Charlie Herlihy, 26, and Sophia Woodcock, 24, have saved £1,600 per year living in London by adopting a strict "never pay full price" approach. The couple, who moved to the capital on entry-level salaries in 2025, use discount apps, reward credit cards, and careful planning to cut costs on everything from dining out to energy bills.
How They Save on Everyday Spending
Charlie, a graphic designer from London, explained that the habit started early. "Kind of our brand became we never pay full price for anything," he said. "I think mainly the reason it became a habit is anywhere you go you tap your card without thinking about it."
The couple maintain a "back catalogue" of apps and websites that offer deals. "Say we're planning a weekend we'll check certain websites for offers and places that are doing different discounts," Charlie added. "It takes 15 minutes in the morning but to plan it out is the most cost effective way of doing it."
Their methods include using the Paace app, which rewards users with coffees for hitting step goals, and Eat Club, which offers discounts at restaurants with unfilled tables. They also rely on First Table, an app that provides 50% off food bills for early diners.
Maximising Rewards and Energy Perks
The pair shop at Sainsbury's where possible because of an affiliate with Amex that earns four points per £1 spent, compared to £1 at other supermarkets. They also use Lidl Plus for in-store offers and check Ocado's 25% off deals.
For utilities, they use Octopus Energy, which offers perks like two-for-£8 cinema tickets, e-bike rides, and free coffees. Charlie said: "We use Octopus energy as it gives you stuff like two for £8 cinema tickets, e-bike rides around London and free coffees for literally paying your bills as you would with every other provider."
The couple also use a Gold Amex card for nearly all purchases, including tube taps, to accumulate Avios points. "You can build those up and buy flights, stuff like that," Charlie noted. "Our project we're working towards is return tickets to Singapore."
July Savings Breakdown
In July, the couple saved £137.02 through their various methods. Their utility savings included £11.96 on cinema trips via Octopus Energy and a free 30-minute Forats bike hire worth £10.90.
Food and drink savings were substantial. They bought four coffees through Paace, saving £16.60. Eat Club discounts on three dinners saved £11.21 on one bill, while First Table provided a 50% saving of £23.69 on a £65.38 bill. A London on the Inside offer reduced an £88.90 meal to £50.
Their Amex spending of £850 in July generated between £4.25 and £12.75 in Avios value, depending on redemption. They also use the Avios portal for online purchases to earn additional points.
Sophia is a "big advocate" for checking restaurant email promotions, recently paying nothing after using a £15 voucher and half-price ramen offer. The couple's next goal is return tickets to Singapore, having previously saved £12,000 in three months in 2022 to travel Southeast Asia for six months.
