FabSwingers.com forum: Financial pressures

By *errardNo8 OP Man
3 days ago

Galway/Mayo

Is there anyone else that is feeling a squeeze in the pocket and if so, how do you cope with the financial pressures?

I've recently had to pay a deposit and put a month's rent down for a place, and after bills, fuel for the car and other little bits I've found myself at the point where I'm going to have to go pretttttttyyy hungry so I can fuel my car for the next 2 weeks. How are other people coping with this kind of stress?

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By *og-ManMan
3 days ago

somewhere

The only thing I coudd say to you is try to buy staples like dry pasta and sauce for your kitchen and at least you'll get some hot food into you

Is there a chance to take a lodger to share the burden of rent or are you the lodger

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By *errardNo8 OP Man
3 days ago

Galway/Mayo

"The only thing I coudd say to you is try to buy staples like dry pasta and sauce for your kitchen and at least you'll get some hot food into you

Is there a chance to take a lodger to share the burden of rent or are you the lodger

"
yes that's good advice. I do have a few bits of food to be fair. I know I'm going to have to take some leave as I won't be able to get to work, but in that sense I'm taking from Peter to give to Paul.

And unfortunately I am the lodger

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By *om TangoMan
3 days ago

Tedavnet Co.Monaghan

I started selling firewood in the evenings and at weekends. It stood to me when I move out of the family home. Could you get a shift in a bar a weekend night, maybe get a shift in a hen house gathering eggs, wee van run in the evening. Do as Bog said. Buy foods in the press, few wee stir in sauces. Make your own coffee in the morning and try to avoid buying coffee when out and about.

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By *ackkerry102Man
3 days ago

Tralee

Subscriptions (netflix etc.) Might not seem like much monthly but over the course of the year it adds up! Get onto an insurance broker, you'll make a saving there.

Don't be afraid to change energy provider.

Definitely look for a little extra the weekends, as said above.

Hope this helps chief

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By *iscuits8Man
3 days ago

Dublin / Meath / Birmingham

I think pretty much everyone us feeling it.

I just got my broadband down by €20 a month and am in the process of switching a loan that'll save me €40-ish a month. Gona fish around for anywhere else that'll save me a few b9b but already there's €60 a month/€720 a year in my pocket extra.

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By *errardNo8 OP Man
3 days ago

Galway/Mayo

Great advice guys. And thank you. It is only a short term thing, but it's just really stressful. And I'm really stressed over it. And I just can't stop thinking/worrying about it. It's like a little bee in my head

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By *iscuits8Man
3 days ago

Dublin / Meath / Birmingham

And also, not just utilities but ANY type of insurance you have, shop around at renewal. Generally, it ends up worth all the individual phone calls. Can save a packet.

And definitely, meal plan and batch cook as much as possible.

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By *ookAndDorkCouple
3 days ago

The West

I save about €20 or €30 a week by meal planning and doing my shopping click and collect.

Even getting it delivered is cheaper. No random buying in the supermarket makes a big difference to me.

A big bag of crisps and a couple of nice beers as a treat is lovely on a Friday but it's also the guts of €15

I buy rice in big bags in the Asian shop too. It's insanely cheaper.

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By *thloneros38Man
3 days ago

athlone/roscommon

"Is there anyone else that is feeling a squeeze in the pocket and if so, how do you cope with the financial pressures?

"
what kind of profession are you in op if you dont mind me asking?

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By *woforone2025Couple (MM)
3 days ago

Food bank or St Vincent DEPaul?

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By *eclanC33Man
3 days ago

Look at any taxback you might be owed? If you work from home you can claim back on electricity / heating / internet, its 20/30%.

Then any medical bills, gp visits etc too.

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By *og-ManMan
3 days ago

somewhere

"Food bank or St Vincent DEPaul?"

This....thats what they're there for and why they exist

It can help you get through the first few weeks

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By *thloneros38Man
3 days ago

athlone/roscommon

"Food bank or St Vincent DEPaul?

