As we head into October and the ‘C’ word creeps 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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Shop Around

Yes, you’ve heard it a million times, but do you really listen, or actively engage? Not everyone has the time and energy to do so for small purchases, but they really do add up in the long run, and you should never make a big purchase without checking at least three offers in different sales outlets. This applies to clothes, electrical goods, holidays and so much more. Know the value of your money and your power as a consumer and you’ll soon find the savings clocking up.

 

Find Your Inner Saleswoman

The average woman has over 107 items of clothing in her wardrobe, and over a third of those items never see the light of day. But as the old saying goes, one man’s thrash is another man’s treasure, so stop collection dust on clutter and instead claim back some of those long-spent euro. Whether it’s clubbing together with some pals for a swap party, taking a table at a fleamart or becoming an Ebay whiz, you’d be surprised to see how much your unwanted gear could be in demand.

 

Shop Smart

Saving money doesn’t have to mean cutting out all your treats – where’s the fun in that! If you love an odd glass of wine in the evening or to host a party or two, don’t stop yourself. You just need to get better at prepping! If you find yourself regularly dropping a tenner or more on a basic bottle from the corner shop, consider this. 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 people 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. With a car, you can have months’ worth of tasty tipples for a song.

 

Look After the Pennies

Little swaps make big savings. Pledge to make three simple changes a week that won't impact your lifestyle greatly but will have a big effect on your wallet. Ditch the morning cuppa from the café and bring your own in a thermo cup. Skip the weekly magazines and instead stock up on great apps that offer reading on the go, either for free or a one-off subscription, and try at least one own-brand supermarket buy every week. If you don’t notice the difference between it and your usual buy, why are you paying the difference?

 

Write It Down

You’ll never be successful at budgeting if you don’t know what you’re spending and where. For one week, write down every cent you spend. You might find it shocking to see where the majority of your money is going, but that’s the wake up call you need to give you the inspiration to save. If taxis are your Achilles’ heel then look at your transport options again. If you’re regularly spending a fortune in the deli beside the office, it’s time to start making your own lunch.

 

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!