8 ways to save without feeling that nasty pinch

Brought to you by Irish Life Health. 

Here's a little how-to, and we do hope it helps, even a little bit.

If you're anything like us, you love a good bargain, a sale or a useful gift because in truth - you're all about saving that hard-earned dosh. There's no denying it can feel as though we're punishing ourselves when we decide to be good and cut back. But there are a few little tricks worth trying to make it feel as though we're not missing out on anything at all. Here are a few handy tips to remember. 1. Loose Change If you find you're making purchases that leave your wallet jam-packed with change, and you get kind of peeved having to carry it, this one's for you. Each evening you get home, empty the day's change into a piggy bank, and just leave it there. Let it build each day. And at the end of the year, pick up a few coin bags from the bank and turn 'em into some euro notes. (YAAS.) 2. Say YES to the ATM Some people swear they save by using their card because their bank statement is so easily accessible on their phone, but... if you're in doubt try this. Go to the ATM, take out a €50 note, a €20 note, and as you spend you'll become far more conscious of where you're money is going. You literally SEE IT disappear. 3. Consider a Carpool Listen, if you're serious about saving, just try and get others to do it. It's not weird - it's smart. If everyone carpooled (that could, of course), it would mean less traffic, less pollution, and everyone in the car splits the petrol cost. You'd need to take into consideration the length of your commute, the price you'd pay using public transport versus the price in petrol. But it's definitely worth considering. 4. Bulk Shop Okay, it might be unwise to shop in bulk when it comes to milk for example, but shopping in bulk when it comes to purchasing products with a long shelf life, like washing detergent, can save us money in the long run as it's better value and it's something that will definitely be used. 5. Is Your Purchase a 'Want' or a 'Need'? Yes, there is a MASSIVE difference. You might want those Manolo's but you NEED groceries that will provide long-lasting nutrition. You NEED a winter coat to fend off the cold. This has a lot to do with getting priorities in check and being grateful for what you already have. Be sure to ask yourself 'Do I need this or want this?' 'Realistically, will I even use it?' If so, 'How often will I use it?' And finally, 'Is it really worth all my hard-earned cash.' Personally when I buy something, I think of how many hours work I put in to be able to afford that one thing. It's a great reality check! 6. Health Insurance Check out what the best possible deal is, and do your research. It's entirely worth it if you want to save a few bob. Irish Life Health is giving one month FREE to anyone who joins their BeneFit plans by September 30. You could save almost €100 when you switch to their Benefit plan. 7. Check in with the Energy Provider to Save So electricity and gas meters measure the amount of energy we're using throughout the day. But it's entirely worth checking at what time of day it's cheaper to have the washing machine running with different providers to see which one will help you save the most. 8. To the Bottle Bank! Instead of chucking your glass bottles into the bin, consider bringing them to the bottle bank. Bottles are heavy and with waste disposal companies charging by measuring the weight of our bins, this will save plenty of money in the long run. Brought to you by Irish Life Health. With an Irish Life Health BeneFit Plan, you can get even more back from your health insurance. Hold on to that healthy, happy summer feeling all year long, with one month free on all BeneFit plans when you join by September 30.  Irish Life Health dac is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Terms and conditions apply.