UK is becoming a nation of ‘smart spenders’, with savvy money-saving tips including discount codes, batch cooking and abandoning online baskets
A poll of 2,000 adults suggests the UK is becoming a nation of money-saving experts, with 38% admitting they are always on the look out for ways to cut costs, even on small everyday purchases. To help, one in five now turn to “finfluencers” and online deal communities for tips on securing better prices on everything from gifts to groceries.
According to the research found the hacks Brits swear by include abandoning online baskets in the hope of triggering a discount, and setting up new email accounts to access new-customer offers, and using use 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 new wave of ‘smart spenders’ isn’t about doing without, it’s about doing things better, with a quarter now prioritising quality over quantity when making purchases, reflecting a more considered and intentional approach to spending.
Four in ten expect more 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%) added they now make fewer of these purchases but expect them to last longer. With that (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