This....thats what they're there for and why they exist

It can help you get through the first few weeks "
food banks should'nt be an option to get by if the op is working something is going wrong.

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By *og-ManMan
3 days ago

somewhere

"Food bank or St Vincent DEPaul?

This....thats what they're there for and why they exist

It can help you get through the first few weeks food banks should'nt be an option to get by if the op is working something is going wrong. "

Not the point.....thats politics...he needs help...

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By *errardNo8 OP Man
3 days ago

Galway/Mayo

"Food bank or St Vincent DEPaul?"

Thankfully I'm not at that point yet.

The burden has actually been eased a lot, thanks to a wonderful friend, who spared me a few euros until I'm paid.

I had to swallow my pride as I would never ask to borrow money from anyone, but this kind wonderful amazing human being offered and I openly accepted. Thanks all for your help and kind words

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By *errardNo8 OP Man
3 days ago

Galway/Mayo

"Food bank or St Vincent DEPaul?

This....thats what they're there for and why they exist

It can help you get through the first few weeks food banks should'nt be an option to get by if the op is working something is going wrong. "

There was a few contributing factors that has me in this position. The fact that I had to fork out my whole wage once I got it unexpected, was what went wrong. Hopefully only upwards from here

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By *ookAndDorkCouple
3 days ago

The West

"Food bank or St Vincent DEPaul?

This....thats what they're there for and why they exist

It can help you get through the first few weeks food banks should'nt be an option to get by if the op is working something is going wrong.

There was a few contributing factors that has me in this position. The fact that I had to fork out my whole wage once I got it unexpected, was what went wrong. Hopefully only upwards from here"

If your stuck your stuck. You don't have to explain yourself to strangers quizzing you on the internet.

It's not like you were asking anyone for money.

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By *errardNo8 OP Man
3 days ago

Galway/Mayo

"Food bank or St Vincent DEPaul?

This....thats what they're there for and why they exist

It can help you get through the first few weeks food banks should'nt be an option to get by if the op is working something is going wrong.

There was a few contributing factors that has me in this position. The fact that I had to fork out my whole wage once I got it unexpected, was what went wrong. Hopefully only upwards from here

If your stuck your stuck. You don't have to explain yourself to strangers quizzing you on the internet.

It's not like you were asking anyone for money."

I get that. Sometimes a strangers outlook can help.

Which to be fair, I kind of needed. I know I didn't need getting drilled, and I needed positivity and not negativity, but I got a lot of positive vibes and ye all helped just being there for a stranger. So thank you all.

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By *hunkyRedPandaMan
3 days ago

Germany

"Food bank or St Vincent DEPaul?

This....thats what they're there for and why they exist

It can help you get through the first few weeks food banks should'nt be an option to get by if the op is working something is going wrong. "

You sound a little oblivious to the plight of many in ireland. 'If he's working?' Dude, you are one paycheck away from being homeless in ireland. It was 4 back in the late nineties when I did work for the Simon community.

Meal planning, or the old habit of envelope stuffing have to be strictly adhered to. One medical problem can throw budgeting out of whack.

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By *obSexyBMan
3 days ago

Clare

"Is there anyone else that is feeling a squeeze in the pocket and if so, how do you cope with the financial pressures?

I was in similar position a number of years ago. So I ditched the car. Well the expense of it. For two years I walked everywhere and commuted by bike to work. Tough replacing a 15 minute drive both ways but I got real fit and that benefitted my head

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By *errardNo8 OP Man
3 days ago

Galway/Mayo

"Is there anyone else that is feeling a squeeze in the pocket and if so, how do you cope with the financial pressures?

Man that was a great call. I bet it helped your head for sure.

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By *astelloWoman
2 days ago

Far far away

I think everyone is at the minute. My treat was my daily coffee out... but recently on a trip to Dublin.. l paid 5.20 for one...and it was awful..and a truck! ...lve become so more conscious now of daily spending. I've cut all subscriptions not needed... and stopped buying more clothes....

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By *essieBouyMan
2 days ago

tuam

I love the tips about bulk buying things like rice etc.

