From tackling ‘invisible money drains’ to building smart financial habits, Irish financial advisor Paul Merriman shares expert summer savings tips that don’t require extreme budgeting
Paul Merriman, an Irish financial advisor, has exposed some costly everyday things that are secretly draining your money – and how to put a stop to them this summer
It’s the season when individuals begin contemplating how they can prepare their finances for summer without resorting to drastic budgeting or eliminating every minor indulgence.
Looking beyond forgoing morning coffee and monitoring expenditure in spreadsheets, financial adviser Paul Merriman of askpaul is keenly aware that many are managing personal finances amidst economic weariness.
Here’s how to organise your finances for summer, reclaim financial control while minimising invisible money leaks, and establish financial practices that are tailored to your lifestyle.
Confront Financial Avoidance
Perhaps the most crucial, and neglected, step in preparing your finances for summer is tackling avoidance. This frequently originates from anxiety, not irresponsibility, reports RSVP Live.
Many people delay:
Opening billsChecking balancesReviewing accounts
Experts suggest starting small:
Spend 10 minutes reviewing financesOpen one statementCheck one account
Progress is a reliable method to build confidence and, consequently, diminish avoidance.
Home costs(Image: Getty Images)
Start a Subscription Autopsy
We’re completely immersed in an era of streaming, apps and memberships. Subscriptions may carry a modest monetary value; collectively, they can cost the equivalent of a utility bill.
Rather than asking if you use the app, ask yourself the following questions:
If I saw the app today at full price, would I sign up?Does the app enhance my lifestyle, or simply fill my time?Is there a free or cheaper alternative?
This approach ensures you don’t feel deprived while keeping your expenditure under control. Subscription batching reduces costs by at least half without forfeiting permanent access.
Make Way for Financial Friction to Stop
While automating payments is an excellent way to save time and remove a manual chore, it may be wise to introduce ‘financial friction’.
Financial friction makes spending more difficult, prompting you to pause and consider before parting with your money. A 10-second delay curbs impulse purchases, and research demonstrates that small interruptions promote more rational decision-making.
Financial friction measures can include:
Deleting cards from shopping sitesRemoving one-step payment methodsCreating a separate account for shopping, providing transparency to outgoingsWatch Out for Money Leaks
Not every financial drain is obvious, as they’re often disguised as ‘normalised spending’. For every recurring expense, question whether it’s the most affordable option currently on offer, whether it’s truly essential, and whether it justifies the cost.
Normalised spending can include:
Premium delivery servicesBanking fees on unused accountsAuto-renewed policiesEnergy tariffs that are never evaluatedApply a Spending Strategy
The notion of implementing a budget often conjures up thoughts of restriction and buyer’s remorse. Try reframing budgeting as a spending strategy instead. This shifts the emphasis from limitation to intention and prioritises values above rigid rules. Essentially, it promotes mindful spending rather than strict avoidance guidelines.
Apply the Most Valuable Currency: Time A large proportion of the population is pressed for time, making every moment precious and a commodity in its own right. Before making any purchase, try converting the cost into hours worked.
For example:
A €120 purchase = how many hours of work after tax?A €30 takeaway = how much of your time?
This shouldn’t be driven by guilt, but rather by awareness. It underscores the real value of the effort behind earning money and encourages more mindful spending.
Build Monthly ‘Financial Reset Days’
Rather than treating financial admin as a once-a-year chore, Merriman recommends scheduling a dedicated monthly ‘Financial Reset Day’ each month.
Financial reset days can complement existing self-care routines, providing an opportunity to reconnect with your financial situation. A financial reset can include:
Review spendingAdjust and tick off goalsCancel unnecessary outgoings and those no longer neededModify savings if needed
As with most things in life, consistency is absolutely key. Those who check in on a regular basis are considerably more likely to remain in control of their finances than those who depend on annual overhauls.
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