Why buying in bulk isn't always best

Trying to cut back on spending? You’re not alone. But while there’s no shortage of money-saving tips out there, not all of them actually save you money. In fact, some popular hacks can end up costing you more if you’re not careful.

Here are six common money-saving myths – and how to avoid falling for them.

Myth 1: Bulk buying always saves money

It’s easy to think that bigger means better value. But that’s not always the case.

A 4-pack of loo roll might cost £1.60 (40p per roll), while a 12-pack labelled “value” at £3 could work out at 25p per roll. In that case, bulk buying is worth it. But sometimes it’s the opposite. And unless you check the unit price (per item, per 100g, per litre etc.), you could end up paying more.

Even when the bulk option is cheaper, it only counts as a saving if you actually use everything. Multi-buy deals like 3-for-£10 meat or giant bags of fruit often lead to waste if you can’t get through it all. And a 5kg bag of rice is only a bargain if it doesn’t sit unused in the cupboard for years.

Top tip: Always check the unit price and ask yourself whether you’ll use it all before it goes off or gets forgotten.

Myth 2: Growing your own veg is cheaper

Growing your own food sounds like a great way to save - and it can be. But the startup costs can sneak up on you.

Compost, fertiliser, seeds, tools, planters... It’s easy to spend £50+ before you’ve even planted anything. And if you're only growing a few herbs or lettuces, it could end up costing more than just buying them at the supermarket.

The good news is you don’t need to splash out. You can reuse containers like buckets or washing-up bowls (just drill some drainage holes). And check community groups or local allotments for free seeds, compost or tools.

Top tip: Start small and stick to growing fruit or veg that are more expensive to buy and that you’ll actually eat.

Myth 3: Cheaper brands always save you money

Switching to value brands can work well, but it’s not always a guaranteed win.

Sometimes the cheaper version doesn’t go as far. For example, you might need to use twice as much washing-up liquid or laundry powder to get the same results. And cheap bin bags or foil might tear more easily, so you end up using more.

That doesn’t mean you should avoid cheaper brands altogether. Many are just as good. But it’s worth testing and tracking what actually offers the best value.

Top tip: Value doesn’t always mean lowest price. It’s about quality and how long things last. Try a few swaps at a time and keep what works for you.

Myth 4: Turning everything off will slash your energy bills

Turning off appliances and not leaving lights on is good practice, but some energy-saving habits make a much bigger impact than others.

Unplugging your phone charger might save you a few pence a year. But turning your thermostat down by just 1°C could save over £100 a year. Draught-proofing, using energy-efficient settings, and cutting back on hot water use can also make a big difference.

Top tip: Focus on changes that affect heating, hot water, and large appliances. These are the biggest energy users in most homes.

Myth 5: Making everything from scratch is always cheaper

Cooking from scratch can be a great way to save, but it’s not always the cheapest or most practical option.

Buying 15 different ingredients to cook one fancy recipe from scratch might cost more than grabbing a decent ready meal. And if some of those ingredients go off before you use them again, it’s money wasted.

Batch cooking, using store-cupboard staples, and planning meals around what you already have in can save money. But don’t feel guilty for taking shortcuts when needed, especially if it stops you reaching for a more expensive takeaway.

Top tip: Plan simple meals that use similar ingredients and only cook from scratch when it works with your time, budget and energy.

Myth 6: Paying in cash helps you spend less

This one depends on how you manage your money. Some people find that using cash helps them stick to a budget - once it’s gone, it’s gone. But for others, cash can be harder to track.

If you don’t keep receipts or check your balance regularly, it’s easy to forget where the money went. Plus, many shops are now card-only, making cash less practical day to day.

Digital banking tools can actually help some people manage money better, with instant notifications, spending limits, and budgeting apps that break down where your money goes.

Top tip: Use the method that helps you feel most in control – whether that’s envelopes of cash or spending trackers on your phone.

Not every money-saving tip is worth following

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to saving money. Some tips can be genuinely helpful, while others might not work for you, or could end up costing more.

Before jumping on the latest “hack”, it’s worth taking a moment to sense-check it:

• Will I actually use it?
• Have I compared the prices properly?
• Is there a cheaper or simpler way to do this?
• Does it suit my budget and lifestyle?

The best money-saving habits are the ones that actually save you money, not just the ones that sound good on paper.