Firstly you need to have 6 months of expenses in a emergency fund i.e. an instant access saver. It doesnt really matter about the interest rate, but you may as well have it in the highest one. Look at the savings "best buys" thread in this section. The main this is it must be instant access. The purpose of this is to ensure you don't immediately go into the red if you lost your job. You would be OK for 6 months, giving you time to get back on your feet. You should never spend this money. Your existing 12K would be sufficient for this.
I would move away from any bank that requires a minimum balance for free banking. EBS offers 100% no strings attached free banking. Only downside I note so far (I have this account) is that the ATM card is not contactless and their website is pretty basic compared with PTSB (current account best buys is here https://www.askaboutmoney.com/threads/personal-current-accounts.21774/).
For your pension contribution (10% employer is excellent), I would consider increasing your contribution fromm2.5% up to 5%, since you are late starting. You won't notice much difference in take home pay due to tax benefits, but your fund will be building up in background.
Once pension is rolling along each month, I would set up a standing order for the day after you get paid to transfer say E500 from your salary into the highest interest regular saver account you can find. This currently is KBC (again see saving best buys). This way, you pay yourself first, and you wont be tempted to spend the money. You dont say how much you spend on rent, so I am just throwing out E500 per month as a possible target. This will basically be the beginning of a house deposit, for if/when ye do decide to buy. If you decide to emigrate, it will serve similar purpose, unless you plan on renting for life. Also, it is good to get into habit of regular savings, as banks will look for this if you do go for mortgage, or even a car loan etc. (PS never get a loan to buy a car)
At same time, I would set up another standing order for E25 per week to go into small holiday fund. This way, you don't feel like its all doom and gloom saving for nothing. This will amount to E1200 in a years time, and you wont even notice it. This will be a very nice trip then as a reward, and you will feel like its for free, as its not coming out of your current account.
That should be a good start.
Finally, my only non-financial advice to have a very honest and frank conversation with your partner to ensure ye are both on the same page about savings/mortgage deposits/general financial approach etc. I guarantee you that nothing will annoy you more than you saving E500 a month and doing your best to get finances in order if your partner is blowing E500 per month on clothes/shoes/whatever etc.
Best of luck.
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