MABS Blog

Let's Talk Episode Three

Are you ready for more tips to help you manage your household finances? Una McNeil is back on the airwaves for episode 3 of the LET’S TALK series. Topics covered include:

• The MABS service
• Budgeting tips
• Seeking help with debt
• Household saving tips

Let's Talk Episode Two

We are back with another great interview from Una McNeil on Phoenix FM as part of the LET’S TALK series. Mortgages are the focus of this episode. Find out what areas are covered below and if any apply to your current situation:

• Mortgage payment breaks
• Abhaile eligibility
• Free mortgage arrears support
• Abhaile PIP vouchers
• Payment break costings

Let's Talk Episode One

‘LET’S TALK’ is a new series by MABS in collaboration with Phoenix FM. For a select number of weeks, Una McNeil from the North Dublin MABS office will provide an array of tips and answers to day-to-day money questions. Topics covered on episode one include:

• Signing off from the COVID-19 payment
• Repaying COVID-19 overpayments
• Budgeting tips
• Financial supports for school children
• Ways to keep track of spending

Welcoming you back - Reopening our offices

MABS knows that balancing your money in the best of times can be hard. We also know that balancing your money in uncertain times can be even harder. That is why we’ve been here, throughout the pandemic to help you when you’ve needed us. Now it's time for us to reopen, in line with public health measures, read on to see what has changed.

Budgeting on the Family Farm

The farming sector is unique in how it is linked to the family and household budget. In some cases, there may be no separation, which can make budgeting and planning difficult. We've pulled together some tips to get you started.

5 Tips to Make the most of your Weekly Food Shop

Shopping can be either a joy or a chore. But don’t worry, we’re here to make things a bit easier. We are sharing our top tips to help you get the best value out of your shopping and maybe save a few euro on your shopping bill. This week, we look at having a plan for when you are going around the supermarket.

COVID-19 - Government Announces July Stimulus Plan

The Government has announced their July Stimulus plan to get people back to work, create new jobs and stimulate the economy. Read on to see how this might affect you.

COVID-19 - Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) Changes and Extension

From 17 September 2020, the rate of COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be linked to your earnings. There will now be 3 rates instead of two. The payment will be extended to 1st April 2021.

6 Tips to Save on your Weekly Food Shop

Shopping can be either a joy or a chore. But don’t worry, we’re here to make things a bit easier. We are sharing our top tips to help you get the best value out of your shopping and maybe save a few euro on your shopping bill. This week, the focus is on how to prepare your budget for your shop. Read on for useful tips on how to spend your money wisely.

5 Tips to Help Plan your Weekly Food Shop

Shopping can be either a joy or a chore. But don’t worry, we’re here to make things a bit easier. We are sharing our top tips to help you get the best value out of your shopping and maybe save a few euro on your shopping bill. Up first, food planning and five tips to remember when creating a shopping list.

Commission for Regulation of Utilities Announce end of COVID-19 support measures

Following the recent extension of government measures regarding Covid-19, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), along with Gas and Electricity Suppliers, has extended the moratorium on domestic electricity and gas disconnections to June 29th.

COVID-19 - Changes to Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) from June 29th

From 29 June 2020, the rate of COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be linked to your earnings. You do not need to contact the DEASP about your earnings. The DEASP has access to this information from Revenue.

Opening a Bank Account - MABS Investigates

In MABS we receive a lot of great questions. Questions that we know many people want to ask, but don't know who to ask or where to start. This week's question is how do you go about opening a bank account and what are the basic banking options.

Central Credit Register - MABS Investigates

In MABS we receive a lot of great questions. Questions that we know many people want to ask, but don't know who to ask or where to start. The focus of this week’s ‘MABS investigates’ is the Central Credit Register. We will cover what the Central Credit Register is, how it works, what its used for and what your rights are.

COVID-19 - Commission for Regulation of Utilities Extends COVID-19 Customer Protection Measures to Assist Consumers

Following the recent extension of government measures regarding Covid-19, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), along with Gas and Electricity Suppliers, has extended the moratorium on domestic electricity and gas disconnections to June 29.

Minding my Pennies - Coming out of Lockdown

As Ireland starts the next phase on our road out of lockdown, MABS reminds people to be mindful of changes in spending. We’ve pulled together three simple steps to help you mind your pennies as we move out of lockdown.

Back to School - Too Early to Plan?

Now that summer is here and the kids are off, it is a good time to plan for the new school year in September. Liz is back to help you plan and budget for the coming months to avoid panic in August.

Current Account Charges - MABS Investigates

In MABS we receive a lot of great questions. 'MABS Investigates' will work to provide clarity to these questions from an independent and neutral point of view. This week's question is to do with Current account charges and how they compare across different financial institutions.

Working From Home - Tips on Managing your Budget

For many of us, working from home is very different and something new. We are presented with a new way of working and new challenges. Once we get over the technical hurdles and settle in, that’s when we might notice changes to our spending. Some bills may increase and others reduce. We have put together things for you to consider while working at home that we hope you will find useful to help you with your budgeting.

Mortgage Protection Insurance - MABS Investigates

In MABS we receive a lot of great questions. 'MABS Investigates' will work to provide clarity to these questions from an independent and neutral point of view. This week's question is to do with Mortgage Protection Insurance and whether you should continue to pay it if you apply for a mortgage payment break."

COVID-19 - Mortgage Payment Breaks FAQs

The Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) have announced a further 3-month extension on mortgage payment breaks. This brings the payment break to 6 months. If you are considering a payment break, read this FAQ to fully understand what it means for you and your finances in the long-term.

Getting Social Welfare Every Two Weeks? - Tips on How to Manage

Some people are getting paid their social welfare payments every two weeks as a result of COVID-19 (coronavirus) supports measures introduced by the Government. Are you one of these people?

Carol from Dublin South MABS talks through tips on how to manage so that your money stretches.