How to save money: 71 money saving tips

From food shopping and energy bills to transport and entertainment, there are many ways to cut back and find realistic ways to save money in Ireland. Regardless of how much you can afford to set aside each month, there are ways to save money that are accessible to everyone. On this page, you’ll find 71 money saving tips to get started.

The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a licensed financial adviser or professional before making any financial decisions. Your financial situation is unique, and the information provided may not be suitable for your specific circumstances. We are not liable for any financial decisions or actions you take based on this information.

We’ve based our 71 money saving tips for Ireland around three areas: lifestyle habits, budgeting and savings accounts, to cover all the areas where there’s potential to save money each month. Whether you’re trying to find ways to save money on a tight budget or you’re managing comfortably but have a specific savings goal, our curated collection of money saving tips is here to help. It may sound simple, but small changes really can add up over time.

Before looking at the money saving tips, do you already have a savings amount and deadline in mind? This overview gives an idea of timelines, with ways to lower your spending in the near term while also building savings habits for the longer term.

The first 50 of our money saving tips for Ireland are all about your lifestyle. We explore how your weekly shop, bad habits and even your wardrobe can be adjusted to save money.

1. Shop at cheaper supermarkets

Value supermarkets often offer cheaper fresh and perishable products than pricier chains, along with bargains on dry goods, toiletries, and homeware.

2. Make sensible swaps

Don’t dismiss own-brand products. They are commonly made by the same manufacturer as branded goods and can save you several euros per shop.

3. Get rewarded for shopping

By joining the loyalty scheme at your local supermarket or any store you shop at regularly, you’ll receive points, vouchers, and exclusive offers in return that can free up more of your cash to save.

4. Combat food waste & save money with a reduced price food app

With households in Ireland wasting up to €374 per year by throwing out food, food apps offer a solution. You pay a small amount of money for boxes of food or meals that would otherwise be thrown out. Instead of paying for takeaways or expensive meals out, you could be doing both your wallet and the planet a favour.

5. Buy in bulk

For non-perishable items or those you use regularly, it can sometimes work out cheaper to buy larger packs. You can check the unit prices to make sure it actually is cheaper and ensure you will use everything to avoid waste.

6. Use coupons and vouchers

Available online, in local neighbourhood magazines, and sometimes posted directly to you, coupons and vouchers can be a great way to save money on your weekly shop. So that you don’t forget the voucher itself, put it straight in your wallet as soon as you receive it or screenshot the code on your phone.

7. Check the reduced section

Another great way to cut back on your shopping bill is to check out your supermarket’s reduced section for your essentials. It may be that something has been damaged in-store (e.g. a washing powder box) and is therefore available at a reduced price.

8. Share your subscriptions

If someone in your home regularly uses your streaming service login on another device, why not cut your monthly cost in half by asking them to transfer you half of the charge each month? That way you can both enjoy the service for half of the price.

9. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions

Along the same lines, it’s a good idea to have a subscription service declutter, as you might find some ongoing payments you’ve forgotten about for a service you never use. You can usually cancel them by either contacting the service provider or cancelling the direct debit with your bank.

10. Write a shopping list (and don’t forget to take it with you!)

By being organised and only shopping for exactly what you need to make meals during the week, you won’t be tempted to buy unnecessary items during your weekly shop.

11. Don’t shop on an empty stomach

One of the worst things you can do is shop on an empty stomach, without a list. You’ll only be interested in what your stomach – not your kitchen cupboards or your wallet – is saying.

12. Make your own lunch and cleaning products

Buying your lunch daily adds up – why not make a packed lunch instead? The same thing can be said for other essentials such as cleaning products – did you know that you can make almost any cleaning solution with white vinegar?

13. Stop smoking

Smoking can be an expensive habit, regardless of how often you do it. The average price of a pack of cigarettes is around €18 in Ireland*. If you smoke one pack per day, that’s a whopping annual cost of €6,570.

14. Cut down on drinking

In 2025, the average cost of a pint of Guinness is €5.82, and over €7 in Dublin**. If you were to have five pints a week at €6 a pint, that’s a total of €1,560 in a year. With alcohol consumption in Ireland down by over 30% in the last twenty years, many people could be saving money.

15. Limit your social events

Consider free or low-cost alternatives to an expensive night out.. Having fun without overspending can help you keep more money in your budget each month.

