The Irish League of Credit Unions says family finances are recovering, with a drop in the number of adults who have no disposable income left after paying their bills every month.

The Irish League of Credit Union's What's Left trackers says the figure has fallen by 10,000 to 470,000.

It also shows a 32,000 rise in the numbers who have between €50 and €100 left, while about 10% of the population have between €100 and €150 after all of their essential bills are paid.

ILCU Chief Executive Kieron Brennan says it's a sign families are getting smarter with their money:

The report also finds that more people are in a position to save this year than last year, with the average amount saved each month €177.

The survey's headline findings:

Disposable Income

• Essential Bills / Saving
• For all adults, disposable income has increased by €13 since April 2013
• For working adults, disposable income has increased by €20 since April 2013
• Fall in the number of people who say their disposable has decreased - 54% in April 2014 from 65% in April 2013
• Jump in 3rd level education costs by €67 per month from December 2013 to €355 per month
• Significant increase in school related costs (primary / secondary) by €86 per month from December 2013 to €138 per month
• Increase in cost of extra-curricular school activities by €15 to €86 per month since December 2013
• More people in a position to save compared to this time last year (44% in April 2014 v 39% in April 2013)
• The average amount saved is €177, up from €170 in April 2013 and an increase from €175 in December 2013

Charity Donations

• 62% of adults donate to charity in Ireland giving €25 per month on average
• Irish donors show strong preference for supporting Irish charities (53%) as opposed to international charities (7%)
• Donating cash through street donations or charity boxes is most popular (56%), direct debit is second most popular (28%) followed by credit card (5%)
• The recent financial scandals in the charity sector has caused 9 in 10 to rethink where they donate with 20% saying they have stopped donating to charity completely

Cost of Motoring in Ireland

• 34% of motorists are struggling with the cost of motoring in Ireland, fall from 45% in 2012
• 21% have switched their car to a smaller, cheaper model with 32% intending to do so
• 26% find car insurance incredibly expensive and can’t afford it
• 6 in 10 motorists have switched insurance provider in the past 12 months
• 28% view public transport as an inconvenient way of commuting, up from 21% in 2012