Heres my tuppence worth:
Mobile Phone Savings: Everyone I know is on my network, so ive limited myself to €20 per month which gives me free texts and calls to everyone on the same betwork, i use my free webtexts to everyone not on my network as much as is possible...lately ive even had 6 or 7 euro left at the end of the month!! This is great coming from someone who used to top up 40 quid a week!!
Electric: Visit the esb and bord gais websites and look at their energy saving guidelines, you may not be able to cut down on every single item but you will be amazed at what will stick in your head...like only turning on the dishwasher/washing machine when its full. Not boiling the kettle 5 or 6 times before actually making that cup of tea!!!
Home/Life/Car and Health Insurance: Ive cut my house insurance from 630 to 251 this year by just making a few phone calls!! I had a very small claim and was heavily penalised for this!! So i decided to shop around and saved a fortune. I was every so slightly over insured but got advice on this and im well covered still. And dont be afraid to ring back your current provider to see if they will beat your new quote, or match it at least! Try to pay these amounts in full every year if you can, your monthly cashflow wont be taken up with direct debits and it wont cost you as much. Then start a new direct debit to a seperate account...a certain amount every month...for when these charges come up next year you should have all or some of it! I know its not always possible but if you can at all it makes a hige difference! If your partner has a car, some companies give a discount for both of u using the same company. KEEP SHOPPING AROUND!! Even throughout the year, i check prices to see what the deals are, its good to know these things before you part with your hard earned cash.
Shopping: Check the major store websites for the best deals the night before you go shopping, get the bargains while theyre there to be had!! Nothing wrong with ALDI and LIDL, some of their stuff is better than some branded items. Lidl is quite good for cleaning materials. ALWAYS meal plan, at least give yourself a general of what meals youll be cooking during the week and if you need anything to make it a meal, add it to your list. Always check whats in your store cupboard/freezer before u go shopping...so many times ive had 5 or 6 packets of mince and no bloody lasagne sheets lol.
Honestly, I think this recession gave us all a good kick up the jacksie! I, for one, will never again pay over the odds for any product or service I purchase. I will know exactly what Im getting for my money and Ill be making sure i cant get it cheaper anywhere else!! I will not be squandering, no matter how much im earning or how much I can afford!!