We’re all pinching our pennies as, well, everything seems to be getting more and more expensive.
Saving and budgeting seem absolutely impossible. So we decided to get some expert help.
Kel Galavan aka Mrs Smart Money knows how to save and she has certainly put her money where her mouth is. She embarked on a mission to make the remaining income work as hard as possible. This challenge resulted in the No Spend Year in 2019, where she reduced her family’s outgoings by over €27,000 and had the best year of their lives.
So here are her tips to save money, easily!
Three top tips to save money on a daily basis
Switch Utilities
Utilities like gas and energy are necessities that we all need and use. We’re lucky in Ireland, as it’s easy to switch providers. Once you’re outside your contract, it’s free to do so. Make a note in your diary and be ready to switch. In the meantime, keep on top of energy bills, but be mindful of usage where possible. There are some great deals at the moment; for example, you can save up to €616 if you switch online to Bord Gáis Energy. It’s not often a person can make that saving by switching just one annual bill.
Cancel Subscriptions and Memberships
In recent years, subscriptions have become very popular. Individually, each may not seem like much, but they can add up over time, particularly if you’re not using them. Review subscriptions and memberships regularly and cancel any you no longer use or need. This includes streaming services, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, or any other recurring expenses that may be draining your finances unnecessarily.
No Spend Days
No-spend days are game-changers when it comes to money. They are great for appreciating and using what we already have, finding joy in simple pleasures like reading, hiking, or spending time with friends and family. A “no-spend” day is when you do not spend money other than on groceries or essential bills. Instead, the focus is on slowing down and doing more important things to us and less on impulse spending that is soon forgotten or ends up in a landfill in no time. No Spend Days were a big part of how I saved over €27k during my no-spend year.
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How do you save money on your energy bills?
Drop the emersion thermostat by 1 degree
A straightforward way to save money is to reduce your thermostat by 1 degree. This may not seem like much, but it can save you 10% on your energy bill. In addition, turning down your thermostat can help reduce your carbon footprint and conserve energy.
Get good curtains
Many people are surprised to learn that one of the best ways to keep a warm home is to let the sun in. During the day, open all of the curtains in your home to let the sunlight and heat in. Then, close the curtains at night to help keep that heat in.
Fridge/Freezer
Try not to leave the door open for too long when getting food. Every 10-20 seconds, the door is available. It takes 45 minutes for the fridge to cool back to its original temperature. Also, ensure your fridge is maintained between 3-5 degrees and freezer at -18 degrees.
Bord Gáis Energy has teamed up with money saving expert Kel Galavan, aka Mrs Smart Money HQ, to share her money saving tips to help everyone reach their saving goals. From the 12th of March, Bord Gáis Energy and Mrs Smart Money HQ are inviting the Irish public to follow along and join the 616 Challenge throughout March and April. Simply follow @bordgaisenergy and @mrssmartmoneyhq to learn more about how to save with clever switches and simple changes.