Brits love to brag about finding a great deal, survey finds

A third of Brits admit the best thing about making a savvy purchase is bragging about the savings.

A study of 2,000 adults found 49 per cent of those who shop around love to score savings on big-ticket items, like smart home tech, cars and designer gear.

These thrifty finds make 42 per cent feel happy and proud while 35 per cent admit the best part of saving on a purchase is telling partners, friends and colleagues about it.

Negotiating a good price on bills, finding travel deals or saving money with bulk buys were the top purchases respondents want to boast about.

While proudly sharing news of a great offer on energy efficient appliances and expensive designer clothing snagged for less were also on the list.

It also emerged 61 per cent feel happy when they save money while doing their bit for the environment.

While more than one in 10 (14 per cent) get a kick out of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ by letting a neighbour know about their savvy savings.

More than three fifths (63 per cent) get the most satisfaction from finding a great deal or discount on something they were already planning to buy.

The study was commissioned by connected smart home brand, Hive [www.hivehome.com], makers of eco tech products like smart thermostats and energy efficient lighting.

The company has partnered with solar subscription provider, Sunsave, to help homeowners save on their energy bills with solar.

Susan Wells, director, EV and Solar at Hive, which has also created an interactive map of the UK showing where the smartest – and proudest – spenders live, said: “Brits love finding a great deal on things they already plan to buy, and it’s even more rewarding when those savings come with a positive environmental impact.

“Savvy, smart and sustainable savings are at the core of what we offer.”

The study also showed 54 per cent of those polled via OnePoll have actively made efforts to outsmart their friends or neighbours by landing better deals.

This drive for financial savviness is especially pronounced among younger generations with 71 per cent of Gen Z, aged up to 27 and Millennials, aged 28 to 43, trying to one-up their peers in securing advantageous offers.

And the thrill of sharing news of their savings is also highest in Gen Z and Millennials with 50 per cent of these younger generations enjoying this compared with 25 per cent of all the older generations combined.

And 54 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials are also looking to invest in sustainable solutions like solar panels.

Londoners are particularly fond of sharing their financial triumphs (53 per cent) – compared to just 38 per cent of Scots and 36 per cent of people in Wales – who are more modest about their money-saving wins.

TOP 15 SAVVY PURCHASES BRITS BRAG ABOUT:

1. Negotiating bills (e.g, internet, insurance)
2. Travel deals or cheap flights
3. Buying in bulk (e.g, toilet paper, cleaning products)
4. Discounted or off-season clothing
5. Bulk buying groceries
6. Energy-efficient appliances
7. Buying an expensive designer item of clothing for a lot less than the original price (i.e. sample sales)
8. DIY home improvements
9. Tools for energy efficiency e.g, thermostats, TRV’s, lightbulbs, smart plugs
10. Recycled or upcycled furniture
11. Solar panels
12. Streaming services over cable subscriptions
13. Fixed-rate mortgages or refinancing
14. Refurbished electronics
15. Getting a good deal on a house or apartment in an up-and-coming area