Savvy money‑saving hacks include abandoning online baskets to trigger discounts

A poll of 2,000 adults found the UK is becoming a nation of money saving experts, with 38 per cent always looking for ways to save money on even the smallest, everyday purchases.

Furthermore, they are embracing smarter strategies to do so, with 66 per cent saying they often or always check reviews before buying anything and 56 per cent use comparison tools as part of their regular shopping routine.

Deal-hunting is also now firmly in the mainstream, with 19 per cent following “finfluencers” and online deal communities for tips, while 48 per cent look for money-saving advice from their family and friends. Perhaps as a result, 25 per cent said they feel more in control of their finances than ever before, as digital tools, social trends, and everyday habits redefine what “value” really 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.”

It also emerged 43 per cent expect more value for their money than they did two or three years ago. As this new wave of ‘smart spenders’ isn’t about doing without, it’s about doing things better, with 24 per cent now prioritising quality over quantity when making purchases, reflecting a more considered and intentional approach to spending.

Similarly, when it comes to gifting, 46 per cent will prioritise thoughtful presents over expensive ones. But it doesn’t just stop at shopping baskets, with 36 per cent trying to save money when it comes to socialising with friends and family. However, 26 per cent admitted they are still guilty of buying the occasional on-the-go coffee when they are trying to save cash.

Technology is one area where value matters most, with 96 per cent saying it’s important to look for good value when choosing these gadgets. Almost half (49 per cent) now research extensively before committing to these purchases.

In fact, tech tops the list of big‑ticket items where consumers demand the strongest balance of quality and value (56 per cent), followed by home appliances (50 per cent) and holidays (36 per cent). Six in 10 (61 per cent) added they now make fewer of these purchases but expect them to last longer.

When it comes to smartphones specifically, buyers said long battery life delivers the greatest sense of value (70 per cent), while others want to ensure they are getting bang for their buck with smooth performance (50 per cent) and a durable design (49 per cent).

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:

1. Using discount codes or cashback offers
2. Doing more research before making a big purchase
3. Checking reviews before buying something
4. Making coffee at home instead of buying it out
5. Walking or cycling short journeys
6. Making meals which use the same ingredients
7. Batch cooking
8. Only heating the rooms you’re actually using
9. Choosing low-cost social plans (e.g. walks, home dinners, park meetups)
10. Prioritising quality over quantity
11. Choosing low-cost social plans
12. Gifting more thoughtfully
13. Buying off season
14. Buying and selling on resale apps
15. Shopping at specific times for markdowns