Cost of living crisis: money saving tips from the people of Birmingham

The cost of living in the UK is said to be the highest in almost 30 years. Inflation rose to 5.4% in December and is predicted to hit 7% by spring.

Rising costs means consumers are having to pay more for the essentials - not just gas and electricity. Mortgage rates are rising, rents are rising and the cost of fuel is going up to.

BirminghamWorld asks the people of Birmingham if they have any tips on saving money.

Robert says: “So I haven’t really noticed prices going up as much but I think to save money or something, is just eat out less, like get more ingredients. Just cook for yourself, things like that.”

Josiah says: “Yeah, I agree. I haven’t really noticed the prices going up either, but what I do to save money is less Uber Eats - I feel like I order Uber Eats a lot and I stopped doing that and I saved a lot more cooking from home as well”

Biddy says: “Well I don’t live here but I have found because I’ve got family here that coming over here things have got dearer you know, and bit more expensive.

“But I would tell people to try and if they can maybe go online first and research a little bit to see, like, how they can save some money.”

Anna says: “Well, I think like just see if something’s on sale, just to buy during the sale or just see what is cheaper price, or compare all other shops as well.”

Angela says: “I have noticed it with food. I’ve got pets, pet food, furniture, stuff like that. I think the best thing to do is try and get, like, second hand stuff if you can - and food just fish around. You know like when I got reduced offers. And with heating that’s a bit iffy - if you’ve got kids it’s going to be hard but I think you just have to try your best really.”

Elizabeth says: “Just turn the heating down a little bit… It’s a hard one to answer - a hard one to do - because most people are turning the heating down already.

“That lady on the television yesterday - that poor old 70 year old lady that was on there yesterday - bawling her eyes out because she hadn’t had the heating on and she was sat in her dressing gown.

“That’s enough to make us all cry. If people haven’t got a heart and can notice that, I think the Government need to sort it out.”

Ian says: “I mean, do our government actually realise the amount of people that live hand to mouth?”

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