16. Use cashback companies

Whether you’re making a large, essential purchase such as a washing machine, or shopping around for insurance, it can pay off to use cashback companies. The way this works is that the cashback company will receive commission for any purchase you make via their site, which they then share with you. It can take a while for the process to complete, but, depending on what you buy, you can get a good amount of your cash back.

17. Get a cheaper mobile phone deal

If you’ve been with the same network provider for a while, you could save money by shopping around for a new mobile deal. You can do this easily online, by calling a provider, or by going into a mobile phone store. You may also find that your existing provider will match a deal from a competitor so they don’t lose you as a customer.

18. Use pre-owned clothing apps

Rather than splashing the cash on an entirely new wardrobe, you can shop in a more sustainable way (and for a lot less) by using apps – or by going online or visiting second-hand shops.

19. Organise your wardrobe

Having a good wardrobe clear-out could mean you find items that you forgot you had. Selling anything you no longer wear can earn you some extra cash in the process.

20. Sell anything you don’t need

From books through to houseplants, you can sell anything that you don’t feel like you need. Social media second-hand stores are great for finding buyers in your local area in order to save money on postage, and some don’t incur fees or take commission.

21. Rent outfits for special occasions

Rather than buying a new dress or suit for every wedding or special event you attend, renting can often be cheaper. You’ll just need to weigh this up against the number of events you’ll be attending and how often you’ll be renting, as opposed to buying outright.

22. Share clothes with friends and family

Borrowing clothes or shoes from a friend or family member who is a similar size can save on purchases. This can be a simple way to save money for both of you.

23. Weigh in on clothing donations

Some clothing recycling schemes in Ireland offer cash in return for clothes, which increases based on how much they weigh. This is great news for those large winter coats you don’t want anymore, along with heavy denim and thick wool items.

24. Shop second hand

Charity shops are a great place to shop for clothes and household items. As well as being a practical way to save money, they often sell things you can’t find anywhere else.

25. Free or cheap parking apps

Parking can be an expensive necessity, especially if you live or work in a city centre. However, there are several apps available that can help you cut costs without compromising the safety of your car.

26. Use hostels or farm stays when travelling

Travel is an experience that many people can’t live without. However, you can cut the cost of travelling by choosing to holiday with a host family, participate in a house swap, or look for bunkhouses and farm stays during your travels. This way, you might even enjoy a more authentic experience and make friends for life.

27. If you’re more of a luxury traveller, sign up to hotel and accommodation newsletters

If you’re more into five stars than freebies, one way you can save money is by signing up to hotel newsletters and hoping for a last-minute cancellation or discount code. Collecting hotel points and air miles will also save you some cash.

28. See if tourist attractions near you offer locals’ rates

Many tourist attractions offer discounted rates for people who live within a certain catchment area or share the same postcode. If you’re wondering how to save money on your next day out, get in touch with an attraction near you to find out.

29. Cycle rather than drive

Another great money saving tip is to cycle rather than drive, where possible. While you might have to invest in a bike for this one, you’ll soon start saving on road tax, fuel, insurance, and upkeep. It’s also healthier and environmentally friendly.

30. Take advantage of trial periods – but don’t forget to cancel!

We’ve all heard the money saving tip of using multiple emails to take advantage of impressive offers and trial periods. However, you are often required to input your card details when you sign up, so be sure to cancel before you get charged. A good way to do this is by setting a reminder on your phone or calendar.

31. Shop around for service providers

Everything from your internet to your energy could be cheaper elsewhere. That’s why it’s essential to use comparison sites and contact different companies for quotes. While it may be time-consuming, it saves you money in the long run.

32. Before making improvements in your home, check for government grants

Lining your loft with new insulation? Installing new windows throughout your home? Before you spend, see if you qualify for Irish government support. For example, the SEAI offers grants for upgrades that can improve the energy efficiency of your home.

33. Seen something you want to buy? Sleep on it

When it comes to online shopping, it can be easy to give in to temptation due to the ease, accessibility, and convenience. Instead of clicking “buy” straight away, a classic money saving tip is to try sleeping on it. If you’re still thinking about it around a week later, buy it. If not, you never really needed it.

34. Check your workplace benefits and perks

Many workplace schemes offer discounts, childcare assistance, or gym memberships. Have a chat with your employer to see what you might be missing, or what they might be able to help you with.

