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money saving

Living in Dublin city takes its toll on our wallets and while politicians are completely failing us at handling the housing crisis, we are left with two options: playing the Euromillions, or learning ways to make the most with what is left in our bank account after rent is paid.

Some expenses are hard to minimise – i.e. transport, electricity, health – but you can make a big difference on the state of your finances if you get smart with your food.

With a few simple tips, you could end up saving hundreds if not thousands of Euro a year. 

1. Eat at home as often as possible…

It goes without saying, but eating out is expensive and without even going crazy, one dinner out a week can cost you a minimum of 100 Euro a month. 

2…. and we don't mean takeaways

When we say eat at home, we mean make your own dinner.

A takeaway might seem reasonable once in a while – hungover Sundays for instance – but a tenner here and a tenner there seriously add up.

3. Yes, it goes for lunch as well

We know, making lunch every day is a commitment but it is a smart way to a) save money and b) eat healthier.

No need to make life complicated: make a big batch of pasta or quinoa at the beginning of the week and have fun with some cheap toppings: cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, avocado, corn, beans, leftover roasted veggies, boiled eggs, tuna, leftover chicken, pine nuts, sundried tomatoes, fresh herbs, cheese…  

4. Buy what is in season / on offer

Every shop has weekly offers on specific foods.

Have a look at what you can buy from the cheap shelf before you start your shopping.

5. Don't buy too much at once

Buying in bulk might seem like a good idea at first, but if you end up binning half of it, it remains a big waste of money.

Buy in bulks foods that have a long shelf life, like cans of tuna, pasta or beans, and avoid it for fresh food. 

6. Eat less animal protein

Animal protein like meat, fish and cheese come at a price, and we would recommend reducing the amount you buy and prioritise the quality.

Meanwhile, make seasonal vegetables and carbs (such as pasta, potatoes, rice, beans) the base of your diet. Eggs are a healthy and cheap option to get your protein too. 

7. Refuse to waste food

To make sure your food doesn't end up in the bin, only buy the food you need (or that keeps for a long time) and only go shopping if you REALLY need to. 

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Saving can be an absolute pain in the hole, but it's a necessary evil to achieve certain life goals. 

Whether you're saving up for a new bicycle, six months of travelling the world, or that Gucci belt you've been hearting on Instagram forever, here are a few things to cut out to build up the nest egg.

7. Online clothes shopping 

Okay, I know this one sounds dramatic, but in order to save for that car or mega-holiday, you have to make some sacrifices. 

Online shopping is dangerous, as if feels like you're not really sending anything as no cash physically exchanges hands. 

Set some rules for yourself, like you cannot buy for occasions, only for needs. So, you're not allowed buy a new skirt for that night out on Friday because you can re-wear last month's dress in a new way, but if your boots have a hole in the sole, you can buy new boots. 

6.Cocktails

When you go out for drinks with the gals, set yourself a limit. 

Look up the place you're going to for drinks and only bring exactly enough cash for three drinks and enough money to get home. Leaving your bank card at home can be scary, but if you only have a certain amount of money, you'll only spend a certain amount of money. 

Just make sure you have a safe way to get home. 

5. Coffee

This as an oldie but a goldie. Even if you're only buying one complicated coffee drink a week, that can add up to €20 per month, or €260 per year. 

If you're a more regular coffee buyer, that could add up to almost €1000 per year. 

Get some caramel latte sachets from a supermarket and leave the syrupy drinks to the barista. 

4. Branded food

Being brand-loyal can cost you hundreds over the course of the year. 

While you may be tempted by the recognisable comfort of big-name brands, supermarket own brand foods can often be just as good and come in at half the price. 

Give the label-less foods a try, while you may not like some, others might end up sticking around on your shopping list – saving you euros over the course of the month. 

3. Brunch

Look, I'm really sorry about this one, but brunching on the regular can add up.Brunching in Dublin can cost around €30 per head if you're tucking into a cocktail with your eggs benny, and if that's happening every Sunday, you're totally €120 per month, or €1440 per year. 

That's your entire holiday paid for over the course of the year. A more sensible way to catch up with the girls is to do a come dine with me style rota, where each Sunday one person is tasked with whipping up a brunch for the gang.

Everyone can chip in a fiver for ingredients, and afterwards you can settle down on the couch for an afternoon movie and chat, rather than having to move on for the next table of brunchers. 

2. Meat

After being veggie for three years, I'm estimating that I've saved around €2340 in that time by not buying meat, saving €15 per week on my weekly shop. 

Fresh meat can be one of the priciest items on a grocery list, so maybe go meat-free during the week to save yourself some cash if you have a longterm goal in mind. 

1. Phone credit

Get yourself a plan with unlimited internet and no other frills. 

You can call or text using apps like WhatsApp and Viber, so as long as you have 4G you're good to go. 

Depending on your provider, plans like this can cost as little as €10 per month.

 

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January is a grim month for most of us and if you're a bit short of cash it's even worse.

But before you start contemplating selling a kidney or returning all your Christmas pressies… have a read of these six handy tips – they'll definitely see you through until payday.

Image result for being poor gifs

1. Sell some stuff

Most of us have a few gadgets we don't need or clothes we don't wear anymore. Adverts.ie and Donedeal are handy ways to get rid of your old stuff and earn a few quid in the process.

Phones, laptops and cameras in particular are always in demand.

2. Get your five a day on the cheap

Check out the various supermarkets' offers on fruit and vegetables. With fresh fruit and vegetables for as little as 59 cent per packet in Aldi, we've never had such a good incentive to eat healthily!

Don't forget frozen vegetables too, these are usually cheap and can be used in stir-frys and soups.

money

3. Treat yo'self ..for free!

Dying for a treat but don't want to get into debt? Dig out those loyalty cards and see if you've any freebies due. Whether it's a free latte or a new nail polish, we could all use a pick-me-up in January. 

Oh and that supermarket coupon booklet? Your new best friend!

coupons

4. Don't hibernate, get out there!

Get creative with your social life. Trips to the pub, cinema and that new foodie place are out until February, so make plans to get outdoors with your friends and family where possible.

Walks in the park, hiking in a scenic spot or a free exhibition won't cost a cent!

If it's lashing out, a movie night with homemade popcorn is a good compromise.

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5. Stick to your resolutions

If you're struggling to stay off the fags or have a sober January, remember how much money these bad habits are costing you!

Stay strong and you'll have more disposable income at the end of the month.

cat cats money cash

6. Plan your next paycheck

We hate to preach but if you start a budget for next month now, it'll prevent you overspending on payday and ending up back in the same position.

Yes, it's been five weeks but no you're not a millionaire all of a sudden. Exercise restraint now and you'll thank yourself for it later.

Julie Winegard animation art illustration money

 

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For many fashionistas out there, nothing makes them happier than having a wardrobe full of their fashion designs.

One thing that can make them very unhappy though: the small fortune they part with to afford amazing outfits.

If you ever wanted to make your best outfits last longer, and save yourself some cash, then consider some of these tips next time you’re considering spending money you need for other things. Things like food, or light and heat.

Close your zippers before you wash your clothes.

It helps prevent them from pulling at fabrics of other clothes.

Add a little salt.

It can help keep colours from fading in the wash, read more about this trick here.

You can waterproof almost any shoe.

Find out how here.

Spray your new tights with hairspray to avoid getting ladders.

Don’t use fabric softener when you’re washing your gym clothes.

It will coat fibres and make them less effective.

Help your clothes to keep their colour longer by washing them inside out.

Especially jeans

 
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