Survey finds more people focused on saving money — and dipping into their savings to cover costs

Ireland has caught the savings bug. A new survey shows people are taking steps to save money anywhere they can — but still end up dipping into their savings.

The survey of more than 500 people found the effects of the recession had made many of us more frugal. About 95% of those surveyed said they actively shopped around for better deals to cut costs, while 71% said they intended to cut back even more on non-essential items as part of their monthly budget.

Of those questioned, 57% said they hoped to make further savings on household bills and expenses, with 58% adding that they actively planned to increase the amount of money put aside each month in savings.