2024: Despite swathe of one-off lump sum payments, there is disappointment at just €12 increase in core social welfare and €4 rise in qualified child payment

By Kitty HollandTue Oct 10 2023 - 20:00

Climate and nature fund is ‘a gamechanger’ in addressing monetary gaps up to 2030, says Ryan

Climate and nature fund is ‘a gamechanger’ in addressing monetary gaps up to 2030, says Ryan

Minister states fund would be particularly useful in meeting ‘the biggest challenge of all in transport’

By Kevin O'SullivanTue Oct 10 2023 - 19:31

What will this year’s budget package mean for you?

What will this year’s budget package mean for you?

Mortgage holders the biggest winners, but many other groups benefit from cuts, grants and bonuses

By Conor PopeTue Oct 10 2023 - 19:23

Budget 2024 families: Something for everyone in the audience

Budget 2024 families: Something for everyone in the audience

Those on social welfare, at work, some mortgage payers, some landlords, and tenants have seen gains in the budget

By Fiona ReddanTue Oct 10 2023 - 18:58

Budget 2024 main points

Budget 2024 main points

Tax package worth around €800 per person, a €12 weekly increase to welfare and pension payments, and mortgage interest rate tax relief announced

By Jack Horgan-JonesTue Oct 10 2023 - 18:06

Budget ‘positive’ for carers: ‘There is at least some recognition of the challenges we face’

Budget ‘positive’ for carers: ‘There is at least some recognition of the challenges we face’

Income disregard increase to €450 for single people and €900 for couples will be welcomed

By Emmet MaloneTue Oct 10 2023 - 18:00

Renter left ineligible for new €750 budget rent tax credit increase after availing of HAP

Renter left ineligible for new €750 budget rent tax credit increase after availing of HAP

Budget 2024: Lisa Monaghan and her family may feel some benefit of this year’s budget but any difference likely to be ‘quite minimal’

By Shauna BowersTue Oct 10 2023 - 17:37

Budget 2024 a prime example of tension between politics and economics

Budget 2024 a prime example of tension between politics and economics

Announcing an expansionary budget when economy is at full employment and inflation is high appears to be politically motivated

By Eoin Burke-KennedyTue Oct 10 2023 - 17:11

Once-off payments to households play starring role in Budget. But for how long?

Once-off payments to households play starring role in Budget. But for how long?

Analysis: Budget 2024 announced another round of once-off measures, but there are questions now about whether some are becoming semi-permanent

By Cliff TaylorTue Oct 10 2023 - 16:40

Northern Ireland property prices rise by 5.7% in a year

Northern Ireland property prices rise by 5.7% in a year

The average price of an existing home in Northern Ireland is now £201,800

By Ellen O’ReganTue Oct 10 2023 - 16:06

Landlords to benefit from budget tax break of up to €1,000 with rent tax credit to hit €750

Landlords to benefit from budget tax break of up to €1,000 with rent tax credit to hit €750

Budget 2024: Number of measures including mortgage interest rate relief and increase in vacant property tax rate announced

By Shauna BowersTue Oct 10 2023 - 15:56

Carbon tax: Petrol and diesel prices to rise up to 3c per litre

Carbon tax: Petrol and diesel prices to rise up to 3c per litre

Benefit-in-kind (BIK) relief on company cars has been extended

By Michael McAleerTue Oct 10 2023 - 15:44

Social welfare rates raised by €12 a week in budget, with one-offs for fuel and ‘Christmas bonus’

Social welfare rates raised by €12 a week in budget, with one-offs for fuel and ‘Christmas bonus’

Budget 2024: Every PAYE worker to see their PRSI contributions increase from next year

By Kitty HollandTue Oct 10 2023 - 15:42

Giveaway budget package to see big spending increases and tax cuts for middle-income earners

Giveaway budget package to see big spending increases and tax cuts for middle-income earners

There will also be €12 a week increase in basic welfare rates and tax cuts targeted at middle-income earners

By Pat LeahyTue Oct 10 2023 - 08:59

Yuno Energy becomes latest electricity supplier to cut prices

Yuno Energy becomes latest electricity supplier to cut prices

PrepayPower-owned provider says new rates are cheapest in the market

By Ian CurranMon Oct 09 2023 - 07:51

Construction slows again but inflation appears to be easing

Construction slows again but inflation appears to be easing

Employment continues to rise modestly with more firms optimistic about being busier in 12 months’ time

By Dominic CoyleMon Oct 09 2023 - 05:00

Got a consumer problem? Here are the companies most likely to help you out

Got a consumer problem? Here are the companies most likely to help you out

Pricewatch: The main reason some brands are successful at customer experience excellence is that they are part of our communities in a way others are not

By Conor PopeMon Oct 09 2023 - 00:00

Budget 2024: Tax changes, childcare, mortgages and more – everything we know so far

Budget 2024: Tax changes, childcare, mortgages and more – everything we know so far

