Latest news with #AnPostMoney
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
8 inventive ways to clear your credit card debt
Getting out of credit card debt can feel like trying to untangle a giant knot—frustrating and overwhelming - but sometimes, thinking outside the box can spark new motivation. Here, John Lowe of gives eight inventive ways to tackle that debt - and maybe even have a little fun along the way! 1. Host a "debt-busting" garage sale Turn your clutter into cash by hosting a themed sale—think vintage, collectables, or even "mystery boxes." The more unique, the better! Alternatively, you can sell your wares on apps like Vinted, Depop and Olio. 2. Start a "debt-free challenge" with friends Make it a friendly competition. Whoever pays off the most debt in a month wins a prize—perhaps a fun outing or a home-cooked meal. Those in the competition pay an entry fee that will fund the prize. Accountability can turn chores into cheers! 3. Become a "secret shopper" for extra cash Sign up for mystery shopping gigs. Not only do you get paid, but you also get to evaluate businesses—double win! You can apply for such roles on websites like 4. Offer to teach a skill for pay Are you great at baking, coding, or playing guitar? Offer lessons of any kind in exchange for extra cash to chip away at your debt. 5. Set up a "debt jar" for unexpected windfalls Every time you find change or receive a bonus, toss it into a jar dedicated solely to debt repayment—small amounts add up fast. 7. Challenge yourself to a "no-spend day" once a week Make it a game to go a full day without spending. Save the money you'd normally spend and direct it to your credit card. You might also be ticking the "healthy" box – home cooking, a walk in the park, a cosy evening of reading, etc. 8. Create a visual debt tracker with fun rewards Design a colourful chart or poster that shows your progress. When you hit milestones, treat yourself to non-financial rewards like a movie night at home, some at-home skincare, or making your favourite dinner. You need to be rewarded for your efforts. 9. Write a "debt freedom" letter to your future self Visualise your debt-free life by writing a letter to your future self. This mental exercise can boost your motivation and keep you focused. Having credit card debt and doing nothing about it is the worst thing you can do. The pillar banks and PTSB offer interest-free transfer balances for six months, while An Post Money offer to transfer your credit card debt to them at 0% interest rate for a whopping 12 months. These are also options on that credit card debt. The most important thing is to get started.
Irish Times
08-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
An Post ‘continuing' work to rectify customer direct debits ‘error'
An Post said it is still working to rectify an issue that is holding up direct debit payments for some of its around 90,000 current account customers. The State-owned postal group confirmed on Thursday evening that it was 'working to correct an error' that led to some direct debits being recalled incorrectly, meaning vendors did not receive customer payments despite the money appearing to leave their An Post Money accounts. On Friday morning, a spokeswoman for An Post said that 'work is continuing to rectify the issue' and that it will update on progress later. She said the postal operator continues to expect the error to be resolved by midday on Friday. READ MORE It is not clear how many customers have been impacted by the error. An Post had some 90,000 current account customers in 2024, according to its most recent annual report, but the postal service said the issue only affected those with direct debit payments scheduled for Thursday. [ An Post chief 'absolutely furious' at Cabinet leak as Taoiseach expresses 'full confidence' in company Opens in new window ] The spokeswoman said the error affected only a 'small number' of An Post Money account holders. One customer told The Irish Times they were alerted to the issue when their mobile phone network operator did not receive a regular payment from their An Post Money current account. The money had left the account, they said, but had not been received by the vendor, and An Post was unable to tell them when the money would be returned. The customer said they were advised by An Post to pay the vendor directly instead. The spokeswoman for An Post said: 'We are not advising [and never did advise] customers to make payments directly to any vendors.' The Central Bank of Ireland, which regulates An Post Money, was approached for comment.
Irish Times
07-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Some An Post current account customers hit by ‘error' with direct debit payments
An Post said it is ttempting to fix an error that is holding up direct debit payments for some of its around 90,000 current account customers. In response to questions, a spokeswoman for the State-owned postal group said it had received contact from customers about direct debit payments and was looking into the matter late on Thursday afternoon. She later said An Post Money was 'working to correct an error' that led to the 'erroneous recalling of a direct debit file' affecting some of its current account customers. 'We will continue working overnight to ensure the error is rectified by midday [on Friday],' she said. 'There is no action required by any customer.' READ MORE 'We apologise unreservedly to affected customers for this inconvenience,' the spokeswoman said. [ David McRedmond: 'An Post has been brilliant. I've never been remunerated less and enjoyed a job more' Opens in new window ] It is not clear how many customers have been impacted by the error. An Post had some 90,000 current account customers in 2024, according to its most recent annual report, but the postal service said the issue only affected those with direct debit payments scheduled for Thursday. The spokeswoman said the error affected only a 'small number' of An Post Money account holders. One customer told The Irish Times they were alerted to the issue when their mobile phone network operator did not receive a regular payment from their An Post Money current account. The money had left the account, they said, but had not been received by the vendor, and An Post was unable to tell them when the money would be returned. The customer said they were advised by An Post to pay the vendor directly instead. The spokeswoman for An Post said: 'We are not advising [and never did advise] customers to make payments directly to any vendors.' The Central Bank of Ireland, which regulates An Post Money, was approached for comment. Speaking to The Irish Times in July, An Post chief executive David McRedmond said the company 'needs to scale up' its own current account offering. However, he said its agency banking arrangements with AIB and Bank of Ireland meant that the post office was now 'the high-street bank' in many parts of rural Ireland, facilitating basic cash transactions.
