Listen, I've been hunting bargains for years, but this one actually made me do a double-take in the middle of Home Bargains.
So there I was, minding my own business in the beauty aisle (okay, fine, I was specifically hunting for deals because that's what I do), when I spotted this Soleil styling set just sitting there like it belonged. Price tag: £39.99. Original price: £260.
I literally had to check three times because my brain couldn't process teh math.
The Facebook Frenzy That Followed
Obviously, I wasn't the only one who noticed. Someone in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group posted about it, saying they weren't sure if these had been shared before or if they were any good, but the online reviews looked promising. £40 down from £260 for a curling tong, straightener, and hot brush.
The comments section exploded faster than my last attempt at using a curling iron.
One person wrote: "Honestly both are very good. Straighteners are better than my admittedly very old GHD's. Styling brush was also really good, prefer it to the round brush on my Dyson Air Wrap."
Better than GHDs? Better than a Dyson attachment?
Another shopper chimed in with the simple but effective: "I've got this it's really good."
When I Checked the Official Prices, My Jaw Hit the Floor
Here's where it gets absolutely ridiculous. If you went to the official Soleil website right now and bought just the straightener on its own, you'd pay up to £385. The hot brush? £342.
So we're talking about getting three tools for less than the price of one. The math is so good it feels illegal.
The Catch (Because There's Always One)
You can't get this deal online. Nope, you've got to drag yourself to an actual Home Bargains store, which honestly feels very 2019 of them.
And here's my pro tip that I learned the hard way after driving to three different stores last month for a different deal: call ahead. Seriously. Save yourself the disappointment and the petrol money.
You can find your nearest store by going to storelocator.home.bargains - though honestly, if you're anything like me, you probably already know where your local one is.
My Tried-and-Tested Home Bargains Strategy
Since we're talking about Home Bargains anyway, let me share what actually works when you're hunting for deals there.
First thing: shop around before you buy anything. I use PriceSpy and Latest Deals religiously, plus Google Shopping. Takes two minutes and has saved me from making some really stupid purchases.
Second: get there early. Like, really early. Tom Church (deals expert who knows his stuff) told me that most larger Home Bargains stores get their deliveries around 7:30am every day. First come, first served situation.
And here's something I wish someone had told me years ago - actually look at the stuff near the entrance. Tom explained it perfectly: "Often, Home Bargains keeps the best deals at the front to lure you in. You don't want to walk straight past them on the way in!"
I've been guilty of this so many times it's embarrassing.
The whole thing with Home Bargains is that they're brilliant for dupes of expensive products. Sometimes you get lucky and find the actual expensive product marked down to nothing, like this Soleil situation.
Sometimes you just find something that does the same job for a fraction of the price.
Either way, my hair routine just got a major upgrade for £40, adn I'm not complaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main functions of money?
The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.
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 is the definition of money?
Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.
What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?
An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.
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 the risks associated with investing in the stock market?
Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.
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.
Statistics
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
External Links
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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