35. Switch suppliers

By remaining loyal to your suppliers, whether that’s energy, broadband or your mobile phone, you might be missing some good deals. It’s worthwhile shaking things up every now and then to see where you could be saving money, or use a competitor quote to haggle with your existing supplier.

36. Shop around for your insurance

Insurance policies and breakdown cover might be more reasonable elsewhere. See if you could save money by using a price comparison website.

37. Give more meaningful gifts

Birthdays and special occasions can drain your bank account when it comes to gifts. If you’re trying to save money, you could try something original and authentic from the heart, rather than trying to impress with a big price tag.

38. Charge interest on late payments

If you freelance or are self-employed, chasing up invoices can be time-consuming and frustrating. A good way to make some extra money is to implement an interest charge for late-paying clients. That way, your clients will be more inclined to pay you on time and if not, they’ll have to pay extra.

39. Remortgage to avoid loyalty penalties

Some banks and mortgage lenders charge a penalty to people who stick with the same deal after their fixed term expires. Shopping around for a cheaper deal based on your term can save you money.

40. Implement a no-spend day

In an age where we have our digital cash at our fingertips, it’s very easy to spend every day and go over budget. However, if you implement a strict no-spend day once a week, you’ll soon stack up savings.

41. Earn more than you spend

A good habit to get into is to focus on earning more than you spend. That way, you’ll never be left in a tricky financial spot and will probably have leftover income to use each month. You can work out how much you earn vs. how much you spend each month with our easy budget planner.

42. Be tactical about shopping online

If you have an account with an online retailer, try leaving items in your basket for 48 hours or more. Chances are that the retailer will send you a discount code to close the sale.

43. Rent or holiday-let your spare room

If you want to earn extra income with little effort, you could rent out your spare room, providing you have enough space and can cope with someone else living in your home.

44. Remove your card from instant payment access

Many of us now enjoy easy spending thanks to contactless digital wallets. However, this can lead to overspending quite easily if you often give in to temptation. When trying to save, you could remove your card from your digital wallet temporarily.

45. Turn off electrical appliances when not in use

Being savings-savvy around the home will free up some income over time and allow you to save. Even simple tricks like turning appliances off at the wall when they’re not in use could save a little on your energy bills.

46. Put on an extra layer

Don’t rely on your heating as soon as the temperature drops by one degree. Reach for a jumper instead, and you’ll thank yourself when you get your bill later.

47. Have cold showers in the summer

During the hotter months of the year, you can save some money by opting for a cool shower over a hot one. Many people even find it much more refreshing and invigorating in the heat.

48. Install solar panels

While the initial outlay might be high, you’ll reap the rewards in free energy. With organisations looking to champion sustainability in Ireland, it may even be the case that you can get a grant towards it. Contact your local authority to find out more.

49. Consider a log burner

Similar to solar, a log burner will allow you to cut down on your gas bills throughout the winter, but it will require logs. Weigh up the cost differences and ensure you buy wood from FSC-certified sources.

50. Make sacrifices where you can

A lot of money saving tips come down to common sense and self-control. There are some sacrifices that can be made which may seem difficult at first, but just require a period of adjustment. For example, by avoiding buying your Friday night bottle of wine, you’ll be saving around €10 per week, which is €520 a year.

When it comes to saving money, especially if you’re trying to find ways to save money on a tight budget, organisation is key. The next 21 money savings tips explore how planning to perfection and a little research on savings accounts can mean your spare cash piles up.

51. Schedule a regular financial admin day

Setting aside time each week to review your finances and get things in order can help prevent any unwarranted spending. If you’re self-employed, this could also be a good time to update your income records and ensure you’re aware of your tax deadlines.

52. Set out your budget

Having a good budget plan can make it easier to reach your savings goals. In short, your budget plan should be your bible in terms of expenses, income, the amount you are able to spend, savings expectations and details of any debts you have.

53. Fix your current finances

You won’t be in a good position to save if your finances are a mess. Catch up with your credit cards and make details of your income after all of your household expenses. You could also categorise your spending into needs vs. wants to identify money that could be freed up to put towards savings.

54. Pay off any debt

Based on the interest accrued from credit card debt and loans, it could work out more beneficial to pay off your debt before you start to save.

55. Set savings goals

Having clear goals can help you stay motivated when you start to see your euros grow. If you don’t have a goal, it’s easy to become demotivated and end up spending your savings pot. On the other hand, if you are saving for the trip of a lifetime or a deposit for a house, you can have a clear, set amount that you want to reach and a real reason to get there.

