Irish households can use a simple spreadsheet, a banking app’s spending categories, or a budgeting app to track income, regular bills and day-to-day spending. A cash or digital “pots” approach can also help separate money for essentials, savings and irregular costs such as insurance or car expenses. Check how any app handles your data, whether charges apply and whether it connects securely to your bank before using it. If money is already tight, MABS offers free, impartial guidance, and Citizens Information has further information on managing household finances.