Deal of the Week

Quinn Healthcare has reduced premium prices for adults on its Essential Health Scheme, dropping from €730 to €694.18 and until the end of the month, it will be possible to sign up two children and a student for the company's Essential Starter Scheme free of charge when taking out a family policy (premium: €760). The offer is open to switching and new customers.

Tip of the Week

Anyone with a smart phone should make sure they download the Skype app as soon as possible. Now that you can use Skype over the 3G network, there is no excuse for eating into your minutes when you can phone for free via Skype. Just don't use it to make paid calls – the charges for calls to Irish mobiles are exorbitant.

Bad Value of the Week

If your anti-virus software subscription is up for renewal, think twice before automatically signing up. Money Talks recently opted to renew a Norton 360 subscription at €79.99 but when the transaction wouldn't go through, chose to buy a new package entirely. The exact same anti-virus software cost just £47.99 (€55.05) through Norton's UK website. Clearly brand loyalty means nothing.

To rent or to buy?

A handy calculator by economist and author Derek Brawn will give you the answer at www.comparebuy2rent.ie.It costs €4.99 per month with no minimum contract. It will also give you a 'target' price for what you should pay for a property. You can then buy or rent with confidence.