The Journal
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Planning a home renovation? Here's everything you need to know
WHILE HOME RENOVATIONS are often a great source of excitement, we all know that such a major financial outlay is never a decision to be taken lightly. We want to get the most out of our homes, whether that means an extension, an attic conversion, or transforming any of the rooms where we spend so much of our quality time. If you're currently considering putting a significant chunk of money towards a home renovation, you'll know that there are plenty of factors to consider before you feel comfortable with your decision. One way to go about financing home renovations is with an An Post Money Home Improvement Loan, which offers customers Ireland's best fixed rate on loans from €20k-€30k*. Paul Merriman, the financial advisor behind Ask Paul , also has some essential tips for how you can finance your dream home while maintaining healthy spending and budgeting habits. Financial advisor Paul Merriman What is the smartest way to go about budgeting for home improvement, such as renovations? Start with your 'must-haves' and 'nice-to-haves.' Be realistic about what your budget will actually cover. That means getting at least three quotes and factoring in hidden costs like skips and permits. Always build in a contingency buffer of at least 10–15%. Don't make guesses: use a proper budgeting spreadsheet or app that breaks down materials, labour, and timelines. If it doesn't fit on paper, then it won't work in reality. What are the advantages of a Home Improvement Loan from An Post Money, compared to a loan from a bank or credit union? An Post Money Home Improvement Loans are unsecured personal loans, meaning you don't need to put up your home as security like a remortgage might. They're also very transparent with fixed rates, making it easier to budget your repayments. Plus, the application process is simple and fast, ideal if you've got contractors lined up. It's peace of mind without the red tape. What are the pitfalls that homeowners need to be most wary of when paying money for significant work being done on the house? Scope creep is a killer. That's when you start off replacing the kitchen cabinets and suddenly you're rewiring the whole house. Advertisement Also, beware of not having a written contract. It should clearly outline costs, timelines, and payment terms. Never pay large amounts upfront. What sort of questions should homeowners be asking themselves before seeking a loan for doing up the house? Is this renovation adding value or just adding cost? Can I realistically afford the repayments over the full loan term? Will this work improve how I live in the home every day? Have I explored all options like savings, grants, supports? Am I taking on debt for lifestyle reasons or actual home improvement? How can our readers keep their budget on track during a big home renovation? What tracking methods? Use a simple Excel or Google Sheet tracker and log every expense, no matter how small. Group them by category (materials, labour, tools, fees). Review weekly and cross-check against your original budget. Is it easy to find out how much more my house will be worth after the works are completed? Talk to a local estate agent before you begin. They'll give you a ballpark figure on what similar upgraded homes in your area are selling for. Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, energy upgrades, and extra living space as these tend to give the best return. Remember, some works are about lifestyle value not resale value, and that's okay too, if it makes your home work better for you. Is there a best practice when it comes to paying contractors? Yes, always agree a payment schedule in writing before any work starts. Typical stages are deposit (no more than 10%), mid-point payment(s), and final payment after work is completed and snagged. Avoid cash payments where possible. Use a bank transfer or card for traceability. And don't pay the final instalment until you're 100% satisfied. That's your leverage if anything needs fixing. Enjoy Ireland's best fixed rate on Personal Loans from €20k-€30k with An Post Money*. *Information correct as of 14 May, 2025 (source excluding green loans). Lending criteria T&Cs apply. Rate is dependent on your financial profile and credit history. An Post acts as a credit intermediary on behalf of Bankinter S.A., who provide loan and credit card services and facilities. An Post trading as An Post Money is authorised as a credit intermediary by the CCPC. Bankinter S.A., trading as Avant Money, is authorised by the Banco de España in Spain and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.
Irish Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
An Post €3 million branding campaign is first since 2019
State-owned An Post has launched a 'brand reset', under the banner of 'Making Better Happen', its first branding campaign since 2019, at a cost of more than €3 million. Launched as part of the company's new strategy, An Post sees the campaign as a 'brand refresh' to focus the public's eye on the services the company delivers as it shifts towards digital products and sustainability. 'We have a new 'Green Light' strategy within the company that sets out our strategic direction until 2028 so we wanted to refresh the brand from where we were five or six years ago, said An Post marketing director Julie Gill. 'Our aim is to make better happen for our citizens and businesses every day,' she said, emphasising the company's online presence. READ MORE In their previous rebranding campaign in 2019, An Post embraced the tagline 'For Your World' seeking to highlight their move online as they announced two sub-brands in ecommerce and financial services: An Post Money and An Post Commerce. 'A lot has changed since then,' said Ms Gill, 'We are now really established in financial services and we have shifted to being an ecommerce company as well.' The An Post marketing director said the new branding hopes to reflect how the company has changed and will 'show all of the products and services that we offer to customers in a really natural way'. The Irish postal operator is also aiming to highlight not just the services it provides, but the impact it has by helping individuals and businesses. 'We know our customers better than anyone else in the country,' says Ms Gill, 'It's a brave statement but we do deliver to 2.3 million houses every day.' 'So, we want to bring them innovative products to help them to keep making meaningful connections through the post nationwide, particularly important for us, is being that trading engine for an open economy for Irish businesses.' The product of five months of work alongside marketing firm Boys and Girls, the brand campaign, across TV and radio, will have three elements. Advertisements highlighting An Post Money will run in April before messaging on the company's main postal service and An Post Commerce are sent over the airwaves in May. 'What's unique about us is that we have such a diverse set of customers and we have such a diverse set of products and services that's trying to bring the campaign all together in one way that kind of speaks to customers,' Ms Gill said. 'It's not just about what An Post delivers, but where it leads you,' the company says. 'Every home, community and business in the nation is brimming with possibilities and at An Post we're here to help make them a reality.'
