RECESSION SURVIVAL KIT: INCIDENTALSThe first and most obvious thing to do is work out where your money is going and cut out unnecessary spending. Be conscious of where your cash is going.
Work out how much goes on coffee, treats, magazines and the like over the course of a week. Then multiply that by 52 to get your yearly spend and you'll almost certainly give yourself a fright - just one large takeaway coffee every day will cost you more than €1,000 a year, while the sweaty sandwich bought in your local shop will set you back even more. And tastes rotten. So, without wanting to be all 1950s, consider bringing your lunch to work and buying a coffee plunge. You'll save hundreds of euro.
COUNT THE COSTS
Cut down on spontaneous shopping trips and make lists for supermarket visits. Plan meals in advance and, once you've decided what you're going to eat, stick rigidly to the list and don't get tempted by "special offers" and don't go "off list". Never shop hungry. Buying own-brand products can shave 30 per cent off your bill - and remember supermarkets put their premium products at eye level.
MOTORING COSTS
The average motorist will spend about €1,000 more on fuel this year than in 2009. Prices can fluctuate by more than 10 per cent from garage to garage so check out pumps.ie for prices. Download the pumps.ie app, which points you to the cheapest garage.
Don't just throw €20 worth of fuel into your car's tank, buy a set number of litres. Buying 40 litres instead of €40 worth will make you aware of the price gaps between forecourts. Empty your boot, clean air filters and make sure tyres are the right pressure. If you live within seven miles of work, cycle to save the guts of €1,000 each year. The bicycle-to-work scheme knocks 40 per cent off the price. And you live longer.
UTILITIES
By switching utility provider you'll knock more than 10 per cent off your domestic energy bill - which could save you over €200 a year. Airtricity gas and electricity bundle deals are the cheapest if you agree to ebilling and paying by direct debit. By signing up for two years, you can save €240 a year.
