Saving money can be a difficult habit to start, but you don’t have to make huge sacrifices to get yourself on the right track. Sometimes all it takes are some small daily changes to get you started on forming a healthy savings routine.

Read on to see our easy money saving tips:

Save energy at home

There are some simple and inexpensive things you can do which will help you make real savings on energy in the long term. We’ve all had that moment when we realise we’ve left the immersion on longer than we should have, so why not consider fitting a timing switch? Some models cost less than €40 and it will not only cut down on your bills, it will cut down on the family arguments too!

Other energy saving tips include:

  • Take shorter showers
  • Choose energy-efficient appliances
  • Turn off all lights/devices when you leave a room
  • Don’t leave anything on stand-by or charging when the battery is full
  • Invest in better insulation if you’re home turns into a freezer this winter.

Look after your health

Taking better care of yourself can lead to savings down the line. Start by making sure you’re getting enough sleep. If you spend a lot of time on a phone or tablet before bed, this is most likely affecting your sleep pattern. Try switching off from technology at least an hour before bed and you will notice a marked improvement.

Change your routine

It can be easy to slip into a routine at work or at home that ends up costing you money, but with a few little changes you can make big savings. Eating out is one of the biggest day-to-day expenses. Why not try bringing a packed lunch every day? Going out for a walk at lunchtime is always a good idea but this can lead to impulse purchases. Try leaving cash behind so you won’t be tempted to purchase items that you don’t really need. Invest in a travel cup and bring your own homemade brew along with you for the walk instead. Cutting down on lunch can save you up to €10 a day across the week, which could be as much as €200 saved across the month!

Sales, sales, sales

Always watch out for sales—even if it isn’t sales season. Shopping widely can really help the pennies add up too.

Pay in cash, not credit

Credit cards are a life-saver for little and not-so-little emergencies, but they also come along with serious interest rates. The easiest way to save money is only to spend what you have—which means ditching the plastic and those horrifying interest rates.

Plan your spending so you know how much money you need to carry with you

For most people, any extra money we have burns a hole in our pockets and we end up buying things we probably don’t even need. Impulse shopping is a killer, especially if you’ve had a bad day, so planning your spending and curtailing the amount of cash you carry with you is a great way to save money.

Reward Cards

Signing up for reward cards is another easy way to save money. Keep the clubcards in your purse or wallet and clock up the points while you spend. Sure, you’re not going to save a fortune but you might as well make sure the money you’re spending goes as far as possible!

Always write a list when you go shopping—and follow it!

It worked for your parents. It’ll work for you!

Walk or bike when you can

You might have to cycle a mammoth hill to work, but think how fit you’ll be and how much money you’ll save!

There are plenty of bargains to be had on everything from books to toys and clothes in your local charity shop.

Keep it constant

Once you’ve decided to start saving, you need to keep it constant. Maintain a steady rate of savings and resist the temptation of any last-minute splurging. Saving money is tough, especially if you’re feeling the pinch or you’re in debt. Once you come up with a plan to save money, stick to it. Being good one week and then splurging the next will undo all your good work!

Your Cornmarket consultant will advise you which option is best for you. To meet one of our experts call us on (01) 420 6795.