Martin Lewis explores fans’ ‘quirky’ money-saving tips | Personal Finance | Finance
Martin Lewis has taken a swipe at the “snobbery” surrounding certain purchases, revealing some of the unusual ways he and his followers save money.
On The Martin Lewis Podcast, the Money-Saving Expert encouraged his fans to share their favourite budget-friendly guilty pleasures, while sharing some of his own.
He discussed the concept of “retail snobbery”, especially in relation to groceries, suggesting that consumers often believe that “paying more will get you better”.
However, he pointed out: “We don’t actually have universal taste buds that work in exactly the same way. Some people will go ‘I don’t like the look, the sound, it looks a bit cheap and dirty,’ maybe you should try. You might actually prefer cheap and dirty on occasion.”
In an unusual segment, Lewis admitted that he would “actually pay more to get the cheaper option” when it comes to mint sauce and salt and vinegar crisps.
He told listeners:”Do not give me posh mint sauce and do not give me mint jelly. It’s just weak and vapid.”
Regarding crisps, the founder of MSE humorously stated: “Vinegary stuff, I want it to smack me in the face, I want my tongue to need surgery because it’s ripped raw. You don’t get that with the posh ones, you get ‘gentle tones of vinegar’,” he mimicked in a mocking tone, adding: “If it doesn’t hurt it doesn’t taste right! “.
The episode’s co-host, Chris Warburton, confessed his dislike for “ridiculous” gourmet sausage rolls. He said: “I want it basic, cheap, in a paper bag, hot, I want it greasy.”
The duo highlighted that a flood of listeners had chimed in with their thrifty tips, ranging from budget toilet paper to “cheap cheese slices” as an alternative to upscale burger toppings. Some staunchly stand by “home brand” or store brand for essentials like dishwasher tablets, while others controversially admitted they prefer these to Heinz for staples such as ketchup and beans.
Among the more unique cost-cutting tricks was Yvette’s concert strategy, opting for “watching blooming good tribute bands” instead of the original artists. She justified her choice, stating: “Usually a 10th of the price of the real thing and getting the same musical hit.”
Caroline from Cheshire confessed she would willingly “pay a lot more than they’re currently charging” for Sainsbury’s own-brand tortilla chips, which she believes “taste more authentic” compared to the pricier, over-seasoned alternatives.
One listener, Alan, set Martin’s enthusiasm ablaze with his preference for tap water over bottled, prompting the finance guru to express his delight at restaurants when faced with the “still or sparkling” query by proudly requesting: “Tap please! ” He humorously remarked: “You can take the boy out of the north..”
