Shop around

Sir, – There are many individuals and families struggling to cope with the crippling increases in the cost of living. Day after day, they face soaring prices in their shop for basic necessities, with inflation undermining their personal finances. Higher prices undercut any wage or benefit gains. Those on fixed incomes are hardest hit. Vulnerable consumers are forced to make difficult decisions and life can be very distressful.

At present, it is distinctly unfashionable to advise anyone to shop around. However, while it is not always possible to do so, shopping around still remains sensible, reasonable and practical advice. When considering any purchase, keep the mantra “shop around” to the forefront of your mind. You will be surprised how well it works!

Don’t shoot the messenger. – Yours, etc,

CAROLINE GILL,

READ SOME MORE

(Former CEO,

Consumers Association

of Ireland),

Foxrock,

Dublin 18.