Cash Savvy Savers – Five Simple Ways to Save in 2014

With October already half over and the ‘C’ word creeping closer, how are your finances looking? If you has great plans to save in 2013 and you’ve yet to really kick them up a gear, then listen up. We’ve got five simple tips to get you started down a good road for savings in 2014!

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Don’t Beg, Do Borrow, Don't Steal 

Your mammy might have taught you the old saying ‘Neither a borrower nor a lender be’, but that only applies to money. In other areas, borrowing is a great idea! Your local library has a wealth of treasures that you may have forgotten about, but the €10/€15 you might spend in the bookshop isn't long adding up! Also, if you have a few events to go to in a short space of time and you need a new look for each – renting is the way forward. Opt for a service that offers designer dress rental for less than the price of a high street frock. All of the credit, less of the credit card. 

 

Make the Switch

If you’re getting fleeced on your bills, you have no one to blame but yourself. It might sound harsh, but it’s true. Carefully examine your heating, phone, TV subscription service bills etc., with an aim of finding a better deal. Rival providers will often up their offer just to get you on board, while your current provider will often be quick to match if it looks like they’re about to lose your custom. 

 

Holiday, Celebrate

The worst mistake you could make while saving is to attempt is to cut out all the fun stuff. You’ll have no motivation and you won’t last! Holidays are one of life’s loveliest luxuries, and a getaway every now and again is good for the soul. You just need to be a bit smarter about when and where, and you could end up saving a fortune! Celtic Link Ferries are giving passengers the chance to sail between Rosslare and Cherbourg with a cabin both ways from as little as €220 return. An offer this cheap means that you can have up to six days in France, a lovely and affordable break, and your way back you’ll have the chance to purchase quality French wine in the various wine merchants. Then you’re saving money on your tipples too, sorted!

 

First is Worst, Second is Best 

Now that charity shops are chic, become your own most fashionable friend. Secondhand is a great option for many purchases. For example, brand new cars lose between 25 and 40 percent of their value in the first year! Opt for a trusted reseller and save yourself the hassle. Avail of freecycling too, just because someone has grown tired of their old dining room table doesn’t mean it won’t look amazing in yours. 

 

Eyes on the Prize

Make a wishlist of what it is you want to get from your savings and pin a reminder somewhere you’ll see it every day. Whether it’s a fashion purchase, a career-changing qualification, the trip of a lifetime, new wheels or a baby on the way, you need to keep your goal front and centre. This will help you avoid distractions and careless spending, and every cent you save takes you one step closer to the goal!

 

Remember, the small sacrifices will all be worth it when you see those savings building up – then it’s time to invest in something you really wanted and you’ve worked hard to deserve!