8 changes to make when saving for a deposit

Comparison websites have made it easier to check that you're getting the best deal for your health insurance, car insurance, electricity, gas or broadband.

Grab your latest bills and check to see if you can save money.

The gym price war has seen membership drop to as little as €19.99 a month but many gyms charge significantly more.

Exercise is good, but needn't cost you a fortune.

So consider cancelling the gym: start running, jump on your bike or download free apps and start working out at home.

Ordering a Friday night take-away works out significantly dearer than preparing fresh food at home.

You don't need to stop ordering take-aways completely but cutting back could save you more than €600 over a year.

Most office workers spend, on average, €5.50* a day on their lunch. If you go to a specialist sandwich shop you may pay up to €10*.

Fancy sandwiches are great but making your own lunch and bringing it in to work could see you save up to €870* a year. (*Source: Bord Bia).

Work out a menu before you shop and write down a weekly shopping list.

Every household in Ireland throws away 1 ton of uneaten food every year.

Cut down on waste and curb any impulse buys that push up your weekly shopping bill.

Everybody needs a holiday now and then.

But you can cut down on the cost by going off-peak, self-catering or booking a shorter trip.

Alternatively, combine a holiday with a trip that you have to make anyway, for example, attending a friend's wedding abroad.

Books aren't super expensive, but if you're a big reader then the cost of books or subscriptions to audiobook sites can add up.

Think about joining your local library and borrow books and audiobooks for free while supporting a vital community resource.

For some people, the take-away coffee is one of their little treats each day but the cost of espressos, lattes and cappuccinos adds up.

Think about cutting back to save some money even if you don't cut out caffeine altogether.

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