If you’re an avid online shopper or someone who wants to save money on utility bills, you’ve probably come across the site Money Saving Expert. But the question on most people’s minds is, is Money Saving Expert legit? Well, I did some digging around to find out for myself whether it is a reliable and trustworthy source for money-saving tips.
My first impression of the site was that it looked a bit plain and outdated, but hey, don’t judge a book by its cover, right? The site boasts of a vast array of advice on cutting bills for households, as well as ways to find the best deals on anything from holidays to insurance policies. But of course, anyone can make claims about their credibility. So, I set out to do some proper research.
After spending a considerable amount of time reading through the different sections of the site and taking some tips for a test drive, I can say that Money Saving Expert does offer some legit advice. However, as with anything online, it’s always essential to exercise caution and do your due diligence. But overall, I believe that the site can be an excellent resource if you’re looking to save money in various aspects of your life.
Who is Money Saving Expert?
Money Saving Expert is a UK-based consumer finance information website that helps people save money through advice, deals, and tools. The site was founded in 2003 by Martin Lewis, a financial journalist who aimed to provide the best money-saving advice for everyone.
Since then, Money Saving Expert has become a go-to resource for millions of people in the UK, with over 15 million monthly users. The site covers a wide range of topics, including banking, credit cards, mortgages, loans, insurance, and utilities. It provides users with a vast array of money-saving tips, guides, and calculators, all free of charge.
- Money Saving Guides: A series of comprehensive guides on different topics, from how to cut energy bills, to how to get the best mortgage deals.
- Money Saving Tools: A selection of tools such as calculators, template letters, and budgeting tools to help users manage their finances wisely.
- Money Saving Forum: The site’s online forum allows users to discuss and share money-saving ideas and advice on various topics and connect with other users.
The site’s founder Martin Lewis is a well-known TV and radio presenter, author, and journalist who is frequently called upon for his expert opinion on money matters. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the financial industry, he has become a trusted voice on consumer finance in the UK and beyond.
How does Money Saving Expert work?
If you are looking for practical ways to save money, Money Saving Expert is a valuable platform to consider. It provides tips, advice, and tools that can help you reduce your expenses, find better deals on products and services, and manage your finances better. Money Saving Expert works in the following ways:
- Expert Advice: The website provides expert advice on various topics, including banking, credit cards, insurance, mortgage, savings, and shopping. The advice is written by financial experts and journalists who have years of experience in the industry.
- Forums: Money Saving Expert has an active forum where members can discuss money-saving tips, share experiences, and ask for advice. The forum has different categories, including budgeting, travel, and utilities, among others. Members can also post deals and offers they’ve found.
- Tools & Calculators: The website has a range of tools and calculators to help users manage their finances better. These include a budget planner, mortgage calculator, savings booster, and a Quick Cash Finder tool that helps you find ways to earn extra cash.
Money Saving Expert also provides a range of beginner’s guides that can help users navigate various financial products and services. These guides are written in simple language and provide step-by-step instructions on how to save money or get a better deal on a particular product or service.
If you’re looking for deals, Money Saving Expert maintains a section of the website dedicated to finding the best deals and offers. The deals are categorized by product or service, and members can vote on whether they think the deal is hot or cold.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Provides expert advice on various financial products and services | The website can be overwhelming for new users |
| Active forum where members can discuss money-saving tips and deals | Some deals may no longer be available by the time you find them |
| Range of tools and calculators to help users manage their finances better | Some deals may require users to sign up for a particular service or product |
In summary, Money Saving Expert is a legitimate platform that provides a range of tools, advice, and deals to help users save money and manage their finances better. Whether you’re looking to save money on your mortgage, credit card, or utilities, Money Saving Expert has the resources to help you achieve your financial goals.
Tips and tricks from Money Saving Expert
Money Saving Expert is a popular website in the UK that offers a plethora of tips and tricks for saving money. Their website has a variety of resources that cater to different needs, budgets, and lifestyles. They offer advice on everything from how to save money on energy bills to how to get cheap train tickets. Here are some of the best tips and tricks from Money Saving Expert:
- Switch to a cheaper energy supplier – Money Saving Expert suggests that you should switch your energy supplier to save money on your utility bills. They have a comparison service that shows you the best deals available in your area.
- Use cashback websites – If you shop online, you can earn cashback on your purchases by using websites like TopCashback and Quidco. Money Saving Expert recommends signing up to these sites to save money on your purchases.
- Get freebies – Money Saving Expert regularly posts freebies on their website. These can range from free samples of beauty products to free cinema tickets. Keep an eye on their website to see what freebies are available.
How to get the best deals on holidays
If you want to save money on your next holiday, Money Saving Expert has plenty of advice on how to get the best deals. Here are some of their top tips:
- Book early – Money Saving Expert recommends booking your holiday as early as possible to get the best deals. They suggest booking at least six months in advance to save money.
- Compare prices – Use comparison websites to compare prices on flights, hotels, and package holidays. Money Saving Expert recommends sites like Skyscanner, Trivago, and Kayak.
