Deal of the Week
It's not often you get to say something positive about a bank but kudos must go to Permanent TSB for the innovative way in which it is trying to attract long-term savers. Its new 12-month fixed-term deposit product will pay depositors their interest upfront within one month of opening the account. They are then free to spend the money or invest it further. The product has a minimum investment of €10,000 and a market leading rate of 3.35%. For every €10,000 invested, customers will receive €251.25 after tax and the capital is guaranteed.

Tip of The Week
The Financial Regulator's decision to order the banks to make it absolutely clear to customers how much it will cost if they give up their tracker mortgage serves as a timely reminder that it is important to be absolutely vigilant when dealing with lenders. At the moment and for the foreseeable future, you should only come off your tracker in extraordinary circumstances and if your lender is trying to get you to do so, whether through pressure or by offering you what looks like a sweet upfront deal, do not be fooled. They want you off that tracker because it's costing them a fortune and as long as that's the case you are the one who's winning.

Bad Value of The Week
Over the past two years, we have taken the top spots in some fairly dubious economic categories but the revelation that we are now the most expensive country in the world in which to get childcare takes the biscuit. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development says that Irish parents with a double income and two children are now paying up to 45% of their net income on childcare. You would have to wonder why both partners bother working at all when it would probably be more financially efficient for one to stay at home, look after their kids and transfer their tax credits to the breadwinner.