5 things Irish people waste their money on

It doesn’t have to be all penny pinching or splitting the two-ply toilet paper in half to save money. Simple changes to habits and lifestyle can help us keep more of our hard-earned money in our pockets every year.

1. Food

We all need good quality food and fuel to help us perform our daily tasks, but that doesn't mean we have to waste money on it. Whether you're a burrito man, a pizza girl or a vegan who feels the need to spread the good word, there are simple things we can all do to cut back on food costs.

Whether it's making lunch each day rather than buying it, cutting back on takeaways, or sourcing raw ingredients and cooking dinner yourself, it's simple to make savings when it comes to food. 

Planning your meals for the week ahead and then going to the supermarket with a list of EXACTLY what you need to buy is another good tip to help cut down on food waste and unnecessary spending.  

2. Travel

We all have places we need to go, like work or visiting family. But making sure you're on the cheapest fare is a simple way to save money.

Whether it’s leaving the pub a little earlier and getting the bus or train home rather than a taxi, or getting a discounted monthly travel ticket instead of topping up your Leap card every time you get the bus, keeping a better eye on your travel costs will help keep your finances in tip-top shape.

And although it may seem like an extreme decision, getting rid of your car and choosing to cycle, walk or bus it instead, could save you a small fortune.

Us Irish are wedded to our cars but when you add up the cost of your car loan, tax, insurance, NCT, petrol and repairs, you can end up spending hundreds a month for the convenience of a car. And while those living in rural areas might feel like a car is essential, in places like Dublin where there are far more transport options, there's less of a need.       

3. Coffee

Most of us feel like we can't live without coffee and find ourselves seeking out a cup anytime we're out and about. Coffee shops are welcoming places and it just seems to taste so much nicer when a professional makes it!

However, all of those caffeine fixes can really add up. One €3 latté a day will set you back almost €1,100 a year.

Making coffee at home and bringing it in with you each day or using the office coffee manchine instead of stopping by Starbucks in the morning can really save you money.

Irish people drink a huge amount of tea and coffee each week, so be conscious of how much you're willing to spend on each cup.

4. Clothes

The fashion industry every year generates a huge amount of money. One of their best tricks is convincing people that they have to keep up on a seasonal basis, meaning if you want to stay at the pinnacle of what's considered chic, you need to pick up new expensive clothes every three months or so.

What is even more tempting is when you walk into one of those big department stores and see something nice for a bargain (we're looking at you Pennys Hun!) However is it worth it considering the quality?

Investing in a few high-quality staple items for your wardrobe like a good pair of shoes, jeans, or jacket can be worth doing as they tend to last.

Also it takes a huge amount of water to make clothes - so the more you buy the more you waste.

5. Booze

You had to know I was coming to this.

We love to go out and socialise in Ireland so we're not going to tell you that you can't relax and enjoy yourself. However it doesn't always have to be about booze and cutting back on your alcohol intake will be good for your health as well as your pocket.

Whether it's going alcohol-free some weekends and nominating yourself to be the end-of-night chauffeur, or drinking in a friend's house rather than the pub, there are plenty of ways to relax without breaking the bank on booze.

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