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Ah Easter, the time of excessive eating and Good Friday house parties. 

Week three of the 30 day No Spending Challenge is underway, and honestly?

I cannot wait to be released from my prison of personal finance.

In case you are wondering why in the name of God anyone would try to survive without two cents to rub together by choice, here's a bit of background.

I am embarking on the 30 Day No Spending Challenge (you can see how I prepared for it here), and I am officially over it. 

The 30 Day No Spending Challenge focuses on benefiting your bank balance by sticking to a tight budget for four weeks. 

Most adventurers into this monetary management challenge stick to a budget of about €50.00 a week, to spend on groceries, transport and socialising, but essentials like rent and utilities are excluded.

After all, it's hard enough to get a house these days without potentially pissing of your landlord by not coughing up that "very reasonable, considering the area," sum of monthly rent. 

€50.00 is definitely a sorry sum to try to get by on for the week, but after you minus my travel expenses, I'm left with €20.00 to spend. 

This week, Easter was looming, and being in possession of an assortment of younger siblings, chocolate had to be purchased to satiate the Lent-mad masses.

The challenge does allow you to put an event or two aside that you have already committed to ahead of the challenge, during which you can allocate yourself a budget to spend during the event outside of your chaste weekly allowance, and Easter was my time to shine.  

 

A post shared by Jodie (@paperpipit) on

I gave myself an egg allowance of sorts, and splashed out on fancy confectionery items for my immediate family, as well as a bottle of gin for myself in preparation for the Good Friday madness. 

In order to minimise my spending, I split the cost of the gin, tonic and limes with a friend. 

It was definitely a spending savvy move, but it did remind me of my late teens, where pocket money would be pooled between friends to purchase a large bottle of blue alco-pop to be consumed with haste in some drizzly field. 

Though the beverage was an expense, my guilt was minimised by the fact that it was a house party rather than a night out, so the expenditure was dramatically lower than it could have been.

While I did not go outside my egg budget, I counted on the Bank of Mum and Dad to get my train ticket back to my home county of Galway for the family festivities. 

I have been in the process of detangling my finances from my parents for a number of years, which is probably the same as most young twenty-somethings, and now all that's left is my phone bill. 

Getting kicked off the family phone plan will truly be the moment the cord gets clamped, but the Bank of Mum and Dad does remain open for occasional necessities like this pilgrimage to Galway.

It is completely cheating on the challenge to allow other people to buy you something, but after splurging on eggs and gin, I couldn't get any more in the red than I already was. 

After the short but sweet visit, I returned to Dublin to be greeted with bare cupboards, a svelte LeapCard balance and limited plan for what I intend to spend my twenty quid on this week. 

I'm sure there's some way to conjure some broken, leftover Easter eggs into three square meals a day, right? 

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here!

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So, I’m entering week two of my self-inflicted month of financial flagellation, and to be honest, I’m no longer about this broke life.

Two unique events occurred in the last seven days which have delivered me to this conclusion, but first, a little background.

I am embarking on the 30 Day No Spending Challenge (you can see how I prepared for it here), and now that I’m fully in the throes of un-profitable passion it’s not exactly going to plan.

For those who don’t know, the 30 Day No Spending Challenge focuses on benefiting your bank balance through a tight budget for four weeks.  I have a student loan to pay for and rent and bills to manage, so splurging on the finer things should be a rare treat rather than the norm.

However, in any case, that happens, and there is an absolute emergency. I that case, I am likely to take the help of a small loan for personal needs with affordable rates. So, I can stay focus on my plan and repay them.

I have zero savings and no fall-back plan, and I have the attitude that when I earn more, I’ll save more, which is probably the same as most of my fellow 23-year-olds.

Most adventurers into this monetary management challenge stick to a budget of about €50.00 a week, to spend on groceries, transport and socialising.

The challenge omits things like rent and utilities, as it is all about making the most of your disposable income rather than getting you evicted.

Image result for help me I'm poor gif

So, the first of the two big events was the grocery shop.

As my transport to work costs me about €30.00 per week, I am left with a paltry €20.00 to survive in this cruel, capitalist society.

This twenty quid has to cover all of my food shopping and socialising, but as I’d rather stick my head in a bag of Doritos and watch Netflix than hit the town this week, I made groceries my big investment.

Luckily, I already have a few bits and bobs in the pantry such as pasta and rice, but I needed to acquire the fresher ingredients for my meals.

Being a vegetarian, my grocery shop is already a fair bit cheaper than that of a carnivore, and for approximately €12.57 I managed to get all my veggie burgers, Koka noodles, sauces, cereal and a very ugly sweet potato. But hey, it’s not all about looks.

