As of: January 30, 2024, 12:00 p.m
By: Anne Hund
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The new month brings with it some changes that will impact many consumers financially.
It may be cheaper at the pharmacy.
2024 is a leap year with 366 days, so there will be another February 29th this year.
What new legal regulations will come into force in February that will affect many people's finances?
Here is an overview of what is changing – and what will become cheaper or more expensive accordingly.
Additional payments at the pharmacy
Prescription medications in the pharmacy usually require a co-payment of at least five euros.
Previously, if the desired pack size was not in stock and they bought several packs instead, consumers had to pay an additional payment for each pack.
This is now cheaper: from February 1st, the additional payment is only due once, regardless of whether you buy 100 tablets in one pack or in two packs of 50, for example.
A new regulation will come into force in February that affects co-payments for medication.
(Symbolic image) © Westend61/Imago
Advertising on Amazon Prime
Customers of the paid Amazon Prime offer have to be prepared for advertising from February 5th when they watch films or series via streaming.
If you don't want that, you have to pay 2.99 euros a month in addition to your Prime fees.
Feed-in tariff for solar systems
There will be a small change for owners of those solar systems that will be put into operation from February 1st.
According to the consumer advice center, the feed-in tariff then drops by around one percent - so owners get a little less money when they sell electricity into the grid.
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Promoting climate-friendly heating
The federal government's support for climate-friendly heating is gaining momentum: applicants are expected to be able to register with the KfW development bank from February 1st.
Applications for the subsidy will be possible from February 27th.
Important innovations since January 2024 – from the minimum wage to the child allowance
The year 2024 also brought with it numerous new regulations that will have an impact on many people's wallets.
The minimum wage and the mini-job limit have increased since January 1st, and the child allowance, for example, has also increased.
There will also be a new regulation for parental allowance from April 1st.
Tax return: What costs for an apartment or house can you declare?
Employees are generally not required to file a tax return.
In many cases, it may still be worthwhile to submit a tax return voluntarily, as tax experts explain.
There are also numerous additional housing costs that tenants and owners alike can share with the tax office, here are a few examples.