The Financial Regulator and the Library Council have announced the availability of free internet access to the itsyourmoney.ie site in all Galway libraries.

The site helps consumers make informed personal finance decisions and shop around for financial products. The Financial Regulator's cost comparisons, available at www.itsyourmoney.ie, show the cost and benefits of a range of insurance and banking products and help consumers find out where they can get the product that suits them best.

According to the financial regulator, consumers can make big savings by using the cost comparisons to shop around for financial products. For example, the latest car insurance cost comparison showed that a 55-year-old clerical worker who lives in Co. Galway and drives a Ford Mondeo worth €15,500 could save over €200 per year on car insurance.

Announcing the initiative, Consumer Director, Mary O'Dea said, "We launched our new website itsyourmoney.ie in September last year and our cost comparisons for financial products are now available online, helping people to shop around and save money at the touch of a button. We want to make sure that people can access our website, regardless of whether they have internet access at home, or in work, and this free internet service at their local libraries means that they can."

"The new online format for our cost comparisons means that all the rates you see on our website for loans, credit cards and current accounts are up-to-date. So, if you are shopping around for a loan or a credit card or thinking about switching your bank account, you can see where you can get the product that suits you best. We also regularly update our cost comparisons for insurance products, which look at the costs and benefits for car, home and life insurance for consumers from all over the country," she added.

Norma McDermott, Director of the Library Council, pointed to the public library's unique place in communities throughout the country. "Public libraries welcome over 14 million visitors and provide 1.7 million internet sessions each year. We are delighted to work with the Financial Regulator in encouraging people to use the internet service in their local library. Contact your local library to find out about internet access there."

The Financial Regulator's cost comparisons show potential savings when comparing the cost of financial products between different providers.

The Financial Regulator's personal finance website, www.itsyourmoney.ie, also includes independent information in plain English on banking, mortgages, loans, savings and investments, insurance, your rights, pensions and budgeting. There is also a quick reference section for information depending on your life stage. You can also use the website calculators to work out the cost of mortgages and loans and sign up for the Financial Regulator's e-newsletters and competitions.

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