I stopped treating myself to the daily Coffee too as the price adds up.

My biggest change was to look in charity shops. There are some amazing finds to be found, but unfortunately one or 2 of the shops have really increased their prices too. As a single father the charity shops are a blessing for kids clothes as they grow so quick anyway, & the added bonus of giving to charity, everyone's a winner

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By *portpeopleCouple
2 days ago

dublin

A mix of stuff to do now and into the future for you:

Review your card spending. Its generally 20% plus more than most people expect on general items. Pause your subscriptions if possible. YouTube may be an option for viewing content, instead of Netflix etc. Check out ihavenotvDOTcom

If you shop using a card online, put a distance between you and the card. Cause friction. If you have to move to get the details to pay, you may postpone the spend.

When you're through this period, start a saving plan and prioritise it. First thing when you get paid, move some € to a savings account.

Track your spending daily. Write it down, physically or on a spreadsheet.

View your savings like a business, its your "profit margin". Its your future windfall. Set yourself up for success.

Free activities are good for the head & body.. maybe go for a walk, hike, draw something watch an art channel and see what you can create, try yoga, follow a workout off YouTube..

Lots of choice. Best of luck

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By *orknmindy21Couple
2 days ago

Newtownards

That's ireland for you get in a dinghy and you will get everything for free🤣🤣🤣

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By *reative ideasMan
2 days ago

Next door

The average smoker spends €500 per month on cigarettes. Jeez, you wouldn't want to drink too!

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By *essieBouyMan
2 days ago

tuam

"The average smoker spends €500 per month on cigarettes. Jeez, you wouldn't want to drink too!"

My mind boggles at how people can physically afford to smoke.

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By *ursecretmischiefCouple
2 days ago

Westmeath The West.

"The average smoker spends €500 per month on cigarettes. Jeez, you wouldn't want to drink too!

My mind boggles at how people can physically afford to smoke. "

It's all relevant I suppose.

Other people spend fortunes at Deli counters eating Cuisine de France muck everyday, and what others spend on coffees with a fancy name, is nuts!

There are many people here blowing a fortune on golf, and they're shit at it!...etc etc. etc.

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By *urfdudeMan
2 days ago

WEXFORD

Learning to budget is key.

Things they should teach in school.

I remember after the Celtic tiger being skint & having panic attacks, but work hard, be good at what you do, learn to juggle, get a second job / they are plentiful.

There is light at the end of the tunnel.

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By *essieBouyMan
2 days ago

tuam

"The average smoker spends €500 per month on cigarettes. Jeez, you wouldn't want to drink too!

My mind boggles at how people can physically afford to smoke.

It's all relevant I suppose.

Other people spend fortunes at Deli counters eating Cuisine de France muck everyday, and what others spend on coffees with a fancy name, is nuts!

There are many people here blowing a fortune on golf, and they're shit at it!...etc etc. etc."

Totally makes sense for sure. When I think about....my daily coffee was my treat but I had to cut that back due to costs.

Golf 🤣🤣 that comment made me laugh too hard

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By *iscuits8Man
2 days ago

Dublin / Meath / Birmingham

"That's ireland for you get in a dinghy and you will get everything for free🤣🤣🤣"

Yes OP, if all else fails you can just blame the foreigners for your troubles 👍 always one...

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By *elle111Woman
2 days ago

Hey it is tough at the minute for a lot of us and I have a decent salary. I know I was stupid trying to live the same life I had when in a marriage and compensating for the split to give my son the same standard of life but that left me in a worse position. It’s easier if ur on ur own and not providing for kids u can make do. Each time I make a small gain some other increase comes to take it away. I limit to one average night out a mth at about £65 and then constantly monitor but jeez I bore myself with the crap and I definitely wouldn’t say life is fun and travel days are over. I’m not a great cook so food is a huge spend for us here. Thankfully the teenager is now in a part time job so that will ease my pressure. You will get there OP, little tough spells happen but take the win out of securing accommodation that’s fantastic. A tip, shopping at the end of an evening is good for food bargains. Do you have OLIO down there it’s a great help sometimes. Find a smile in every day that helps too.

