Spring is here and it's time to spring clean your finances. This month Consumer Choice looks at ways you can save by keeping an eye on your financial habits, and advises you on how to sell in a slump. 

Your finances might be in order, but how up-to-date are your smoke alarms? We look at candle and fire safety, and how best to protect your home.

Are health cash plans are a viable cheap alternative to health insurance? We examine the pros and cons, and also take a look at breakdown cover - who should you call on if you're left stranded?

Our report on alli weight loss medication caused quite a stir in November 2009. Now we bring you an update and tell you what's happened since.

For those concerned about their online security, we offer crucial advice on backing up your files. 

We also look at common scams  - for example, did you know that the more expert you are in an area, the more likely you are to fall victim to a related scam? 

With increasingly available online resources, genealogy is becoming a popular hobby. We show you how to get started if you want to trace your family tree.

Finally, our independent product tests this month focus on computer monitors and MP3 speaker docks - helping you to get the most out of your technology!

Spring clean your finances

If you've been hibernating when it comes to your money, then no better time to wake from your slumber and give your finances a spring clean.

Handle with care

If you plan to invest in candles for everyday ambience or a special occasion, you should be aware of the potential health and safety implications.

Alli update

Following our recent report and investigation into the sale of alli, we bring you news of the latest developments.

Health boost

Cash-strapped consumers are increasingly viewing health insurance as an unaffordable luxury. Could a health cash plan help with meeting the cost of medical bills? Consumer Choice takes a look.

Selling in a slump 

Consumer Choice outlines how to maximise the chances of selling your house and your car as well as a few options for unwanted valuables.

Your family tree

Researching your family history can be a really rewarding pastime and something all the family can get involved with. Consumer Choice shows you how to get started and where to look.

Breakdown cover

The recession means that many consumers are deciding to keep their old cars on the road rather than buy a new one. So what are the options if you're nervous of a having a breakdown?

Consumer scams

Consumer Choice highlights some of the popular scams used by fraudsters to trick consumers.

Backing up your digital life

If you've never backed up your digital life, Consumer Choice explains why you should and how to do it.

Food matters

Consumer Choice talks to Professor Alan Reilly, the CEO of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

TEST: Computer monitors

Consumer Choice recommends the best monitors for general use, for watching videos and for gaming.

TEST: MP3 speaker docks

Music demands to be heard, and with our Choice Buy speaker docks you can play the music on your iPod as loud as you like.

Margaret Brady (Acting Editor, Consumer Choice), Mark Channing (Finance Researcher), Sinéad Mc Mahon (Food and Health Researcher) and Jenny Harrow (Product Researcher) are available for further comment.

For further information, or to arrange an interview with any of the editorial team, please contact the CAI on (01) 497 8600 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Telephone:  01 - 497 8600                Dermott Jewell CEO   087 230 7496

Editor's Notes:-

Consumer Choice is published monthly by the Consumers' Association of Ireland (CAI) limited, a wholly independent, non-government, non-profit making body.

Consumer Choice's team of dedicated researchers use their expertise to provide subscribers with impartial reporting on household consumer goods, personal finance, automotive, food, health, safety and consumer rights.

Consumer Choice does not carry any advertising. For that reason it can offer readers an unbiased view of all the products and services they review.

Consumer Choice is available through a subscription of €24 per quarter direct from the Consumers' Association of Ireland, - contact subscriptions at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ;  www.thecai.ie or call subscriptions on (01) 497 8811.

Reports in Consumer Choice are based on market research, laboratory tests or user surveys, all of which are independently and scientifically conducted. All reports are produced by the editorial staff. Some material is occasionally drawn from other foreign independent consumer magazines.