Instead of burning a hole in your pocket, let your cash grow very comfortable there
1. Cash versus Plastic
It is a well known psychological fact that we are much happier to part with our money when it’s in the form of plastic rather than in actual cash. Studies show that we spend a MASSIVE 50% more on shopping when we’re using plastic. This figure speaks for itself – so allow a certain amount of cash for a shopping trip and stick to your own customised limit. Leave the card in a safe place for emergencies; don’t have it temptingly close to hand in your wallet. Alternatively, consider the “prepaid credit card” idea of 3V from VISA which you can buy as easily as mobile phone credit. With these, you’ll be spending money that you do actually have, and there is no interest.
2. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure
There are many websites out there now, like eBay, that provide a medium for you to sell your unwanted items to a huge targeted market! This is an easy, fun and potentially very profitable way to clear some space in your home. The practice of bartering constitutes 30% of all business in the world, so, instead of paying money for goods and services, have a think about what you can swap. Take a look on gumtree.ie or swapaskill.com for some great ideas.
3. Shop around
Don’t give retailers carte blanche with your money! There’s a lot of product and service competition out there. Keep an eye out for price differentials at the petrol pump or go to pumps.ie before setting out on your journey. Enter your phone and broadband usage information on website callcosts.ie and see where you could save. At the time of your car or house insurance renewals, look at other companies and see if you can get better value. Always examine what you’re paying against what’s on offer, and you’ll become a much savvier spender.
Did you know that the saying ‘money for old rope’ comes from the days of public hangings. The rope was popular with the macabre crowds, so the hangman used to cut it into little pieces and sell it.
4. Get some tax back
There are many ways that people can claim tax back, and many either don’t know how, or don’t bother. Take the time to go to ros.ie or your local tax office, and spend twenty minutes with a consultant to see what options are available to you and how to go about it. Make sure to get there early to avoid the queues.
5. The Total Shopping Trolley
Don’t be fooled by ‘sale items’ – retailers routinely offer loss leaders on some products to entice you into their shops, then charge that bit extra on their other goods. Compare stores on the basis of your whole basket of shopping as opposed to one or two bargains. Also, avail of their ‘Value Club’ cards – you can build up your points and take advantage of vouchers and offers. Make out your list before you go to the shop and stick to it, or else consider doing your shopping online to avoid the appeal of the advertising. You can then do your purchasing from the comfort of your couch!
