Emma Archer

Emma Archer

Emma is a Content Writer for Switcher.ie, writing guides to help readers understand money matters and make the right financial choices. Emma has worked with various financial comparison websites as a copywriter, content designer and researcher.

Recent by Emma
Ireland cheapest heating costs

Best ways to heat your home on a budget

What’s the cheapest way to heat your home? Discover how much it costs to run a range of heating solutions and compare the best ways to stay warm this winter.

couple with new build

The First Home Scheme explained

A new help to buy scheme in Ireland is helping first time buyers and other eligible borrowers get on the property ladder, but what is it, and how do you apply? Here’s all you need to know about the First Home Scheme in Ireland.

Electricity pylons at sunset

Your guide to Pay As You Go energy in Ireland

Here’s how pay as you go electricity and gas plans work in Ireland. We compare prepay energy prices, weigh up the pros and cons, and explain how to switch to stay on top of your bills.

Black Friday

Ireland's Best Black Friday Tips for 2023

From refund rights to spending rewards, here’s how to bag a Black Friday bargain without busting your budget.

saving piggy

Ireland's best money saving tips

Here’s our best tips to save money at home, work and on the go. Follow just a few of these saving tips, and save hundreds of euro.

Irish Budget 2024

What Budget 2025 means for you

Here’s how Budget 2025 affects your household finances; we explain what’s changed and what it means for you and your family.

Everything by Emma
ftb key handover

Ireland's most affordable places for first time buyers

Saving for a deposit and choosing where to live are often the first steps to home ownership. Switcher.ie’s First Time Buyer Affordability Index reveals the most affordable locations to buy a house in Ireland.

smart meter installer

What your smart meter upgrade means for you

The ESB smart meter rollout is taking place across Ireland now, so whether you’re a homeowner or a business, you’ll get your new smart meter free of charge before 2024. Here’s what you need to know.

Gas and electricity meter in a garden

Kilowatt hours (kWh) explained

The Kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit used by energy suppliers to work out how much you pay for gas and electricity. Here’s all you need to know about kWhs and saving money on your energy bill.

electric car charging

Electric car charging in Ireland

Unlock the potential of electric vehicle ownership with our home charging guide. Learn about costs and savings, EV charger installation, and choosing the right charger.

Solar Panel Installation sunshine

Solar panel installation in Ireland

Here’s all you need to know about solar panel installation in Ireland. Discover how solar energy works, how much it costs, available grants and whether solar panels can save you money on energy bills.

Classic Car Insurance

How to find the right cover for your classic car

If you’re the proud owner of a classic car you’ll want to protect your passion. Here’s what you need to know about classic car insurance with tips to get the best classic car quotes.

Feed in Tariffs Ireland

Micro-generation and feed-in tariffs explained

Whether you’re considering heat pump or solar panel installation, here’s all you need to know about microgeneration in Ireland and how to choose the best feed-in tariff to reduce your energy bill.

mortgage broker with couple

Should you use a mortgage broker in Ireland?

If you’re on the hunt for a new mortgage, finding the right home loan takes time & effort. Here’s how a mortgage broker could save you time and money.

loan calculator euros

Loan repayment calculator

Our personal loan calculator can help you work out your monthly repayments and interest in just a few clicks. See how much a loan costs from Ireland’s leading lenders.

Woman reviewing bills and charges with laptop

How to find out your energy supplier in Ireland

Not sure who your energy supplier is? Here’s how to find out who supplies gas and electricity to your home.

broadband consumer rights

How to complain about your broadband service

It’s important that know your consumer rights when you sign up for any service. Here’s all you need to know about making a complaint to your broadband provider, speed issues and cancelling your contract.

woman moving boxes

Your moving house checklist

Moving home can be a difficult juggling act. Our house move checklist can guide you through the steps to make your move stress-free and simple.

mortgages handover document

Repayment vs interest-only mortgages

Here’s how repayment and interest-only mortgages work in Ireland and the different ways to repay your mortgage loan whether you’re a first time buyer, buy-to-let investor or switcher.

house surrounded money

How do mortgage deposits in Ireland work?

Before you can get a mortgage to buy a home in Ireland you’ll need a deposit. Here’s how they work and how much you’ll need to have saved.

