Top money-saving hacks Brits swear by from low cost codes to tech offers
Four in ten Brits are always looking for ways to cut costs, with many turning to ‘finfluencers’ for tips on everything from groceries to gadgets
Brits are making smarter choices to cut costs on purchases(Image: Getty Images)
A poll of 2,000 adults suggests the UK is becoming a nation of money-saving experts, with 38% saying they’re always looking for ways to cut costs on even the smallest everyday purchases. Nearly one in five now rely on “finfluencers” and online bargain communities for advice on finding lower prices – covering everything from presents to weekly shopping.
The study discovered the tricks Brits use on a regular basis include abandoning online shopping baskets hoping to prompt a discount code, creating new email addresses to gain access to first-time buyer deals, and using comparison tools as part of their regular shopping routine.
More than two thirds (66%) said they often or always check reviews before buying. As a result, a quarter (25%) said they feel more in control of their finances than ever before, as digital tools, social trends and everyday habits reshape what “value” means in 2026.
Annika Bizon, from Samsung, which commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new Galaxy A57 5G, that combines flagship fundamentals with Awesome Intelligence (AI), said: “Consumers are expecting more from their purchases than ever before, taking their time to do research, watching or reading reviews, and being more intentional with their decision-making.
“Value is a key driver, but that doesn’t mean people are willing to compromise on quality – they still expect products to deliver on performance and reliability.”
This emerging generation of ‘smart spenders’ aren’t about going without, instead, they are all about making smarter choices, with a quarter now placing quality above quantity when buying items, showing a more thoughtful and deliberate spending strategy.
Four in ten demand greater value for their money than they did two or three years ago. Technology is one area where value matters most, with 96% saying it’s important to look for good value when choosing these gadgets.
In fact, tech tops the list of big‐ticket items where consumers demand the strongest balance of quality and value (56%), followed by home appliances (50%) and holidays (36%).
Six in 10 (61%) revealed they now make fewer of these big purchases but anticipate them lasting considerably longer. Consequently (49%) now research extensively before committing to these purchases.
When it comes to smartphones specifically, buyers said long battery life delivers the greatest sense of value (70%), while others want to ensure they are getting bang for their buck with smooth performance (50%) and a durable design (49%).
Annika Bizon from Samsung added: “Brits want technology that works harder for them, helping them stay connected, informed and organised day‐to‐day.”
TOP 15 MONEY SAVING HACKS BRITS SWEAR BY:
- Using discount codes or cashback offers
- Doing more research before making a big purchase
- Checking reviews before buying something
- Making coffee at home instead of buying it out
- Walking or cycling short journeys
- Making meals which use the same ingredients
- Batch cooking
- Only heating the rooms you’re actually using
- Choosing low-cost social plans (e.g. walks, home dinners, park meetups)
- Prioritising quality over quantity
- Abandoning online baskets
- Gifting more thoughtfully
- Buying off season
- Buying and selling on resale apps
- Shopping at specific times for markdowns