56. Use online banking

It can be motivating to regularly check the amount in your savings account. You can do this quickly and easily using online banking or an online savings account, plus you can transfer money directly into your savings account without leaving the house, making saving even easier.

57. Be aware of your online safety

In an age where hackers and scammers are only becoming more sophisticated, online safety is paramount. Ensure that you’re doing all you can by browsing in incognito mode, checking the URLs of each site you visit, and never clicking on links in suspicious emails. After all, you don’t want to lose your hard-earned savings to cyber criminals.

58. Use budgeting apps

There’s a vast selection of money saving apps available, with each one offering a different service to help you save. For example, there are apps that find wasteful subscriptions, and ones that automatically accumulate your spare change by rounding your transactions up and saving the difference.

59. Make a rainy day fund your priority

Unless you have a more pressing savings goal, it’s worth considering starting a rainy day or emergency fund. The aim of a rainy day fund is to cover your expenses should the worst happen, such as an injury or job loss. For that reason, financial planning experts often recommend saving enough to cover three to six months of bills and outgoings.

60. Pay in on payday

By automatically paying into your savings account on every payday, you’re paying yourself first to get into a consistent savings habit. With a savings plan, you can set up a standing order to transfer a fixed amount of money into a demand deposit account each month. 

61. Start small if you’re saving on a tight budget

While saving might seem impossible for those on a smaller budget, it can be done. Many demand deposit accounts allow you to start saving with just €1, making saving more accessible.

62. Take the 50/30/20 approach

A manageable approach to saving, the 50/30/20 approach suggests that every time you get paid, 50% should go on living expenses, 30% on fun things you want to do or buy, and the final 20% on savings. This will allow you to both have fun and save without compromising on your lifestyle.

63. See a financial adviser

If you have a lump sum, or you’ve recently come into money, you might understandably feel overwhelmed at the sheer range of options available to you. It might be an idea to visit a financial adviser, who will be able to recommend the right financial products for you based on your savings goals.

64. Adapt your approach when your circumstances change

Some things in life can’t be planned for, such as your car breaking down or your washing machine needing to be replaced. In these circumstances, don’t feel bad about adjusting your savings so you’re not going short on essentials. Conversely, if your income goes up, you might adjust your savings to put a little extra away each month.

65. Keep a loose change jar

A money saving tip as old as time itself, throwing all of your loose change into a jar can give you a surprisingly big amount when you come to empty it. You could also have fun with family and friends, implementing ‘charges’ around the house – like a swear jar – to encourage a joint savings pot.

66. Compare savings accounts online

Savings accounts are just like any other product, each subject to their own terms and offering their own perks, and should therefore be compared carefully before you commit. You can easily compare savings accounts online to ensure that you find the right one for you.

67. Don’t always stick with high street banks

While high street banks in Ireland are often the most well-known, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they offer the best rates or customer service. In fact, relatively new challenger banks may score higher in terms of customer satisfaction, while savings accounts beyond Ireland bring competitive rates. 

68. Don’t expect overnight success

When you open a savings account with the intention of growing your money, you could be in it for the long haul. It’s important to be realistic about how long it takes to save and avoid putting any undue pressure on yourself.

69. Plan ahead for Christmas

Christmas can be an expensive time of year, with some people struggling throughout January. However, this doesn’t have to be the case if you can start saving early enough. For example, if you start saving for Christmas by putting away just €100 a month from January, you’ll have €1,200 to spend on your loved ones in time for Christmas.

70. Use a spend-what-you-load service

If you’re really worried about your self-control when it comes to saving, you could use prepaid cards for your shopping and groceries. That way, you’ll have a set limit that you’ll be physically unable to exceed.

71. Opt for a savings account that won’t let you withdraw money

If you don’t need to access your cash and could be tempted to make withdrawals from your savings account given the chance, you might want to look into savings accounts with fixed terms. This type of savings account locks your money away for a specific period of time, normally six months to five years, and typically offers competitive rates of interest because of this restriction. Examples of this type of account include deposit accounts.

Choose from a range of competitive savings accounts from our partner banks across Europe today. Simply register for a free Raisin Account and apply in minutes.

*https://www.thejournal.ie/price-of-cigarettes-budget-2025-6501647-Oct2024/

**https://gript.ie/price-of-a-pint-rises-again-in-blow-to-an-industry-already-on-its-knees/