Consumer report - It pays to shop around

At a time when good news is as cherished as the first flowers of spring, yesterday’s report from the National Consumer Agency (NCA) that 80% of those who reviewed their purchases of goods or services saved money is as timely as it is welcome.

A habit built up in our years in la la land meant that many of us almost automatically renewed insurance policies and habitually used the same retailers without considering alternatives.

Yesterday’s report highlighted the foolishness of this and should encourage everyone to shop around for services and suppliers who offer the best deals. This is a pertinent wake-up call to individuals and to those who purchase goods or services on behalf of the State.