Electricity dial meter with reading and 50 and 100 euro notes in front

How to read your gas & electricity meter

Gas and electricity meters track how much energy you use. Here’s how to read your meter and keep on top of your energy bills.

wireless broadband

Wireless broadband choices in Ireland

Most broadband needs cables or a wired network, so if you live in a rural location internet access can be patchy. Here’s some broadband options to consider if you don’t have a phone line or fibre where you live.

man with credit card and phone

Can you transfer money from a credit card?

Money transfer credit cards can be a fast and flexible way to borrow money for unexpected costs or cash shortfalls. Here’s what you need to know about money transfer credit cards and where to get one in Ireland.

smiling woman dentist

How to find the best value dental cover

Unplanned dental treatment can be expensive, thankfully dental cover can offer financial protection to guard against costly dental work. Here’s how dental insurance in Ireland works and how to find the right plan for your needs.

car insurance groups

How your car insurance quote is calculated

Discover what factors affect your car insurance quote and how your car insurance group impacts the price of cover in Ireland.

Car Insurance Black box Cover

Black box insurance explained

Car insurance for young drivers can be expensive but there are ways to reduce premiums. Here’s how black box insurance works and how it could help cut the cost of cover.

Keyboard with download button

What are data limits & fair usage policies?

Unlimited broadband plans are now the most popular deals, but they still have limitations. Here’s all you need to know about broadband data limits and fair usage policies.

credit card transaction

Your refund rights in Ireland

Getting your money back when you shop online or in-store can be troublesome. Here are your refund rights explained and how to get your money back without a hitch.

no claims bonus discount

How the no claims bonus works

A good no claims record can help make your car insurance much cheaper. Here’s how the bonus works, what discounts you can earn and tips to get the best value from your bonus.

Woman working from home

Tax relief and working from home in Ireland

With tax relief set to rise for thousands of homeworkers in January 2022, here’s how to claim financial support if you work from home in Ireland.

cashback mortgage hands

Should you choose a cashback mortgage?

Costs can spiral when you buy a property or switch, so a cashback mortgage can provide a boost when you need it most. Here’s all you need to know about cashback mortgages in Ireland.

electric car charging

The cost of charging an electric car across Europe

Electric cars are not only better for the environment, but they could also save you money. Here are the cheapest and most expensive places in Europe to charge your electric vehicle.

Energy Retrofit Ireland

Retrofitting in Ireland: Costs, grants and installers

Retrofitting your home in Ireland is a great way to improve your energy efficiency, lower your bills, and reduce your carbon footprint. However, understanding the available grants, costs involved and choosing the right installers is crucial before you commit.

green mortgages

Green mortgages explained

A green mortgage could save you money if you have an energy-efficient home. Here’s all you need to know about green mortgages in Ireland and how to pick the best one.

BER rating scale

How to boost your Building Energy Rating (BER)

Boosting your home’s energy rating can slash your energy bills, make your house warmer and even unlock cheaper mortgage deals. Here’s how to improve your BER and save money.

Prime video logo

Should you get Amazon Prime Video in Ireland?

Amazon Prime Video, the popular streaming service showing movies & TV is available in Ireland. Here’s all you need to know about Amazon’s on-demand video platform, Prime Video.

5G mobile

How 5G mobile works in Ireland

The latest Apple and Samsung phones launched as 5G only, signalling ultra-fast speeds and improved reliability for all. But what is 5G and which networks have the best 5G coverage?

Mum with baby and toddler on sofa with ipad

Ireland's best towns for work life balance

A good work-life balance is key to a happy life so we’ve researched Ireland’s towns for local services, hybrid working, family life and leisure to find the best places to live and work.

Irish posting dating

Last posting and shopping delivery dates for Christmas 2023

Make sure Christmas cards and gifts reach family and friends in time this year. Here’s a rundown of last posting and delivery dates for Ireland and abroad.

prepaid mastercard

Should you get a prepaid card?

Prepaid cards offer a safe, convenient way to pay and give you control over your finances, but they can also come with hidden costs. Here’s everything you need to know about prepaid cards for spending at home and abroad.

credit cards and student

Compare student credit cards

Compare credit cards for students in Ireland with introductory purchase rates, cashback and other perks.

credit cards laptop couple

How do credit limits work in Ireland?