However, it was pretty difficult not being able to give in to my random cravings for honey roasted peanuts or Corner yoghurts. At one point I had a very dramatic “it’s not you, it’s me” moment at the bakery counter with a pain au chocolate that was calling my name.

But, armed with my list and utilising the built-in calculator on my phone, I managed to resist (after whispering that I would come back for it next month).

A post shared by Brînduşa Bîrsan (@brindusab) on

The pain au chocolat moment was tough, but I wasn’t prepared for what was yet to come.

During the week, ASOS decided the time was right to have a sale without consulting me first, which was a blow to say the least.

The fact that I actually probably could afford a few of the sale bits while remaining in-budget, but worrying about potentially having to sacrifice something later in the week was complete torture, and much worse than simply not being able to afford it at all.

A post shared by ASOS (@asos) on

I mean, I can’t afford a Birkin any day of the week and that doesn’t bother me, but if I could then it might be a different story.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the divine black jumper I spotted will still be both available and on sale come the end of the month, but I won’t hold onto hope.

Until next week, me and my remaining €7.43 will be continuing to coast by on my pocket of loose change.

On learning things from this challenge, it’s definitely making me appreciate the actual value of the money I earn.

I’m sure there are plenty of people who can’t even entertain the idea of a pack of pastries or a quick online shop, so learning to live a lot more frugally is definitely making me entirely grateful for the things that I have.

Despite the fact that we all complain about the rent in Dublin, the cost of wifi, and get a shock when we see our bottomless brunch bill, there are plenty of people in this country who are far, far worse off, with much bigger money issues than not getting that ASOS jumper.

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It's the eternal struggle, do you click checkout on your massive ASOS spree or continue to live comfortably for the rest of the month?

Two weeks of beans on toast wont be that bad when you're wearing the latest pair of embroidered biker boots, right? 

Image result for shopping

Now, the exact amount of incoming cash that should be spent on new threads is officially here, and we may need to adjust our budgets somewhat. 

According to financial expert Pete Dunn at WWW, there is an exact percentage to keep your shoe spending to, and it's pretty minimal.

Of your monthly take-home, only 5 per cent should be spent on clothes, shoes and accessories. 

So, if you're on the average full time work salary of €25,000 per year, then you have about €1250 annually to spend new bits from Topshop. 

This is an average of about €105.00 a month, so not too shabby if you just need a new pair of shoes or a few Penneys bits for a weekend break away. 

Maybe we could try and stick to the 5 per cent rule for Lent and see how we get on.

But then again, we did just spot the nicest new handbag in Zara…

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One thing that stops many of us from going on a night out is the cost.

In college, student bars and low drink offers meant we could party all night for twenty quid and arrive home safe, but now, along with a taxi to and from the bar, OUTRAGEOUS alcohol prices (I paid nearly €12 for a drink the other night) and an entrance fee, nights out are very, very expensive.

However, now the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) are looking to lower the excise of alcohol in Ireland by 15 percent.

The lobby group are calling for the reduction in the next budget. In DIGI's pre-budget plan, it says that excise is a "direct tax on tourism and that a reduction would support the drinks and hospitality industry, boosting economic growth."

It also pointed out that since Brexit has made the sterling pound vastly drop, it will give an immediate boost to buying alcohol over the boarder.

DIGI's chairwoman, Maggie Timoney said: "An alcohol excise reduction is a vital response to the new and immediate effect of the uncertainty caused by Brexit.

"Alcohol tax is a regressive and inequitable tax and ours is very high by EU standards. We believe that the particularly high Irish excise tax is detrimental to economic growth and economic activity.

"We would urge the Government to reduce excise by 15 percent in October's budget," Maggie added.

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For anyone who loves (or wants to start loving) juicing, a bullet-style blender is the way to go.

All you do is chop, fill, blend and go – what could be simpler at 7am when you're still rubbing sleep from your eyes, debating whether you have time to wash your hair?

Sadly for our pockets though, the oft-championed NutriBullet doesn't exactly come cheap, starting at upwards of €85 depending on where you purchase it.

So we are downright shaking with excitement for the launch of Aldi's new smoothie and juice blender, which hits shelves next week.

The Nutrient Blender has a 700W motor (more than the standard NutriBullet's 600W), comes with a large 700ml cup, two smaller 350ml ones, two travel lids and a variety of blade attachments.

The best part? It retails at just €39.99. WIN.

Aldi's original smoothie maker/juicer, released back in October, also flew off the shelves – and while this one is slightly pricier, it's also heaps more powerful than the original 300W motored one.

