Holiday was lovely. The bank balance? Not so much.
Whether it was staycations, long evenings in the beer garden, last-minute summer camps, or just treating yourself because “sure it’s summer”, August has a way of leaving us feeling a bit lighter… and not just in spirit. You blink and suddenly you’ve had two weddings, three birthday parties, and enough ice creams to pay off a small car. It’s around now that a lot of people start looking at their bank statements and thinking: where did it all go?
The good news? You don’t need to beat yourself up. Life is meant to be lived, after all. But when the fun winds down and you’re staring at a balance that’s lower than you’d like, the best thing you can do is take a breath, take stock, and make a plan. This is the perfect time to reset your savings habit before the back-to-school panic, the heating bills, and the Christmas countdown all kick off.
Let’s start with the basics. Savings aren’t about punishment. They’re about freedom and choice. When something goes wrong, like your car breaking down, the washing machine giving up, or forgetting about the yearly bin bill, having savings means you don’t have to go into panic mode. You’re not scrambling for a loan or reaching for the credit card. You’re covered. That bit of a buffer can make life feel a lot less stressful and much more in your control.
But the big mistake I see all the time? People wait until they “have a bit leftover” before they save. That’s like saying you’ll put petrol in the car after the road trip. Risky business. Instead, flip the mindset. Decide what you can save first, then spend what’s left. It doesn’t have to be huge.
Even €10, €20 or €50 a week adds up. It’s the consistency, not the size of the number, that builds momentum.
If you can, set up a standing order or direct debit the day you get paid. That way, it’s automatic. You don’t have to think about it. You won’t even miss it after a while. It’s not about saving hundreds a month straight away. It’s about building a habit that sticks and grows with you.
Another trick? Name your savings pots. Rainy Day Fund. Christmas Crackers. School Bits. House Fund. When the money has a purpose, it’s easier to leave it alone. You’re not just saving blindly; you’re funding future peace of mind. Giving your savings a name helps you feel more connected to your goals and keeps you motivated when life gets busy.
And if you’ve kids, don’t forget the bigger picture. Secondary school books, grinds,
extracurriculars, college deposits can all add up quickly. Starting an education savings plan early can take the sting out later. You wouldn’t believe how many parents tell me they wish they’d started even just a little bit sooner. Even a small regular contribution now can make a big difference over time.
Emergency funds are just as important. You don’t need €5,000 overnight. But €500 tucked away? That’s a plumber, a vet bill, or a trip to SouthDoc covered without borrowing. It gives you breathing space and avoids turning a small issue into a full-blown crisis.
And then there’s the Christmas spend. I know it feels early to mention it in August, but wouldn’t it be lovely to get to December and not have to juggle presents, parties, heating oil and food shopping all at once? Start now. €20 a week between now and mid-December could give you a pot of over €300. That’s a serious help come silly season.
Saving isn’t about cutting out everything. You can still enjoy life. It’s about choosing what matters. That takeaway might feel great tonight, but putting aside a fiver instead could be the reason you’re not panicking come December. It’s not about never spending; it’s about spending with intention.
And if you’re not sure where to start, or you’re trying to figure out if your savings are going to the right places, that’s where a financial advisor comes in. We help people create a plan that works
for them and their real lives. No judgment, no guilt trips, just practical steps and a bit of support.
So, if summer left your wallet a little sunburnt, don’t stress. Shake it off, take the next step, and know that it’s never too late to start again. Start small, stay consistent, and give your future self a high five. They’ll be very glad you did.
