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The O’Donovan brothers are new CU youth ambassadors

Bishopstown Credit Union Brand Ambassador

New Youth Ambassadors

Olympic silver medallists Gary and Paul O’Donovan have been unveiled as the new Credit Union Youth Ambassadors for the Irish League of Credit Unions. They  were officially announced as Ambassadors at the ILCU’s Youth and Marketing Conference in Athlone on Saturday 25th February. Delegates from credit unions across the island of Ireland were in attendance. The sporting heroes were officially announced as ambassadors by ILCU President Brian McCrory.

The Conference

The overall theme of the youth conference was Digital Marketing and Social Media. There was a specific focus on how credit unions can develop their use of online platforms to communicate with Millennials and Generation Z. Alison and Mark were in attendance on behalf of St. Michaels and returned with plenty of ideas.

Speaking at the announcement of the Youth Ambassadors, ILCU President Brian McCrory said “Gary and Paul O’Donovan embody the spirit of co-operation and the ethos of working together towards a common goal which is so important to the credit union movement. Their accomplishments in rowing at global level and their achievements at the 2016 Rio Olympics make them ideal role models for young people in our communities, and indeed ideal ambassadors for the many youth programmes run by our credit unions. We very much look forward to working with them as we advance our social media and video outreach.”

Also commenting on their new role, Gary O’Donovan said “Our own credit union in Skibbereen has always supported us every step of the way and so we didn’t hesitate when asked to be the new Credit Union Youth Ambassadors. We’re very proud to be representing the movement, especially for the younger generations.”

Paul added “The support for us from all corners of Ireland has been overwhelming. Knowing we have such incredible backing from our own community and from communities around the country really makes a difference to us when we’re competing, and so we’re delighted to have this opportunity to work with a movement that gives so much back to the people in the local communities they serve.”

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Getting work done? Then make sure you are fully covered

If you are having home improvement work done, check with your insurance company what you are covered for before you start..

Having home improvements carried out, or even undertaking smaller works oneself, can blind us to the dull protections of forward planning.

Insurance, that steady annual bleed we all complain about, is something you just cannot ignore as your greatest single investment is peeled apart for days or potentially months.

It’s not enough to presume the lads on site, or a single genius bounding from a van that ‘everyone’ uses in your area — is covered.

It’s awkward — lesser men will make you feel like a Nazi storm trooper for even bringing it up, but do the right thing, stiffen your spine and ask for reassuring, up to date paperwork to be produced before a spade hits the ground or a board is lifted.

If you are undertaking ambitious DIY projects or having significant home improvements carried out, inform your insurance company and check what you are covered for, before you start.

Are there any works that might void a home guarantee attached to the house (Homebond)?

If you create more rooms, for example, splitting areas or adding an extension even one that flies under the radar of the 40m for planning permission requirement, you should nonetheless, tell your insurer of this addition to the floor-plan and be prepared to provide certification of the build quality and fire-safety.

If you have to move out for a period while work is undertaken, again tell your insurer the house is likely to be uninhabited and supply the dates if possible.

If you are basing your home insurance on the re-build cost (re-instatement) rather than market value (and this is the solid advice of the industry), the rebuild cost changes if your house grows bigger.

Beyond the meat of the policy, buildings and contents, is your accidental and damage cover adequate to cover potential disasters, whoever is at fault?

Basic accidental damage tends to cover electrical faults in electrical items, not putting a foot through the attic floor while insulating. Ask about what’s in your building insurance pertaining to the fabric of the house — the laminate floor or the windows for example.

Check your policy for exclusions and explore what is termed ‘extended coverage’.

Personal accident cover, again an optional extra, will offer a limited amount if you ding yourself during a DIY stunt.

Most electrical work, all works on gas supplies and appliances, high ladder and roof work, and any serious structural alterations should be off the table for just about all of us.

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A PCP is not always the best option for car finance

A PCP is not the only show on the road for car finance.

The growing popularity of PCPs (personal contract plans) has obscured the fact that there are several other viable options for financing the purchase of your car.

This applies whether it is a new or used motor.

Motorists often spend more time shopping for a car than thinking about how to finance it.

Experts say this is a mistake.

The upturn in our economic fortunes means there are now plenty of good-value motor finance deals available.

Getting a low interest rate is the key to getting a good deal.

AA Ireland advises consumers to buy in cash but if that isn’t always possible, then look around for various credit options.

“The best way to buy a car is with cash. Easy advice to give but of course most of us will need to finance the car in one way or another.

“If you need to borrow part of the amount, don’t automatically take the dealer’s finance. “It’s always worth getting alternative quotes – preferably before you start viewing cars so you know what you can afford,” says Conor Faughnan of the AA.

However, surveys have shown that up to half of drivers admit they have no idea what interest rate they are paying on their current finance package.