Why I Always Grab My Tesco Receipt (And It's Not What You Think)

By HOAR Team 9 June, 2025 5 mins read 108 Views

Last Tuesday, I watched this woman in front of me at Tesco just walk away from her receipt. Left it sitting there like trash.

I wanted to chase after her and yell "YOU'RE THROWING AWAY FREE MONEY!" But that would've been weird. So instead, I'm telling you.

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The Thing Nobody Talks About

Here's what happened to me back in March 2024: I'm checking my receipt like always (yeah, I'm that person), and there it is - a voucher for 10kg of rock salt. Not discounted. FREE. The whole bag cost me exactly £0.00 and I walked out feeling like I'd won the lottery.

My neighbor thought I was nuts when I showed up with enough salt to de-ice half the street. "Why do you even need this much?" Fair question. But free is free, right?

It's Not Just Salt

The freebies are everywhere if you actually look. I've seen people score free nappies (worth like £15 a pack), biscuits, fabric softener... one guy on Facebook got £6 worth of M&S chocolate cookies for nothing. Nothing!

Most of these deals are tied to your Clubcard, which is free anyway so there's literally no excuse not to have one. The computer picks you randomly for these targeted promotions, and boom - free stuff appears on your receipt.

How This Actually Works

The vouchers print right alongside your receipt. Sometimes they're at the bottom, sometimes mixed in with the regular text. They'll say something like "FREE [item name]" in plain English - no cryptic codes or fine print nonsense.

You just take the receipt back to customer service (or sometimes any till) and they hand you the item. That's it.

But here's the catch - these things expire. Usually within a few weeks. So you can't hoard receipts from 2022 and expect them to work.

Everyone's Doing It Wrong

I posted about this in a local Facebook group and the responses were... depressing. "I never look at my receipts." "I throw them away immediately." "Too much hassle."

Too much hassle? It takes 30 seconds!

One woman said she'd been shopping at Tesco for 15 years and never knew about this. FIFTEEN YEARS of missed freebies. I felt genuinely bad for her.

Other Stores Are Playing This Game Too

Sainsbury's does it with their Nectar Card. M&S has their Sparks thing (though you need to join their parenting club for some offers, which is weird but whatever). Even smaller chains are getting in on this.

The supermarkets aren't advertising this heavily because... well, why would they? It's better for them if only some people claim the freebies.

My New Routine

Now I always check my receipt before I even leave the store. Right there by the self-checkout, I scan through the whole thing. Takes maybe 45 seconds max.

If there's a freebie, I grab it immediately. If not, no big deal - but at least I know.

Last month alone I've saved probably £25 on random stuff I would've bought anyway. That's £300 a year if the pattern holds. For checking receipts.

So next time you're at Tesco, don't be like that woman who walked away from her receipt. Be like me - the slightly obsessive person who actually reads the fine print and goes home with free salt.

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 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.

How does inflation affect the value of money?

Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.

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.

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.

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.

Statistics

As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
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 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 study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.

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How To

How To Manage Debt Wisely

Managing debt wisely involves understanding your financial obligations and creating a structured repayment plan. Begin by listing all debts from smallest to largest, including interest rates and minimum payments. Consider using the snowball method, where you focus on paying off the smallest debts first, which can provide motivation. Alternatively, the avalanche method prioritizes debts with the highest interest rates to minimize overall interest paid. Make consistent payments above the minimum on your chosen debts while maintaining regular payments on others. Additionally, consider consolidating high-interest debts into a single loan with a lower rate, which can simplify your payments and reduce interest costs.