Last night’s RTE Late Late Show featured something for everything, with Joanne McNally, Damian Browne, Charlie Bird and The Coronas among the guests.
But it was a segment on the cost of living crisis that left many viewers all saying the same thing.
Introducing the part, host Ryan Tubridy 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
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“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.”
Viewers watched on as Eoin McGee saved a pair of audience members over €1,000 on their energy bills.
He also encouraged viewers to start a spending diary, explaining: “I’m a very strong believer that we all work hard for our money and we all deserve to enjoy it. The idea of doing the little things right regularly over time can have a big impact.
“The difference between conscious and subconscious spending… You go in to get a Diet Coke in the shop and you walk out with a Diet Coke and a packet of crisis.
“What I would do is challenge the audience and viewers to do over the next week is write down every time you spend money, take out your phone and write down everything you buy. Next friday, take out a pen and paper and divide conscious and subconscious, added value and did not add value. Then you will have a list of things you are spending money on that are adding no value to your life.”
Later on Laura de Barra explained: “The biggest things that will cost you money appliance wise are things that make things hotter or colder, so washing machine, dishwasher, fridge.”
Talking through some practical things people can do to save money, she said: “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.”
Laura also showed how to make a homemade draft excluder using an old pair of tights.
Then Santis O'Garro encouraged shoppers to switch to supermarket own brands, which she claims can save up to 50% off your bill.
Some viewers went on to label parts of the cost of living segment as ‘embarrassing’.
“Embarrassing… cut costs by not buying a packet of crisps, use an old pair of mothers tights to stop drafts.. mother of god,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Another said: “Watching late late for the first time in months. This stuff is absolutely embarrassing!”
A third added: “Write down when you buy a bag of crisps to help you out of this cost of living crisis, eh? Put more wine and water in the fridge to reduce the cost of running the fridge during this cost of living crisis', eh..? “
Someone else wrote: “Patronising convo about cost saving measures- buy the crisps!”
A fifth claimed: “If anyone wants to see poverty being normalised switch on the #latelate where the audience are giggling at the thoughts of granny freezing to death in January. No sign of a minister being grilled.”
However someone else argued:” Wasn’t aware that it is the function of the LLS to grill anyone. Aren’t there enough programmes doing that? I thought it was a very good show but, if you want grilling on a Friday night, you’re entitled to your opinion.”
Another said: “It bugs me when people complain about the Late Late on here. Just turn off if you don't like it. Save energy by turning off the tv!!!!!”
A third wrote: “Loving the money saving segment on #latelate tonight. Not sure what else there is I can save.”
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