God. Don't you just love it when you stumble across something so ridiculously good that you have to tell everyone? That's exactly what happened to me last week when I popped into B&M for some cleaning supplies and ended up leaving with something that's saved me over 150 quid.
The perfume discovery that made my wallet sing
So there I was, wandering the aisles at B&M (originally just looking for those fabric softener beads my mum swears by), when I spotted this little bottle labeled "Scent Favourites Floral Burst Pour Femme EDT" for just £3.99. My first thought? "Yeah right, probably smells like cheap air freshener." But for four quid, I figured why not give it a sniff?
Holy. Moly.
It smelled EXACTLY like Viktor&Rolf's Flowerbomb - you know, that fancy perfume that costs a ridiculous £155 a bottle. I'm not even exaggerating. My sister-in-law wears the real thing, and I've spent years being jealous of how amazing she smells at family gatherings.
£151.01 saved... but does it actually last?
That's teh question I kept asking myself as I sprayed it on in the car park (impatient much?). Back in 2021, I bought a designer perfume dupe from a different shop and it lasted approximately 37 minutes before disappearing completely. What a waste of £12.
But this B&M gem? I sprayed it at 8am, and by late afternoon, my colleague Jen leaned over during a meeting and whispered, "Is that Flowerbomb you're wearing?" When I told her it was a £3.99 B&M special, her response: "You're lying. No way." Had to show her the bottle the next day to prove it.
What's the catch? (There's always something...)
The bottle isn't fancy. It's not going to look impressive on your dressing table next to your expensive skincare that you bought during that 3am insomnia shopping spree. And I've noticed it doesn't last quite as long as the designer version - maybe 5-6 hours rather than all day.
But for the price difference, I could literally buy 38 bottles of this stuff for the cost of one designer bottle. I'll just throw it in my bag and reapply if needed!
Other shoppers are losing their minds too
Apparently I'm not the only one who's discovered this little gem. The Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group is going wild over it. One woman commented that she'd been wearing it for weeks and her husband hadn't noticed she'd switched from the expensive stuff.
Another shopper mentioned finding "Exotic Affair" at B&M which apparently smells just like Mugler Alien. Guess where I'm heading after work tomorrow?
Easter shopping? Here's when you can grab your own
If you're planning to rush out for your own bottle (and honestly, why wouldn't you?), just remember B&M has some weird Easter hours coming up. They're closed completely on Easter Sunday in England and Wales, though Scottish stores stay open because... well, Scotland always has to be different, doesn't it?
For everyone else, they're open Good Friday 8am-10pm, Saturday 7am-10pm, and then back open Easter Monday 8am-10pm.
I'm genuinely thinking about buying 5 bottles in case they discontinue it. My husband will roll his eyes when he sees yet another "emergency" B&M purchase, but he'll get over it when I remind him how much I'm saving us.
And if anyone asks where your perfume is from? Just wink and say "it's designer." Technically, you're not lying...
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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.
What is the role of central banks in the economy?
Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.
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 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 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.
Statistics
- In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
- 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.
- As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- 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 return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
External Links
How To
How To Create a Personal Budget That Works
Creating a personal budget involves several key steps. First, assess your income by totaling all sources of revenue, including salary, bonuses, and side hustles. Next, categorize your expenses into fixed (rent, utilities) and variable (groceries, entertainment). Track your spending for at least a month to gather accurate data. Once you have this information, allocate a specific amount for each category while ensuring your total expenses do not exceed your income. Remember to include savings as a line item in your budget. Review and adjust your budget regularly to reflect changes in income or expenses, which will help you stay on track financially.
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