Monday, 25 April 2011 20:54

CU - 5 Star Smart Money Plan

If you want to save a little money or just survive this recession then your key aim should be to spend less than you earn. Sounds simple right? Well it proves more difficult then it seems. Here is our 5 star plan to help you manage your income and spending:

Decide on how much you have available to spend and stick to it. Enjoy life with what is available – There are 100s of ways to enjoy life without spending money.

  • Critically assess all your regular and annual bills. By thinking about the utility bills and perhaps even shopping around you can save substantial money every month. Make sure you shop around for all major purchases; have at least 3 prices to compare before making major decisions.
  • Talk, talk, talk! Make sure you communicate with your significant other, especially if you share the finances.
  • Stop Spending until you know what you are spending – track it and review where your money goes.
    • Banking online? Download your statements into Excel and calculate what you are spending on different categories of expenses.
    • Cash Spending; Keep an A4 sheet with you and write down everything you spend money on. At the end of the week collate all you’re spending into different categories.

Stop and think – do I really need this? You still need to have fun and enjoy yourself. Be choosy on your spending to satisfy your greatest desires. A good trick is to walk away from buying something and think about it for ½ an hour. If you are still sure you need it then go ahead and buy it.

Naas Credit Union is a local Financial Institution, whose aim is to provide a safe and secure place for people in our community to save and borrow money. You can find information about Naas Credit Union at www.naascu.ie; including our very competitive loan rates. At 9.2%APR, Naas Credit Union continues to offer one of the most competitive personal loan interest rate available.

Naas Credit Union has been here since 1968 and we have no plans to go anywhere. We have money ready and available to lend and would be delighted to speak to anybody. Please feel free to contact us on 045 879622, or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sean Murray

General Manager

Naas Credit Union

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2 comments

  • Comment Link Sean Murray Thursday, 11 August 2011 10:01 posted by Sean Murray

    Hi Nigel, Thanks for your comments. I am sorry that you feel this way about Naas Credit Union but we are very open to hearing your comments and views.

    We believe Naas Credit Union is in a position to strongly benefit the community respecting the original ethos. We try to do that in many ways. You have referenced our lending function, our aim is to be responsible in lending, and while we have significant resources to lend we must remain cognisant of the fact that it is member’s money we are lending. Our members are individual and unique and we make every effort to understand a members situation for loans and we try to remain in contact with members.
    I would be happy to meet with you to discuss our approach.
    Sean Murray
    General Manager, Naas Credit Union

  • Comment Link Nigel Edwards Saturday, 30 July 2011 18:39 posted by Nigel Edwards

    I believe that the original ethos of the local community Credit Union is losing its benefits and kind considerations in lending which used to exist. Flexibility and commpassion is not shown even though loans are repaid within periods with ups and downs through illness or job loss. The very integrity of the membership is in tatters - you may as well go through a bank who is now obliged on the same terms, yet with pressure on compassion and wiiingness to lend and assist local residents.

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