Aldi confirmed today that the blender (available in gunmetal grey, champagne or red) will be available in stores from next Thursday February 18, which gives you just over a week to bribe someone to camp outside the store with a sleeping bag all night.

Okay, you don't quite need to go to those lengths, but we do recommend getting to your local Aldi early on as these are bound to sell out.

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Chia seeds, goji berries, wheatgrass and some others are packed with nutrients and we certainly hear an awful lot about these supposed miracle foods. However, some research shows that you may be skipping out on other less ‘super’ foods just because they are not deemed trendy enough.

‘Superfoods’ has become a term that is often over used.

While there are certainly huge benefits to be found in many foods, marketing folk are inclined to try and cash in on our attempts to ditch the sugary crap and throw the ‘superfood’ label and lots of things that are no good. This also means they will carry a higher price tag.

Wheatgrass

Stick with leafy greens instead, spinach and kale for example are more affordable and taste better without needing to be blended with sweeteners.

Gluten-free foods

They often have added sugars to make up for a lack of flavour. Unless you actually have a food intolerance you can give these expensive items a skip.

Aloe Water

Yes it does have a high amount of anti-oxidants but it also tastes very bitter. To cover this packaged aloe drinks are mixed with sweeteners, which means you won’t be reaping any of the real benefits.

​Goji berries

While some studies done on rabbits have shown some promise in aiding heart health, they are long way off being proven as a human superfood. Apparently you’re better off with a variety of berries rather than spending all your money on one type that is not rich any on particular vitamin or mineral.

‘Vitamin’ water

Check the ingredient list before you purchase because many of these drinks can contain a lot of added sugar. If you really can’t face another boring glass of water, try adding lemon, lime, orange slices or even berries.

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We all know that when it comes to doing the dreaded diet overhaul there’s nothing worse than spending all your hard earned euros on over-priced ‘superfoods’ that end up getting dumped in the bin.

Kale, avocados, goji berries, the list just goes on and on. While we’re all for being as healthy as possible all year round, we’re a bit fed up of paying through the nose for fancy foods to help us be our healthiest selves.

In efforts to help us not be struggling with our copper coins until the next pay day rolls around, we found you some of the healthiest foodie picks that don’t cost an arm and a leg. These humble snacks pack some serious punch in the superfood department and don't break the bank.

Yes, yes you can.  You can be content knowing your fridge is full of the healthiest picks, while also knowing your piggy bank is safe from being raided…. Until the next summer sale starts at least. 

Oats: full of fibre to keep you full and help lower cholesterol. 

Green tea: full of antioxidants to keep your skin glowing.

Tuna: cheaper than salmon and still full of omega 3s. 

Apples: you know the saying about the apples and the doctors by now right? Pair them up with peanut butter and you're sorted for all-day snacking emergencies. 

Cabbage: cheaper than kale, and not quite so glamorous we know, but it has just as many health benefits for a fraction of the price. 

So, healthy snacks for days and extra cash for new shoes, you're welcome. 

 

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We love updating our make-up bag – what is less appealing is how seriously expensive picking up a few essentials can be.

At one stage or another, we've probably all forked out megabucks for a designer foundation, lipstick, or bronzer – only to afterwards think 'was it really worth it?' But thankfully (especially when you're flat broke) there are cheaper alternatives available, IF you know where to look.

We've lately been particularly impressed with what's in stock at Dealz – the discount retailer probably more readily-associated with party accessories, household cleaners, sweets, and soft drinks. 

But it's also a treasure trove for beauty addicts on a budget. Better still, with everything in its Make Up Gallery range priced at €1.49 each, you could overhaul your entire cosmetics collection if you fancied it. 

The stand-outs for us are definitely the brand's long-lasting foundation, quick-dry nail polish (we love the summer-appropriate pastel shades), the sheer lip gloss (hues on offer include cherry pop, and nice and nude), and the pressed powder.

The long-lasting foundation comes in a range of colours to suit a load of different skin types, while the pressed powder is enriched with vitamin E and is available in honey beige and natural beige.

Dealz has more than 40 stores in Ireland; see dealz.ie to location your nearest one.

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January is a time for renewal and refreshing your surroundings. However, that is not always as simple as it sounds – especially when you're broke!

Here are some simple ways you can upgrade your bedroom without breaking the bank:

Fairy lights
Not just for Christmas, fairy lights can add a really cosy and ethereal feeling to your surroundings – transforming a space. They are so widely available and in so many different styles that you don’t need to spend lots of money!

