The article discusses the salaries of various political roles in Ireland, highlighting the financial challenges faced by local councillors compared to higher-ranking politicians like TDs and MEPs. Dr. Aodh Quinlivan from UCC emphasizes the lack of a pension scheme for local councillors and the significant pensions enjoyed by former TDs and Ministers. Cllr Shane O’Callaghan and former politician Emmet O’Halloran share their perspectives on the rewards and challenges of a political career, stressing the importance of genuine interest and community service. The article also touches on the impact of abolishing Town Councils in 2014 on political diversity.

Research from Trinity College indicates that a significant portion of grandparents in Ireland provide childcare, with varying hours per month. The practice of grandparents caring for grandchildren is common in various countries, including China and the United States. The issue of whether grandparents should be paid for this service is complex and depends on individual circumstances, family bonds, and financial situations. Some experts believe that while grandparents may not expect payment, offering some form of compensation could be appropriate. A few years ago, there was a proposal for a government-supported grant for grandparents in Ireland, but it did not materialize. Additional research from Trinity College suggests that providing extensive childcare can negatively impact grandparents' mental health, and in Britain, grandparents can claim tax credits for childcare.

Experts emphasize the importance of teaching children about money management through pocket money, advocating for it to be earned and used wisely. A Bank of Ireland survey indicates primary school children in Ireland receive about €6 weekly, while secondary school students get €10. Revolut offers a feature for parents to automate pocket money transfers. Schooldays.ie and financial experts like Mr Conway and John Lowe from Moneydoctors.ie suggest that children should save part of their pocket money and learn about financial independence, with parents avoiding bailouts for unsaved funds. They also recommend discussing money openly with children to influence their financial attitudes positively.

Money plays a significant role in relationships, often leading to conflicts. Celebrity matchmaker Rachel Greenwald highlights that while money can facilitate finding love, it can also hinder genuine connections. Financial expert John Lowe emphasizes the importance of communication and honesty about finances in relationships, advising couples to discuss money matters openly to avoid conflicts. Mortgage advisor Joey Sheahan notes that financial dishonesty, such as hidden spending, can impact couples' financial stability. Overall, the article underscores the need for transparency and understanding in managing money within relationships.

The article discusses the considerations for deciding whether to claim car insurance or pay for repairs out of pocket. Experts from 123.ie, Peopl Insurance, and Bonkers.ie provide insights on the financial implications, including the potential increase in premiums and the impact on no-claims bonuses. It emphasizes the importance of reporting all incidents to insurers and evaluating the extent of damage before making a claim. The article also highlights the potential long-term savings from maintaining a no-claims bonus and advises on the appropriate steps to take following an accident.

The article provides nine suggestions for making money from one's home, including home swapping, upcycling, renting out a room, reducing home insurance bills, hosting on Airbnb, dog sitting, baking cakes, renting out a driveway, and reducing energy use. It mentions the tax-free income threshold for renting a room in Ireland, the overpayment percentage for long-term home insurance customers, and the average rental income from Airbnb in Cork city. It also references the Central Bank of Ireland, Revenue's tax rules, and support from the Department of Social Protection, MABS, and Saint Vincent De Paul.

Christmas entertainment options such as pantos, cinema, and ice skating are adding to the financial stress of the holiday season. Cork Opera House and Everyman Theatre offer pantos with ticket prices for a family of four ranging from €124 to €145, while Dublin's Gaiety panto costs €200 plus fees. Bord Gais Theatre's show, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has tickets priced at €282.40 for premium seats. Ice skating rinks and cinemas also offer family deals, with additional fees for booking. Despite these costs, there are free outdoor activities available, such as walks and playgrounds, providing festive entertainment options.

Supermarkets in Ireland offer various Click-and-Collect services, with Aldi charging a fee and Lidl not providing the service. Tesco, Dunnes Stores, and SuperValu offer free Click-and-Collect options, with Tesco imposing a minimum basket charge for orders under €30. The services emphasize convenience, with features like booking slots for Christmas, trained pickers for fresh produce, and easy-to-use online systems. Home delivery is also available, with Tesco offering deals for older customers and delivery packages.

In Ireland, nearly €85 million was stolen through frauds and scams last year, with a significant rise in text message fraud, or smishing. The Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) and other organizations like ComReg and FraudSmart emphasize the importance of consumer vigilance. Banks are investing in security measures and educational initiatives, such as Revolut's new course on scam awareness. Experts advise against clicking on suspicious links and stress the importance of verifying the authenticity of communications. Consumers are urged to report any fraudulent activity to their banks and the Gardaí.

Dropshipping involves selling products without holding inventory, where the seller passes orders to manufacturers who ship directly to customers. Walter Dunphy and Cian Murphy provide insights into the business model, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right products, suppliers, and market segments. Key considerations include obtaining a business permit, setting up a website, and effective marketing strategies. The article highlights the potential profitability and challenges of dropshipping, advising on product selection, market research, and customer acquisition.