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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Anita McSorley

Cost of living expert shares ‘wine trick’ to save money leaving RTE Late Late Show viewers stunned

Friday night’s Late Late Show was jam-packed with famous guests, live music and an expert panel.

There was something for everyone to enjoy as the likes of Joanne McNally, Damian Browne, Charlie Bird and The Coronas joined host Ryan Tubridy on the popular RTE chat show.

With the cost of living crisis impacting many households across Ireland, a panel of experts also showcased their best tips and tricks to save money on bills.

READ MORE: RTE Late Late Show viewers divided over ‘embarrassing’ cost of living tips to save money

Introducing the segment, Tubs said: “Prices are going up on everything. We are being told to tighten our belts, but we want to put money tonight back into your pocket without you giving up a single thing.

“So tonight, what we're going to do is, we're not going to tell you to give up your weekly treats, we’re not going to say you can’t have coffee or to put on another jumper. Instead our experts have simple changes and hacks to bring your bills down.

“In a minute, I will be talking to Eoin McGee on how to save over €1,000 maybe on your utility bills. Money mentor Santis O'Garro is here, she's going to help you save maybe 50% per cent on your shopping bills and gaff goddess Laura de Barra has hacks to warm your house and keep the heat in.”

Author Laura de Barra shared some of her practical home hacks, including a ‘wine trick’ that can save you money.

Laura de Barra and Ryan Tubridy on Late Late Show (RTE)

She said: “The biggest things that will cost you money appliance wise are things that make things hotter or colder, so washing machine, dishwasher, fridge.”

The ‘gaff goddess’ said that by packing your fridge with bottles of liquids, such as wine, homes could save money on their electricity bills.

“Your fridge will cost you more to run if it’s not three quarters full. I don’t always have a three quarters full fridge , it’s chocolate and wine most of the time, so if you put in just a bottle of water it will save you money.

“The air has to cool all of that fridge, all of the time. Why not just cool off water a bit, and then the bottle of wine.”

Stock image of an empty fridge (Getty Images/EyeEm)

Viewers were left stunned at the trick, with many saying they would try it.

One person wrote: “Loving the money saving segment on #latelate tonight. Not sure what else there is I can save.”

Another added: “I’ve been preaching the @lauradebarra gospel for years. Stunning gal stunning tips! We love an environmentally conscious energy consumption but ALSO it’s so disgraceful that anyone has to panic about how to heat their home this winter”

Someone else said: “I 100% Love this! But can’t help feeling that this shouldn’t be the norm. Are we just normalising blackouts and rising energy costs?”

A fourth said: “She is the Queen! Proper, decent help. Her advice is invaluable. DIY help can save you loads just by knowing how your white goods work and how to maintain them. I often find myself thinking what would LdB do?”

Other people wrote: “That was great, thanks Laura,” “You were phenomenal” and “@LauradeBarra doing what she does best #latelateshow - her insta is great for maintenance and design as is the Gaff Goddess book.”

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