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By *exyScientistsCouple
2 days ago

Castlebar

Some people's essentials are another person's luxuries. I've seen threads on this before and it made me laugh when people were talking about sky sports being essential for example, or take aways once a week. Some people can't afford those "essentials"

Learning to pick and chose and having to go without things we feel we deserve is part of being a grown up and learning how to get by on what we have.

Spending within your means is a great life lesson whatever your income. I wish id been taught this at school, and the basic costs of living. I had no clue when I left home.

And I know you'll get through it OP 🫂 😘

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By *BelfastGuyMan
2 days ago

Belfast

Everything gone up and up except wages.

They're just taken the piss so they can get richer. Especially the oil companies who put proces up and doubled their profits.

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By *otass and scorpioCouple
2 days ago

limerick cork tipperary clare waterford

Any company you're with , insurance electric etc , make calls and ask for the loyalty team , and ask for a loyalty reward , 99% of the time they offer some sort of deal

I got onto my esb provider and they gave me 100 credit into my bill and reduced all bills for 12 months by 10 % might not sound like much but annually it adds up ,average bill 150 so 15 euro off per month for a year is 330 plus the 100 credit is 430 that I dont have to spend

Did it with my Internet provider too and saved 180 for the year

Mr binman gave a 60 euro voucher which is 2.months collection free

This is all money that could be in your pocket and not a millionaire company

Never let yourself go hungry either , dried goods such as pasta and sauces make good dinners add mince and you have dinner for 2 days for about a fiver

And talk to companies about payment plans most will allow weekly payments instead of huge lump sums at once

Hope this helps and chin up , chest out ! Things will get better for you and the pressure will ease off

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By *uicyboobiesWoman
2 days ago

Newtownbutler

I know it's not for everyone but my 14 year old son is flat out buying football jerseys etc on vinted and sells them on for more. He's making a 1 - 2 hundred a month but has also bought himself clothes there with tags still on them for next to nothing. It's took pressure off me big time as he's bought all his own clothes this past few months. My sister visits charity shops looking bargains and sells them on vinted. She's saved almost 900 doing that over the past year which is going towards her holiday.

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By *rRiosMan
2 days ago

dublin

Too Good To Go is an app which aims at reducing food waste. They sell off a load of produce at the end of the day for a couple of euro. Have a look to see if there’s options around your location.

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By *ilverfox17Man
2 days ago

Dublin

Definitely feeling the squeeze financially. We do all our grocery shopping in Aldi. The quality of food is very good and much cheaper. Change our electricity and gas on the dot every 12 months, and make big savings. Changed bin collection provider recently and saved a lot of money. Only buy a coffee once a week for a treat !

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By *og-ManMan
2 days ago

somewhere

"Too Good To Go is an app which aims at reducing food waste. They sell off a load of produce at the end of the day for a couple of euro. Have a look to see if there’s options around your location.

If Im going to a social in Dublin I now use this App to order my donuts and collect them on the way at one third of the price

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By *lassy lady 216Woman
2 days ago

Craigavon/dublin

"Great advice guys. And thank you. It is only a short term thing, but it's just really stressful. And I'm really stressed over it. And I just can't stop thinking/worrying about it. It's like a little bee in my head"
I know exactly how you feel i have had to up my hours in work i already work 12hr shifts at a time in a very stressful job im actually sitting at the minute with no fridgefreezer as mine broke and I cant afford to get one im crying myself to sleep most nites because of the stress so yes I know its not much help but yes alot of people are struggling and mine isnt going to be short term i dont think

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By *rRiosMan
2 days ago

dublin

Depending on your situation and phone plan, ditch broadband altogether and tether to your phone.

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By *rystalsswingCouple
2 days ago

Galway /West / Dublin

"The average smoker spends €500 per month on cigarettes. Jeez, you wouldn't want to drink too!

My mind boggles at how people can physically afford to smoke.

