Brits Turn to Clever Money-Saving Strategies in 2026
A recent survey of 2,000 adults in the UK has uncovered that the nation is increasingly adopting savvy money-saving hacks to stretch their budgets further. Among the most popular tactics are abandoning online shopping baskets to trigger automatic discounts and creating new email accounts to take advantage of customer offers. This shift reflects a broader trend where 38% of Brits are constantly on the lookout for ways to save money, even on small, everyday purchases.
The Rise of Smart Spending Habits
Deal-hunting has moved firmly into the mainstream, with 19% of respondents following financial influencers and online deal communities for tips. Additionally, 48% seek money-saving advice from family and friends. As a result, 25% report feeling more in control of their finances than ever before, as digital tools and social trends redefine the concept of value in 2026.
Annika Bizon from Samsung, which commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new Galaxy A57 5G smartphone, commented: "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."
Prioritising Quality and Thoughtfulness
The study highlights that 43% of Brits now expect more value for their money compared to two or three years ago. This new wave of 'smart spenders' is not about deprivation but about making better choices. For instance, 24% prioritise quality over quantity when making purchases, and 46% focus on thoughtful gifts rather than expensive ones when it comes to gifting.
Even socialising is not immune to cost-cutting measures, with 36% trying to save money when spending time with friends and family. However, 26% admitted they still occasionally splurge on on-the-go coffees despite their saving efforts.
Technology and Value Expectations
Technology emerges as a key area where value matters most, with 96% stating it's important to look for good value when choosing gadgets. Nearly half (49%) conduct extensive research before committing to tech purchases. In fact, technology tops the list of big-ticket items where consumers demand a strong balance of quality and value (56%), followed by home appliances (50%) and holidays (36%).
Six in 10 (61%) added that they now make fewer of these major purchases but expect them to last longer. When it comes to smartphones specifically, long battery life delivers the greatest sense of value for 70% of buyers, while others prioritise smooth performance (50%) and durable design (49%).
Annika Bizon added: "Brits want technology that works harder for them, helping them stay connected, informed and organised day-to-day."
Top 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
- Gifting more thoughtfully
- Buying off season
- Buying and selling on resale apps
- Shopping at specific times for markdowns
