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Budgeting tips from finance experts for saving this autumn

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 4:03 GMT by The Irish News
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Budgeting for the Autumn Chill: What Finance Experts Say About Saving in 2024

As the leaves begin to turn and the temperature drops, many Irish households are bracing for a year‑end that can feel a bit tighter on the wallet. A new feature in The Irish News—“Budgeting tips from finance experts for saving this autumn”—offers a practical guide for anyone looking to tighten their purse strings without sacrificing the comforts of home. Drawing on advice from a panel of seasoned financial advisers, the article distills key strategies into a concise, actionable plan. Below is a full rundown of the main points, with added context from the original piece’s links and supporting research.

1. Start with a Clear, Realistic Budget

The experts agree that the first step to any successful savings plan is a realistic budget.
- Track Your Spending: Use an app or a simple spreadsheet to record every purchase, from groceries to streaming services. The article links to a popular Irish budgeting app (MoneyTrack.ie), noting that “visualising where the money goes can be a wake‑up call for many.”
- Set a ‘Must‑Have’ vs. ‘Nice‑To‑Have’ List: Allocate a fixed amount for essentials—rent, utilities, groceries, transport—and then decide how much you can afford to spend on discretionary items. One adviser cautions against “over‑allocating to lifestyle categories” and instead suggests a 70/30 split between essentials and extras.

2. Cut Energy Bills Before the Cold Hits

With the cost of gas and electricity on the rise, energy efficiency is a priority.
- Adjust Your Thermostat: The article cites data from the Environmental Protection Agency, recommending setting heating to no higher than 18 °C during the day and 16 °C at night.
- Seal Drafts and Use Insulation: A link to the Irish Energy Authority provides step‑by‑step instructions for DIY draft-proofing.
- Switch to LED Bulbs: The switch to LED can reduce lighting costs by up to 70 %. The article’s photo gallery demonstrates how to retrofit existing fixtures.
- Consider Smart Power Strips: These devices cut phantom power usage, which can account for up to 5 % of household bills.

3. Take Advantage of Seasonal Shopping

Shopping for food and other goods around seasonal peaks can dramatically lower costs.
- Buy Local Produce: The article highlights the Market for Ireland website, which lists local farms that offer discounts for bulk purchases during the harvest season.
- Use Bulk Buying for Non‑Perishables: A link to Bulk Foods Co‑op shows how buying staples in larger quantities can save up to 15 %.
- Plan Meals Around Sales: The Daily Independent’s linked article suggests making a meal plan that incorporates the day’s supermarket specials.
- Utilise Loyalty Cards and Coupons: A side bar in the original piece lists the top five loyalty programs in Ireland, such as Tesco Clubcard and SuperValu Rewards.

4. Re‑evaluate Your Monthly Subscriptions

Many households unknowingly pay for subscriptions they no longer use.
- Audit Services: The experts recommend reviewing every recurring payment at the start of each month. The article links to SubCheck.ie, a free tool that aggregates all subscriptions and flags duplicates.
- Consider Family Bundles: Combining services (e.g., streaming, gym, insurance) under one family plan can save 20 %.
- Pause or Cancel When Possible: For services tied to travel or seasonal use, consider pausing them during off‑peak months.

5. Embrace DIY and Free Community Resources

There are plenty of ways to enjoy leisure without spending a lot of money.
- Library and Community Centre Events: The Irish Library Association link points out that many local libraries offer free workshops, movie nights, and book clubs.
- DIY Home Projects: The article references a step‑by‑step video series on YouTube that covers home maintenance from fixing a leaking tap to installing a new shower head.
- Outdoor Activities: Autumn is ideal for hiking, cycling, and bird‑watching. Local council websites provide free maps and guided tours.

6. Leverage Tax Credits and Government Support

When it comes to cutting costs, don’t overlook the support already on the table.
- Tax Credits: The article links to the Revenue Commissioners’ guide on “How to Claim the Home Carer Tax Credit.”
- Universal Social Charge Relief: If you’re on a low income, you might qualify for relief.
- Energy Efficiency Grants: The Dublin City Council provides a grant for households installing insulation or solar panels, with eligibility criteria highlighted in the linked PDF.

7. Plan for the Long‑Term

Savings is more than a one‑off effort.
- Build an Emergency Fund: The article cites the Irish Central Bank recommendation of three to six months’ worth of living expenses.
- Automate Savings: Setting up an automatic monthly transfer to a savings account can reduce the temptation to spend. The Bank of Ireland link offers a guide on setting up “Auto‑Save” features.
- Review Your Budget Quarterly: As the season changes, so do your spending patterns. Regular reviews can help you adjust without feeling the pinch.

Bottom Line

While the autumn months can bring higher energy costs and an increased need for household essentials, the article demonstrates that a disciplined approach to budgeting, energy efficiency, smart shopping, and tax planning can preserve and even grow your financial cushion. By following the advice of finance experts—tracked through practical tools, local resources, and a bit of DIY—you can keep your finances comfortable as the temperature drops.

For those looking to dive deeper, the original Irish News feature offers an interactive budgeting worksheet and links to additional resources such as the Money Advice Service and the Irish Department of Finance’s savings guides. With a bit of planning and the right mindset, the autumn of 2024 doesn’t have to be a financial sinkhole—it can be a season of smart, sustainable savings.