Party leaders met at weekend to hammer out final details of Budget 2024

By Jennifer BraySun Oct 08 2023 - 14:21

Budget 2024: Michael McGrath says way is clear for incomes and living standards to improve

Budget 2024: Michael McGrath says way is clear for incomes and living standards to improve

Minister for Finance insists planned multibillion-euro rainy day fund is not for future generations but will benefit people in the here and now

By Harry McGeeSat Oct 07 2023 - 21:42

‘Freeze inflation, not the nation’: protesters call for more action on cost of living in budget

‘Freeze inflation, not the nation’: protesters call for more action on cost of living in budget

Alliance of political, trade union, student, environmental and campaigning groups joined march in Dublin

By Sarah BurnsSat Oct 07 2023 - 15:14

Almost half of Irish adults could not cover the cost of an unexpected expense of €1,000, survey finds

Almost half of Irish adults could not cover the cost of an unexpected expense of €1,000, survey finds

Behaviour & Attitudes poll finds cost of food has replaced energy as main concern and that families with teenage children are struggling most

By Conor PopeSat Oct 07 2023 - 06:00

Budget 2024: Varadkar has promised more than €1,000 for average workers. How will this add up?

Budget 2024: Varadkar has promised more than €1,000 for average workers. How will this add up?

The Government has pledged to put more than a grand in the pocket of middle-earning workers. It will likely come through a mix of tax changes and spending measures

By Cliff TaylorFri Oct 06 2023 - 13:07

‘There are travel agents that used to book Ireland year in, year out. They can’t get capacity. They may not come back’

‘There are travel agents that used to book Ireland year in, year out. They can’t get capacity. They may not come back’

Sean O’Driscoll wants to raise Cliste’s all-island hospitality portfolio to 20-25 hotels but has a warning for the Government on tourism

By Ciarán HancockFri Oct 06 2023 - 05:30

If child benefit is a universal payment, why are the children most in need excluded?

If child benefit is a universal payment, why are the children most in need excluded?

State support and accommodation is failing to meet the basic nutritional, hygiene and transportation needs of single people and families in direct provision, new research shows

By Nick HendersonThu Oct 05 2023 - 06:22

‘It’s impossible to study this way’: students protest in Dublin to call for housing solution

‘It’s impossible to study this way’: students protest in Dublin to call for housing solution

Long commutes ruin student experience for many locked out of capital’s costly accommodation market

By Fiachra GallagherWed Oct 04 2023 - 16:40

Delivery specialist DHL introduces 6.9 per cent price increase on Irish services

Delivery specialist DHL introduces 6.9 per cent price increase on Irish services

Costs increasing again due to ‘uncertainty’ in global economic situation

By Jade WilsonTue Oct 03 2023 - 07:22

‘Last mile’ of disinflation the hardest, warns ECB deputy head

‘Last mile’ of disinflation the hardest, warns ECB deputy head

Luis de Guindos dismisses rates cuts and says getting back to 2% target will not be easy

Mon Oct 02 2023 - 07:51

What makes consumers tick when it comes to the climate emergency?

What makes consumers tick when it comes to the climate emergency?

Pricewatch: Price mechanisms are crucial to long-term decision-making, says behavioural scientist Pete Lunn

By Conor PopeMon Oct 02 2023 - 06:35

Could modular homes be an answer to the housing crisis?

Could modular homes be an answer to the housing crisis?

The State may be reluctant to embrace a new approach to housing delivery, but factory-built housing could deliver thousands of homes

By Dr Rory HearneMon Oct 02 2023 - 06:30

Dubray Books paid dividend of €2.5m to Eason last year

Dubray Books paid dividend of €2.5m to Eason last year

Latest accounts for Dubray Books Ltd show its turnover rose to just under €14 million in the year to January 29th, 2023 but its profits declined marginally

By Ciarán HancockMon Oct 02 2023 - 05:30

Manufacturing slows as exports hit by European customers cutting spending

Manufacturing slows as exports hit by European customers cutting spending

Factory owners optimistic despite sliding orders

By Barry O'HalloranMon Oct 02 2023 - 05:30

Soaring costs behind sharp increase in Irish businesses closing in 2023

Soaring costs behind sharp increase in Irish businesses closing in 2023

About 650 Irish firms are expected to shut this year, according to a PwC survey, far ahead of the 539 which folded in 2022

By Barry O'HalloranMon Oct 02 2023 - 05:00

Pricewatch: Couple with infant devastated after losing more than €5,000 in home rental scam

Pricewatch: Couple with infant devastated after losing more than €5,000 in home rental scam

Pricewatch: Prospective tenants are advised to always meet the landlord or letting agent in the accommodation and ask them for identification

By Conor PopeMon Oct 02 2023 - 00:01

Looks like interest rates have peaked, but has the ECB gone too far?

Looks like interest rates have peaked, but has the ECB gone too far?

Euro zone inflation has fallen sharply, indicating tough medicine may be working, though rate cuts may still be some way off

By CantillonSun Oct 01 2023 - 06:00

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