How To Survive And Have Craic While On Minimum Wage

Trying to save money on minimum wage can seem impossible at times. You've got to pay for your bus fare, clothes, nights out and it can seem like saving is the last thing on your mind.

Well, it's actually easier than you might think. These are our top tips that will help you on save for holidays, a new phone or whatever your heart desires. So get your credit union book at the ready and prepare to save.

1. Follow the 10% rule

I think it's pretty standard that if you always save 10% of what you earn, you'll never go without. It's enough to see your savings grow, but not so much that you'll be living off noodles for a week.

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2. Bring your own lunch

This is one of the easiest ways to save money. You probably spend an average of a fiver on lunch every day. So, that's €25 a week, which works out at €1300 a year!

3. Get on your bike

Cycling will save you a loads on bus fare, is good for the environment and is great exercise to boot – sure you'd be mad not to.

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4. Get a reusable coffee mug

The amount of money you'll save by ditching your daily coffee will make all the difference. Load up that Nespresso machine, and look glam while you're at it.

5. Ditch your bank card on night's out

This is a killer. We've all had that drunken moment where we've bought shots for everyone around us. By ditching the bank card, you won't be able to spend that extra money and you'll keep to your budget.

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6. Bank on your local credit union

The credit union is a service that all students should use. It's a great way to save as you're not able to access your money without physically going to your local office. Compared to a bank account, it's much harder to dig yourself into a massive hole of debt.

7. Make a list of your planned spending at the beginning of each week

This is just simple budgeting. By making a list of necessities, you'll rule out all the unnecessary crap you buy on a weekly basis. This will help you to spend less and save more.