With the cost of living forever changing, we know how important it is to make sure that you spend every Euro wisely. By making just a few simple changes, you could save yourself hundreds of Euros a year.
When out shopping;
- Make sure that you plan your meals in advance so that you know exactly what you need to buy . This way you won't buy things that you don't need.
- Look out for special offers in supermarkets .
- Try supermarkets own brand products - Most of them taste the same but for a much cheaper price.
- If you are purchasing larger items such as televisions or washing machines, find the product that you like in store but purchase it online - it may be cheaper somewhere else.
- Save discount vouchers and use them the next time you are out shopping.
- Order your food shop online, this way you won't be tempted by special offers and you’ll save on petrol/bus fare too!
In the home
- It has been estimated that the average household could save around €250 a year by becoming more energy efficient in the home.^
- If you turn your thermosat down just 1°C you could save €50 a year*
- Make sure that you service your boiler at least once a year and replace it with a new one every 15 years.
- Don't leave your appliances on standby, it uses around 60% of the electricity it would if it was switched on.
- Turn the light off whenever you leave the room.
- When brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving, turn off the tap. You could save 9 litres per minute.
- Everytime you choose to take a quick shower instead of a bath you are saving up to 136 litres of water.
- Compare utility providers every 12 months to make sure that you're still getting the best deal.
- Change the standard lightbulbs in your home to energy saving ones, they use up to 80% less electricity*
- Check that all of your elecrical goods have the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo. This means that the item has met the strict criteria on energy efficiency.
Visit the energy saving trust’s website for some great tips on how to save money at home.
In the car you can save money on fuel by
- Staying in higher gears when driving.
- If you are going to be stationary for more than a couple of minutes then switch off your engine.
- Always make sure your tyres are fully inflated, in good condition and are aligned.
- Don't carry any unnecessary items or completely fill your tank - the more your car weighs, the more fuel you burn.
Visit www.thisismoney.co.uk for more great tips on how to save money on fuel.
Make money!
- Auction off any goods that you don't want by holding a car boot sales or putting them up on Ebay.
- Complete online surveys - some companies will pay you for each one that you fill out.
- Become a mystery shopper.
- Sell any old mobile phones that you have - use http://www.envirofone.ie to see how much your mobile is worth.
Get items for FREE at Freecycle
Freecycle is an entirely non-profit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills and you can join for free! Visit Freecycle's website for more information.
Visit www.economiser.ie and www.uswitch.com for more helpful tips on saving money.
If you still feel like you may need a little bit extra to get you through, then we may be able to help. We could offer you a small cash loan from €100-€500 with manageable weekly repayments. Click here to apply for one of our loans.
*www.npower.com ^ Energy Saving Trust ~ www.mysupermarket.com