- Be flexible – If you’re flexible on your travel dates, you can often save money. Money Saving Expert suggests checking flights and hotel prices on different dates to find the cheapest options.
How to save money on your groceries
Money Saving Expert also has plenty of advice on how to save money on your groceries. Here are some of their top tips:
Plan your meals – Money Saving Expert recommends planning your meals for the week ahead and making a shopping list. This will help you avoid buying unnecessary items and save money.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use vouchers and coupons | Check websites like VoucherCodes.co.uk and SuperSavvyMe for money-off coupons on your favourite products. |
| Buy own-brand products | Own-brand products are often cheaper than branded products. Money Saving Expert suggests trying own-brand products to see if you can save money. |
| Shop at discount supermarkets | Discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl can offer huge savings on your grocery shopping. |
By following these tips and tricks from Money Saving Expert, you can save money on everything from your energy bills to your weekly shop.
Is Money Saving Expert a reliable source of information?
Money Saving Expert is a popular website in the UK, known for providing expert advice on saving, spending, and investing money. Founded by Martin Lewis in 2003, the website has grown to become one of the most trusted sources of financial information in the country, with over 14 million monthly users.
Pros of Money Saving Expert
- Money Saving Expert is an independent platform that focuses on providing unbiased advice to its users.
- The website has a team of experienced writers who research and produce high-quality content on a regular basis.
- The website offers a wide range of tools and resources, including calculators, guides, and videos, to help users manage their finances effectively.
Cons of Money Saving Expert
There are a few drawbacks to consider when using Money Saving Expert as a source of financial information:
- The website receives commission from some of the products and services it recommends, which can create a potential conflict of interest.
- The website tends to focus on UK-based financial products and regulations, so it may not be as relevant for users living outside the country.
- Some users have reported that the website can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate, especially for those who are not familiar with financial terminology.
Verdict on Money Saving Expert
Overall, Money Saving Expert is a reliable source of financial information, as long as users are aware of its limitations and potential biases. It’s important to do your own research and consider multiple sources of information before making any financial decisions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Independent platform | Receives commission from some products and services |
| Experienced team of writers | Primarily focuses on UK-based financial products and regulations |
| Offers a wide range of tools and resources | Website can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate |
Ultimately, Money Saving Expert can be a helpful resource for those looking to improve their financial literacy and make more informed decisions with their money.
Comparing Money Saving Expert to other financial advice websites
Money Saving Expert is a well-known website that provides financial advice, resources, and tools to help people save money. While there are many other financial advice websites out there, Money Saving Expert stands out in several ways.
- Depth of information: Money Saving Expert covers a wide range of topics related to personal finance, from dealing with debt to maximizing credit card rewards. The site has a reputation for providing thorough, in-depth information on each topic.
- User-friendly design: Money Saving Expert is designed to be easy to navigate, with clear categories and helpful search functionality. This makes it simple for users to find the information they need quickly.
- No-nonsense approach: Money Saving Expert is known for cutting through the jargon and providing straightforward advice that helps people take action. The site’s founder, Martin Lewis, has a reputation for being a trusted voice in the personal finance space.
That being said, there are other financial advice websites that are worth considering. Here are a few of the most popular:
- The Balance: The Balance provides a wide range of personal finance articles and tools, focused primarily on budgeting, saving, and investing.
- Investopedia: Investopedia is a comprehensive financial education website that covers everything from basic investing concepts to complex financial instruments.
- NerdWallet: NerdWallet is a site that focuses on personal finance tools and recommendations for credit cards, banking, and investing.
Ultimately, the best financial advice website for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. However, if you’re looking for thorough, user-friendly advice that cuts through the noise, Money Saving Expert is a great place to start.
If you want to compare the features of these websites, here’s a table of how they stack up:
| Website | Topics covered | User-friendly design | No-nonsense approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money Saving Expert | Wide range, in-depth | Clear categories, helpful search | Straightforward advice |
| The Balance | Budgeting, saving, investing | Simple design, easy to navigate | Covers a range of topics, but not as thorough as Money Saving Expert |
| Investopedia | Wide range, in-depth | Simple design, easy to navigate | Covers a range of topics, but not as straightforward as Money Saving Expert |
| NerdWallet | Credit cards, banking, investing | Clear categories, helpful search | Gives recommendations, but not as straightforward as Money Saving Expert |
Overall, each of these sites has its strengths and weaknesses. However, Money Saving Expert is a great resource for those looking for thorough, user-friendly financial advice with a no-nonsense approach.
The impact of Money Saving Expert on personal finance decisions
Money Saving Expert (MSE) is a popular website that provides free advice and tools to help consumers save money on a wide range of financial products. MSE was founded in 2003 by financial journalist Martin Lewis and has since become one of the most recognizable brands in the UK. The site’s popularity has had a significant impact on personal finance decisions, encouraging millions of people to take control of their finances and become more savvy consumers.
