Canadian expat in UK shares nine British cash-saving tricks that ‘changed my life’ | Personal Finance | Finance
A Canadian has outlined nine money-saving tips that she says “changed” her life (stock) (Image: Guido Mieth via Getty Images)
A Canadian has revealed nine money-saving strategies that she says “changed” her life after moving to the UK more than a decade ago. Alanna left her life in Ontario for a transatlantic adventure in 2015, settling in Kent, and now runs a YouTube channel where she documents her life in the UK.
Her channel, called Adventures and Naps, has amassed 186,000 subscribers and features everything from food to local attractions, from UK television commercials to Christmas customs, and now she’s focused her attention on finances. In one of her latest videos, entitled “These British money-saving habits changed my life,” Alanna discussed some of the methods she’s observed Brits employ to save money.
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Alanna mentioned the habit of saving and reusing wrapping paper (stock) (Image: Getty Images)
1. Heating
Alanna began by pointing out a common cost-cutting tradition amongst Brits during the run-up to Christmas—competing to see who can postpone turning on the heating the longest.
She characterised it as a “bragging right” and noted how some people use draught excluders or hot water bottles to ward off the cold; she’s also now the owner of an electric blanket.
2. Wrapping paper
In recognition of both frugality and sustainability, Alanna referenced the practice of preserving and reusing wrapping paper and gift bags from occasions like Christmas and birthdays.
3. Rail travel
Drawing attention to potentially costly rail fares and asserting that they can fluctuate dramatically for the same journey, Alanna said, to combat this, we should search for alternative tickets.
Among the examples she highlighted were split tickets (purchasing multiple tickets for your journey), off-peak travel, railcards and advance single tickets.
Alanna pointed to our love of a second-hand bargain (stock) (Image: Getty Images)
4. DIY
Alanna generously described us Brits as “resourceful” and observed that we’ll sometimes attempt to fix a damaged item instead of immediately buying a replacement.
5. Second-hand “culture”
Along similar lines, Alanna referenced our enthusiasm for pre-owned bargains, suggesting that Britons are particularly fond of charity shops and services such as Facebook Marketplace.
Alanna acknowledged that this practice exists in other countries, but for the UK, it’s “ingrained”. She also remarked that perhaps the hunt for the item proves “more exciting” than whatever is ultimately discovered.
Alanna also included reduced food items in her list (stock) (Image: Getty Images)
6. Meal deals
Cherished by countless people, the midday meal deal (typically consisting of a sandwich, a snack and a drink for a fixed price) represents another British institution that Alanna identified, describing them as “super convenient”.
7. Museums
As many readers will know, multiple British museums and galleries are free to enter, including the world-famous British Museum (home of the Rosetta Stone), and this is one aspect of British culture that Alanna particularly likes.
8. Reduced food
Highlighting a familiar sight in UK stores, Alanna drew attention to the yellow-stickered discounted food products regularly found in supermarkets.
She noted that there’s a skill in identifying the “hidden gems” among the discounted items and highlighted that these bargains are particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to save money.
9. Loyalty cards
A familiar sight to supermarket patrons, the loyalty card is somewhat of a necessity in contemporary Britain, with seemingly every shop offering its own version.
Alanna noted that it was “incredible” that so many places offer such a scheme and mentioned that we can keep digital versions of them on our phones.
