The rising cost of living has left many people searching for ways to reduce the amount of money they spend each month.
Hacks, dupes and different ways to use certain appliances have all been going viral in a bid to help people save money.
The good news is that there are plenty more things you can try right now that may help cut down costs in your home.
Here are some things to consider.
1. Cancelling unnecessary subscriptions
The current economic situation means that there has never been a better time to be realistic about what subscriptions you actually benefit from and use.
This involves looking at how often you use the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple Music, Spotify, Audible or any other online subscription service. Sometimes, people sign up to these subscriptions on a whim and forget they’re paying for them.
Even a gym membership can prove costly if you’re not getting your money's worth.
Cancelling subscriptions could leave even an extra €10 in your bank every month, but every little helps.
2. Switching TV packages
Similarly, be realistic about the channels on your TV package that you actually watch.
There is no point in paying for a package that has movie channels if you have a subscription to another streaming service with similar choices. Similarly, paying for children’s TV channels if you have no kids in the house could mean you’re spending unnecessary money.
Providers like Sky have a number of different packages to choose from, depending on where your interests lie. Their cheapest package is the ‘Build your own package’, which starts at €25 a month and has Sky TV included. You can pay more to add on whatever channels you want.
Sky also offer a package with Netflix included, which allows you to transition your existing account over without the need to cancel. According to the TV provider, this allows you to "save compared with taking your subscriptions separately".
Similarly, if you signed up to a streaming service to watch one show and never use it anymore - unsubscribe and get rid of the bill. Just make sure that you’re not paying unnecessarily for anything you don’t need or watch.
3. Change where you shop
Many people have been trying to save money on their weekly groceries by buying less, rather than changing the place they shop.
Staying loyal to one supermarket could mean that you miss out on deals or discounts in others.
Similarly, it might also mean you’re paying for what is being advertised as a big saving or discount when in actual fact, the item is on sale for more than in other supermarkets.
To keep on top of the best deals, make a list of everything you need. This will help you to plan ahead and avoid impulse purchases. Then, check out the websites of the supermarkets near you for who has the best deals.
4. Submit meter readings
In recent days, a number of electricity providers increased bills by significant amounts. In light of this, companies have been encouraging customers to submit meter readings in order to be charged for their usage at the correct rate.
A spokesperson for Electric Ireland said: “Electric Ireland customers who wish to submit a meter reading can do so online by logging into their account. Usage will be charged at the applicable rate at the time of use.”
Similarly, a spokesperson for Bord Gais Energy said: “We are actively encouraging customers to submit meter readings to us and these readings can be used for bill calculations.”
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