MSE’s influence on personal finance decisions can be seen in a number of ways:
- Increased awareness of financial products: MSE helps consumers understand the wide range of financial products available to them and how they work. The site features in-depth reviews and comparisons of everything from savings accounts to credit cards, helping consumers make informed decisions about which products are best for them.
- Encouraging people to switch providers: MSE advocates for consumers to regularly review their financial products and switch to the best deals available. This has led to a rise in people switching providers and has put pressure on financial institutions to offer more competitive rates and products to compete with the best deals featured on MSE.
- Empowering consumers: MSE’s philosophy is to “cut your bills and fight your corner”, and the site provides consumers with the tools and information they need to take control of their finances. This has led to people feeling more empowered and confident when dealing with financial products and services.
MSE has also been instrumental in raising awareness of financial scams and has helped to educate people about how to spot and avoid them. This has had a positive impact on people’s personal finance decisions, as they are more likely to recognize potential scams and protect themselves from financial fraud.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| MSE provides free, independent advice to consumers. | The site can be overwhelming for people who are not familiar with financial products and terms. |
| The site is regularly updated with the latest deals and offers. | Some users may be skeptical of the site’s recommendations if they are not aware of the site’s reputation. |
| MSE has helped millions of people save money on their bills and financial products. | The site’s recommendations may not always be suitable for everyone’s individual financial circumstances. |
In conclusion, Money Saving Expert has had a significant impact on personal finance decisions. The site has empowered and educated millions of consumers, encouraging them to take control of their finances, and has helped to raise awareness of financial scams. While there are some potential negatives to using the site, the overall impact has been overwhelmingly positive for consumers.
Can using Money Saving Expert save you money in the long run?
Money Saving Expert is a website founded by Martin Lewis that provides free and impartial advice on how to save money on various aspects of your life. But the question is, can using Money Saving Expert save you money in the long run? The answer is a resounding yes, and we will explore how in this article.
- Switching providers: One of the primary ways Money Saving Expert can save you money in the long run is by helping you switch providers. Whether it’s your energy provider, broadband, or insurance, regularly switching can save you hundreds of pounds a year. Money Saving Expert provides a comparison tool that makes it easy to compare prices and switch providers.
- Utilizing deals and discounts: Money Saving Expert regularly publishes deals and discounts on various products and services. By keeping a lookout for these, you can save money on everything from groceries to electronics. The website also has a section on freebies, where you can get free samples of products.
- Budgeting tools: Money Saving Expert has several budgeting tools that can help you manage your finances. These include a budget planner, debt help, and a mortgage calculator. By using these tools, you can have a better understanding of your finances and make smarter decisions that can lead to long-term savings.
In addition to the above, Money Saving Expert also provides advice on various aspects of personal finance, such as credit scores, debt management, and savings. By following this advice, you can improve your financial situation and save money in the long run.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Money Saving Expert doesn’t charge anything for its services. All the advice and tools provided on the website are free to use. This means that you can save money without having to spend any.
| Benefits of using Money Saving Expert | Drawbacks of using Money Saving Expert |
|---|---|
| Free and impartial advice | Some deals and discounts may not be relevant to you |
| Easy switching provider comparison tool | Can be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of information available |
| Various budgeting tools available | May take time to find the best deals |
Overall, using Money Saving Expert can definitely save you money in the long run. By switching providers, utilizing deals and discounts, and using its budgeting tools, you can make smarter financial decisions and improve your financial situation. The website is free to use and provides impartial advice, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to save money.
Is Money Saving Expert Legit? FAQs
1. What is Money Saving Expert?
Money Saving Expert is a website founded by personal finance journalist Martin Lewis. It offers free advice on ways to save money, cut bills, and choose the best financial products.
2. Is Money Saving Expert safe to use?
Yes, Money Saving Expert is safe to use. The website uses SSL encryption to protect your personal information and is owned by the consumer champion group MoneySuperMarket.
3. Is Money Saving Expert completely free?
Yes, Money Saving Expert is completely free to use. They offer free advice, articles, tools, and guides to help you make better financial decisions.
4. Can you trust Money Saving Expert’s advice?
Yes, you can trust Money Saving Expert’s advice. They pride themselves on being unbiased, independent, and transparent. They also have a team of dedicated experts who research and review financial products before recommending them.
5. How does Money Saving Expert make money?
Money Saving Expert makes money by earning a commission from some of the financial products they recommend such as credit cards or insurance policies. However, they always disclose this information and it does not impact their recommendations.
6. Is Money Saving Expert only for UK residents?
Yes, Money Saving Expert is primarily focused on the UK market. However, some of the advice and tips can be useful for people living outside of the UK as well.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading this article on “Is Money Saving Expert Legit?” We hope that these FAQs have helped you understand more about this popular website. As a reminder, Money Saving Expert is a safe and legitimate source of financial advice, and their recommendations can be trusted. We encourage you to visit their website for more information and to start saving money today!