OK so I've been eyeing those fancy video doorbells forever, but £100 for a doorbell? In THIS economy? My partner laughed when I mentioned it last Christmas. His response: "Maybe when we win the lottery."
But guys. GUYS. Aldi just changed the game.
The middle aisle strikes again
I was doom-scrolling through Aldi's upcoming Specialbuys (don't judge me, it's my Thursday morning ritual with coffee) when I spotted something that made me do a double-take. A video doorbell for £16.99! That's not a typo. Seventeen quid for what looks suspiciously like a Ring doorbell that normally costs around £60-100.
The price difference is bonkers - we're talking 72% cheaper than the real Ring. I showed my dad who bought a Ring last year and he just sighed deeply. Poor Dad. Always paying full price for everything.
What's the catch though?
Listen. I've been burned by too many "dupes" that turned out to be absolute garbage. Remember those AirPod knockoffs from 2018 that lasted approximately 45 minutes before dying forever? I still feel stupid about spending £30 on those.
But this Aldi doorbell actually looks... decent? It does teh basic stuff you'd want - lets you answer your door from literally anywhere, see who's there, and talk to them. It's got different chime options and sends notifications to your phone. The indoor part plugs into any USB device, and they even include rechargeable batteries for the outdoor bit.
The subscription nightmare
Here's where Ring gets you.
With the actual Ring doorbell, you get the basic features free - seeing who's there, talking to them, etc. But if you want to actually SAVE any footage (which is kinda the whole point), you're looking at £4.99 a month FOREVER. That's nearly £60 a year just to keep recordings!
I texted my friend Sarah who has a Ring and she confirmed she's paying about £50 annually for the subscription. "It adds up," she wrote, "but what choice do I have now that it's installed?"
Other options that won't make your wallet cry
I've been researching alternatives because I'm that person who spends 4 hours comparing products to save £8.
Argos has the Blink doorbell for about £30, and Amazon sells the Tapo D210 for £45ish. Both have decent reviews, adn the Tapo lets you use a microSD card instead of paying a subscription, which is pretty clever.
One reviewer who switched from Ring to Tapo wrote: "I was fed up with the increasing charge to store the footage, which has increased by approx 100% since I bought it." I feel that in my soul.
Why I'm probably going to be at Aldi on Thursday morning
Look, I'm not saying Aldi's version will be as good as the premium options. It's obviously more basic.
But for £17? Come on.
The ability to see who's at my door before opening it (especially after dark), telling delivery drivers where to leave packages when I'm out, and potentially scaring off anyone dodgy... all for less than the price of two cinema tickets and popcorn?
My partner bet me £20 it'll break within a month, which means if it lasts longer than that, I actually MAKE money on this purchase. That's just smart economics.
The middle aisle madness begins...
Just remember these Specialbuys hit stores on Thursday, and if you've ever witnessed the Aldi middle aisle frenzy, you know how it goes. People turn into absolute animals over discounted power tools and garden furniture.
I still have flashbacks to the Great Air Fryer Stampede of 2022. Never again.
So if you want one, maybe set your alarm. I'll be there at opening, probably still in my pajama bottoms with a travel mug of coffee, fighting some grandmother for the last video doorbell.
And I'm not even sorry about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between saving and investing?
Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.
What are credit scores and why are they important?
Credit scores are numerical representations of an individual's creditworthiness, calculated based on credit history, payment behavior, and debt levels. They are important because they impact the ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and favorable interest rates, affecting overall financial health.
How can I start saving for retirement?
To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
How can I improve my credit score?
To improve your credit score, make timely payments on all debts, reduce credit card balances, avoid opening unnecessary credit accounts, and regularly check your credit report for errors, disputing any inaccuracies. Maintaining a mix of credit types and keeping old accounts open can also be beneficial.
What is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
How can I budget my money effectively?
To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.
What are the different types of money?
The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.
Statistics
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
- According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
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How To
How To Plan for Major Expenses
Planning for major expenses requires careful thought and budgeting. Start by identifying upcoming significant costs, such as home repairs, medical expenses, or a new vehicle. Research the estimated costs associated with these expenses, and create a timeline for when the payments will be due. Develop a savings plan by determining how much you need to set aside each month to meet your goal by the target date. Consider using a high-yield savings account to earn interest on your savings. Regularly review and adjust your plan as needed, ensuring you stay on track to meet your financial obligations without incurring debt.
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