Your credit limit restricts how much you can borrow on your credit card. Here’s what you need to know about credit card limits and how to use your card responsibly to get better credit.

Slow broadband loading screen on a tablet

How to speed up slow broadband

Slow broadband can be really frustrating, especially if you’re paying for a fast broadband package that isn’t performing. Here’s how to check your broadband speed and improve a slow broadband connection.

Purple fibre broadband cable

How to get broadband without a landline

Are you looking to get broadband without a phone line in your home? Here’s how to access the internet with mobile, satellite or fibre broadband.

multi car insurance

How does multi-car insurance work?

Many households in Ireland have more than one car on the go. Multi-car cover is one way to save you money and time when you’re shopping for insurance. Here’s what you need to know.

woman driving car

Is car insurance cheaper for women?

Women’s car insurance used to be cheaper, but is it still the case in Ireland? Discover what affects the price of cover and ways to make car insurance cheaper whatever your gender.

learning to drive insurance

Car insurance and learning to drive

Before you get into the driver’s seat, there are a few things you need to sort out. Here’s all you need to know about learner permits and car insurance to get you started.

car insurance landrover

Levels of car insurance explained

Once you’ve found your ideal car, the next step is to get the right insurance. Here’s a guide to car insurance options in Ireland and how to get cover best suited to your needs.

Games Controllers playing online games

How to get the best broadband for online gaming

Here’s all you need to know about the best broadband for online gaming and tips to enhance your gaming experience.

Young boy using a tablet

How to keep your children safe online in Ireland

As children spend more time online, ensuring it’s a safe space is ever more important. This guide can help parents talk to children about life online, recognise potential dangers and take steps to reduce risks.

mortgages laptop with house

The best places to work from home in Ireland

Remote and hybrid working is here to stay, so we’ve researched Ireland’s towns for telecoms, leisure and family to find the best places to work from home in Ireland.

young driver car insurance

How to get cheaper young driver insurance

It’s tricky finding affordable car insurance if you’re a young or new driver in Ireland. Here’s the best ways to get cheaper car insurance if you’re under 25.

Woman on a mobile phone complaining

How does roaming work in Ireland?

If you want to use your mobile while abroad and avoid an expensive phone bill, this guide can help. Here’s how to ‘Roam like at Home’ in the EU and find the right mobile plan for your trip.

Lightning fast Broadband along a country road

Fibre broadband explained

Fibre-optic broadband offers much faster connection speeds than ADSL, mobile, or satellite broadband. Here’s all you need to know about fibre-optic broadband in Ireland.

Man sitting at a table holding his mobile phone and mobile phone bill

SIM-only or a bill pay contract: which is best?

If your contract ends soon you may wonder whether a SIM-only deal could save you money. Here’s all you need to know about choosing the best deal and making the switch.

thermostat in a hat

Top energy tips to save money

One of the best ways to save money on your energy bills is by cutting back on your usage. Here’s all you need to know about energy efficiency with money-saving tips to reduce your bills.

Three laptops with fibre broadband connections between them

Broadband connection types

The broadband connection types available where you live will affect the speeds you can get. Find out about what’s available in your area and what it means for your online experience.

Dual carriageway in city at night with lights from cars

What broadband speed do you need?

A fast, reliable broadband connection is vital for a quality, hassle-free broadband service. Here’s all of the information you need on broadband speeds in Ireland.

money jar and light bulb

How to switch electricity & gas in Ireland

Switching to a cheaper electricity or gas plan is quick and easy and could save you hundreds of euro. Here’s how to find a better deal and switch your supplier.

Person scrolling on an ipad tablet

How to switch broadband providers

Switching your broadband plan is quick and easy and could save you a bundle. Here’s what you need to know about switching to a better broadband deal in Ireland.

Paradise beach and crystal blue sea

How to choose the right travel insurance in Ireland

With so many types of travel insurance and levels of cover on offer, it’s difficult to know which is the right one for your needs. Here’s how to ensure you get the right cover at a good price for your holiday or trip abroad.