Cushions
Buying some new throw pillows for your bed can really make your room feel made over. Go for different colours and patterns for a kitsch feel.

Quotations
Put your favourite quotations above your bed or mirror to make your room trendy and on point. And most importantly, cute.

Lamp shade
While your bed is generally the centre of attention in a bedroom, the lamp shade is also important. There are amazing choices out there for unique and different lamp shades, from star-shaped to jam-jar chandeliers. 

Canopy
Create your very own haven with a draped canopy over your bed. Using some light fabric simply secure the fabric to certain areas of the ceiling to get your desired effect. Make sure it is secured properly so it doesn't fall down in the middle of the night!

all images via Pinterest

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It's two weeks before payday and you suddenly realise you have all of €50 left in your bank account. Cue a fortnight of Tesco Value meals, walking to work and checking EVERY pair of jeans you own for a stray fiver.

If this sounds like your life on a regular basis, the way you shop could be to blame

Here are a few bad habits to keep an eye out for next time you hit the shops… it's time to say goodbye to that mid-month money crisis!

1. You try too hard to keep up with celebs and style bloggers
Yes, we may spend the majority of our working day lusting over Taylor Swift's outfits but that doesn't mean we should be planning to replicate her look entirely with an all-out splurge in Brown Thomas. Celebrity fashion is a great source of inspiration, but always try to keep purchases well within your budget.

2. You shop now… and think later
That amazing winter coat might look absolutely stunning with your new leather boots, but it's not going to be quite so alluring when you're struggling to pay rent and bills next week. Try to keep track of your spending with an online banking app or simply by keeping receipts and taking note. Little purchases (or one big one) can soon add up to deplete your month's finances.

3. You shop by trend
Metallics and leopard print might be all over the catwalk this season but are they really necessary in your wardrobe? Your overall style (and your bank balance) will be much better off with a closet full of great basic pieces and one or two on-trend items, rather than a pile of one-season clothes that you know won't see the light of day after a couple of wears.

4. You buy a new outfit for every event
Night out with the girls? New outfit. Family dinner? New outfit. Work colleague's wedding? New outfit. Updating your wardrobe every time another social event comes around is a surefire way to run out of cash. Try on a few pieces at home, or borrow from a friend, before you go running off to Topshop in a panic.

5. You impulse buy
If you're anything like us, at least two thirds of your wardrobe consists of items you bought on a whim and will never wear, though you convince yourself you'll DEFINITELY need them some day. Next time you're tempted to impulse buy, step out of the shop and wait a day or two before making your decision. If you're still lusting after the item, maybe it's worth it. If not, well you've just saved yourself fifty quid!

6. You buy the same stuff over and over
"Yes but this is a SPECIAL pair of black skinny jeans." If your wardrobe is full of the same kind of items over and over, it might be time to shake up your spending habits. Go through all your duplicates, try them on and you'll soon realise you don't really need to buy seconds (or thirds) just yet.

7. You're a divil for online sales
When that 30% off email comes pinging into your inbox, it's as if the internet is calling out to you to spend, spend, spend. Wow, you had no idea you needed that gorgeous Zara dress that's now down to €80. Why? Well, because you probably DON'T need it.

8. You're a brand name snob
Okay, you make the odd trip to Penneys but aside from that you're a River Island/Oasis/Topshop fiend at heart. As for cheaper chain stores or budget shops, you'd never been seen dead buying something there. But the secret of the truly stylish among us is that they don't care where they buy their clothes as long as they fit well and look fab.

9. You shun charity shops
You can't bear the thought of shopping in Oxfam, but that vintage shop next door tempts you every time. Newsflash: they're pretty much the same thing. Yes, you'll have to root around the charity shop shelves for longer and you won't find something every time, but think how smug you'll feel when you walk out with that AMAZING dress/coat/shirt for a fraction of the price it should have been sold for!

10. You have no idea what's in your wardrobe
Unless you've moved house or had a spring clean recently, you probably have no idea what you'd find if you raided your own closet. Spend a few hours shopping your wardrobe next time you have the urge to hit the shops!

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S! TV’s Beauty Expert Odette shows us how to make your very own body scrub on a budget. So good you could nearly eat it…but don’t do that!

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If you don’t believe in spending hundreds of euro on your significant other on Valentine’s Day, why not hit your local Tiger store and pick up some cute tokens for less than the price of a coffee.

Tiger_Valentines

Prices: Heart Clock: €4, Luggage Lock: €3, Elephant Love Postcard: €1, Napkin Holder: €2, Keyring: Heart Sweets: €2.

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