SIMON TIERNEYfinds ways to live well with less cash
Self-improvement
Getting your finances in order can be an important first step to improving your quality of life and sense of security. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (Mabs) is a free service for people who require help in relation to their difficulties with money and debt. Its website is full of excellent information ( mabs.ie), and its helpline is available 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday on 076-101 2000, or by email at helpline@mabs.ie.
The Credit Union offers a free personal money management app. MyBudgetBuddy is available for download at creditunion.ie.
ICS Skills is currently running its Get Ireland Online programme. This is a three-session course, involving an introduction to email, Skype, banking and social media, operating in 38 centres around the country. It is offering free places (normally €20) at its training courses running in ICS Skills HQ (Crescent Hall, Mount Street Crescent, Dublin 2; tel: 01-775 3008) to the first 20 people to email training@ics.ie quoting "offer". Visit getirelandonline.iefor details.
The Fás eLearning at the Library project is a partnership programme between the nationwide public library network, Fás, and An Chomhairle Leabharlanna.
Free computer classes for beginners are held in a number of branches of Kilkenny County Library Service. Visit kilkennylibrary.iefor details.
The Central Library (Ilac Centre, Henry Street, Dublin 1; tel: 01-873 4333) offers free language learning services in its open learning centre. Those interested can work towards the library-based certificate of course completion. There are self-learning computer courses and conversation exchanges for multiple languages. Visit dublincity.ie.
Pitman Training, which provides practical courses in computers, office skills, bookkeeping and administration, is giving away 100 places on its Go Get That Job course for free. The course focuses on building your CV, searching for work and interview preparation. There are 15 centres nationwide with a limited number of free places available at each.
Selection will be based on the benefit you will get from the course and whether it is appropriate to your current situation. Visit pitman-training.ieand contact your local centre from there.
Last but not least . . .
The Thirsty Soul (Dublin Holistic Centre, 28 South William Street, Dublin 2; tel: 086-8898 433), run by Roseleen McNally, provides financial coaching and reiki treatment (a healing technique which offers balance, wellbeing and relaxation). Her financial coaching is about “giving you more clarity, focus, control and peace around you,” she says. There is a free session (financial coaching or reiki) available to the first four people to email info@thethirstysoul.com.
