(Savings) According to recent GDP figures, the economy shrank by 0.1% in May.

Food costs remain all-time high, energy costs surpass the last year’s barrier, and the costs of living still loom over the entire country. Wages have gone up high at a record annual pace. Read if you are still unclear about why you need to save in a recession.

What leads to inflation?

The cost of living is increasing, pressurising the household budget. It leaves individuals with low monthly income. Out of all, the energy and electricity costs are the most stressful ones. People find it hard to finance everyday requirements, with inflation currently at 8.7% in the year to May. To help slow down the impact of the price rise, the Bank of Ireland raised interest rates 13 times to 5%.

With stiff finances, businesses face low sales.  Consumer spending contributes to two-thirds of GDP. When this falls, the economy falls. Here are some warning signs of the recession:

• Increase in the unemployment rate
• Stock market wobbles
• Fall in job vacancies
• Wages fall
• Loss in business

How do these events affect your lifestyle?

With interest rates rising manifolds amid the rising prices, it may impact the repayments towards the loans.

Inflation impacts the low- earners the most. They find it hard to devote more of their spending to food compared to rich households.

Here, food is the costliest factor impacted by inflation. The prices are high as 20%. It means something that costs €10000 in 1950 would cost €260,000 in 2022. Thus, it may impact the lifestyle. Here are other ways inflation impacts your savings:

• The costs of loans and credit cards may be costly
• Pension payments rise to 10%
• Insurance premiums rise
• Car loans payments may rise
• Individuals having variable loans may pay extra toward the loan
• Duty on alcohol
• Limit amount on benefits schemes

5 ways to safeguard your savings from inflation

With inflation breaking records, individuals living from paycheck to paycheck may struggle to save. As per records, inflation is likely to remain high that may heat up even faster. Thus, it is important to save and limit spending. Here is how you can do that:

1)      Increase your spending with budget

It is easy to receive your monthly income but are out of it the other day. Thus, it is essential to prioritise your savings first. You can do so by calculating the household expense from the total income.

It would help you analyse the emergency costs as well. Identify the money you can keep aside as savings. The common budgeting strategy is 50/30/20. Out of these, 50% of the income goes to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.

Well, sustaining paycheck to paycheck may not be feasible for you to save 20% of your income. However, you can still save some by cutting on expenses. Identify the total amount you need to feed the necessities or needs. Reduce the percentage dedicated to wants. It would help you save well.

2)      Pay down your debts faster

After setting aside a portion of your income as savings, identify how you can allocate the resources best. As you begin cutting on some expenses, begin with clearing debts.  Identify the debts that impact your well-being. Choose to pay those first that impact your savings. One such debt is – credit card debt.

 A credit card is a high-interest debt that attracts penalties if one misses the payment. Other high-interest debts are – student loans, payday loans, no guarantor loans, mortgages, etc. Yes, it may not be possible for you to clear every loan. However, facilities like bad credit loans on the instant decision in Ireland can help you easily manage any short-term problem. You do not have to search for a particular loan. Instead, tap one right for your finances and pay debts with instant cash.

You can split the savings (needs) part the best into paying off these debts. The sooner you clear debts, the more money you can allocate towards your savings.

3)      Invests in tax-free investments

Some investments can benefit you in a tax-friendly way. No, pension contributions are not one of them. You can switch to ISA (Individual Savings Account). If you draw some amount from your pension amount, avoid the practice. Draw some money out of your ISA account for the time being. It is a tax-free way to withdraw the sum out of your investments.

Moreover, investing in stocks and bonds that do not belong to CGT compliance can be an impactful way to save. Under this, if you grow your investments to a sound number, you can sell the investments.

As per the rule, you can sell investments of around €12, 300/ year. It is for single individuals. As a couple, you can sell investments accounting to €25000/ year. It is huge and can help sustain your life goals by amplifying your savings.

4)      Cut back on energy and utility costs

As mentioned above- individuals struggle the most with food and energy costs. With new costs and inflation parameters, you must control the expense. Check the below ways to reduce energy and utility expenses:

• Turn the thermostat down by 10 degrees for at least 8 hours during the day.
• Use a dishwasher to clean dishes instead hand washing them.
• Cover up the food products before putting them in the refrigerator. It will help the refrigerator compressor utilise less energy and save on bills.
• Use warm water instead of hot water while laundering
• Unplug electronics when not in use. Check the oven, chimneys, dishwasher, etc., before sleeping. It helps you save 10% on electricity costs.
• Switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs. It lasts longer and helps you save on electricity.

5)      Negotiate for a raise

If you have been manifesting it for long, sharpen your skills now. Inflation blows are hard for a low-earner. According to a financial Advisor, Zach (Founder of Value-Added Financials)-

“When inflation is high and especially when the labour market is familiar for workers, there tends to be more pay increase.” He adds, “It might be a great time to ask for a raise, especially if one of the workers left recently.” 

A pay increase can assist you with several goals. For example, if your lender allows overpayment, you can close down and own the car outright. You can also start an emergency fund to finance critical emergency phases like- unemployment.

However, if you find it challenging to meet emergencies until then, emergency loans in Ireland can help. The name states you can tap it despite your poor credit history and get it quickly. You can use it for any small purpose until your emergency fund matures. 

Bottom line

You may feel defeated between the blows of high prices and the approaching recession. The above tips may help you track finances and increase savings. Contribute more towards savings in inflation by seeking profitable long-term investments and increasing income. It would help you face the high prices with ease.