Money saving tips

Consider the best types of transport for you:

• Walk or cycle when possible and check if you can use the cycle-to-work scheme through your employer.
• Check the cost of public transport, which may be cheaper than taxis.
• Buy tickets in advance or in bulk and explore savings through apps like Translink’s mLink.
• Share lifts if you can.
• Shop around for better insurance deals and negotiate for lower quotes.

The Energy Saving Trust provides helpful tips for cutting energy use:

• Avoid using the tumble dryer.
• Turn off devices instead of leaving them on standby.
• Fill the kettle only as needed.
• Switch off lights when not in use.
• Improve home efficiency with draught-proofing and insulating your water tank.

If eligible, consider government support like the winter fuel or cold weather payments.

Food can be costly, but you can manage your spending through:

• Reducing takeaways, coffees, or dining out, as small expenses can accumulate.
• Utilising loyalty programmes and vouchers.
• Buying in bulk, looking for offers, and considering store-brand products.
• Planning meals to minimise waste and use leftovers.
• Exploring budget-friendly recipes online

Foodbanks across Northern Ireland offer emergency parcels with essentials for those in need.

• Cancel any unused or unnecessary subscriptions, like streaming services.
• Use free trials wisely by setting reminders to cancel before being charged.
• Search for discount codes when shopping online.
• Be aware of hidden charges like delivery fees during checkout.

If you owe money on an existing credit card or loan, you might want to have a think about repaying it as early as possible. Although this would mean increasing your repayments, you’d pay less interest in the long run. Talk to us if you think this could be an option for you.

If you regularly use your overdraft, you may be paying interest which can add up over time. If you stay in your overdraft for long periods without paying it back, you'll also incur fees and it may negatively impact your credit score. You might want to limit your spending to get out of your overdraft and use it only for occasional, unexpected expenses.