It's all relevant I suppose.

Other people spend fortunes at Deli counters eating Cuisine de France muck everyday, and what others spend on coffees with a fancy name, is nuts!

There are many people here blowing a fortune on golf, and they're shit at it!...etc etc. etc."

Imma brilliant golfer,what are you on about 😂

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By *rystalsswingCouple
2 days ago

Galway /West / Dublin

I think everyone is feeling the pinch. Plan for the rainy days is all I can offer this conversation.

Hope everything works out OP x

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By *rRiosMan
2 days ago

dublin

"The average smoker spends €500 per month on cigarettes. Jeez, you wouldn't want to drink too!

My mind boggles at how people can physically afford to smoke.

It's all relevant I suppose.

Other people spend fortunes at Deli counters eating Cuisine de France muck everyday, and what others spend on coffees with a fancy name, is nuts!

There are many people here blowing a fortune on golf, and they're shit at it!...etc etc. etc.

Imma brilliant golfer,what are you on about 😂"

It must be where you got that crystal swing from! 🙃

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By *hreehuggerMan
1 day ago

galway

Glad you got some help to negotiate this challenge. No matter how small everyone should save, even if its a €5 a week. The habit is addictive.

I'm not in anyway judging anyone, im sure most of us have been there, I know I have, more than once.

Good luck with it.

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By *BelfastGuyMan
1 day ago

Belfast

Hunger Games

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By *dfabMan
1 day ago

Dunboyne

Don't forget to appreciate the favour from the friend who helped you out too, within 6mths.

Also, if you us Revolut, use the Aggressive setting on Pennies & Shillings. Unreal how the savings build up there without you realising. Go Medium if it's too severe but try Aggressive for as long as you can.

Coffee - buy 1Kg bags online at Wanted or KaffeKlaplsen and save a fortune if you have a machine at home. Buy enough so delivery is free. Coffee doesn't go off at the rate they try to tell you.

For cooking to save money, have a look at this for ideas on batch cooking and using leftovers - https://www.jamieoliver.com/inspiration/food-waste/

Regardless of what you think of him, he has brilliant recipes and ideas for cheap but good food

Lastly, pension, pension, pension! Whatever you can add to it each month compounds over years to 10+ times what you put in so do add to it when you can.

Know that all these little steps lead to a brighter, secure future

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By *eadMeisterMan
22 hours ago

Dun...near you...

"Don't forget to appreciate the favour from the friend who helped you out too, within 6mths.

Coffee - buy 1Kg bags online at Wanted or KaffeKlaplsen and save a fortune if you have a machine at home. Buy enough so delivery is free. Coffee doesn't go off at the rate they try to tell you.

For cooking to save money, have a look at this for ideas on batch cooking and using leftovers - https://www.jamieoliver.com/inspiration/food-waste/

Regardless of what you think of him, he has brilliant recipes and ideas for cheap but good food

Lastly, pension, pension, pension! Whatever you can add to it each month compounds over years to 10+ times what you put in so do add to it when you can.

Know that all these little steps lead to a brighter, secure future

Very true

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By *ild WomanWoman
22 hours ago

carlow

No TV so subscription for any sky. Netflix or TV licence. I have a restricted diet so found aldi does it cheaper.i want to try too good to waste app. Trying to sell on vint. Standing over for savings. Set limit for any holiday i plan go after rent is paid and off season.it does work.i try to up cycle my clothes.

Mamb have a account you open with then you put money and it looks after yours

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By *8 bridgeMan
2 hours ago

I started taking retatrutide on Sat and only ate today so while the dose is costing me money it is saving in takeouts etc

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By *eedplanterMan
2 hours ago

virginia

No im doing ok at the moment, able to invest money and keep the wolf from the door

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By *errardNo8 OP Man
1 hour ago

Galway/Mayo

Yet again guys, I would really like ro thank you all for your kind words, brilliant tips, wonderful ideas and just being there when needed. Your support is appreciated more than ye know.

When I become a millionaire I won't forget about any of ye

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