Britons are increasingly turning to TikTok for ideas and tactics to remain afloat as the cost of living issue increases.
The social networking app is overflowing with low-cost meals and energy-saving tips, and the #costofliving hashtag has received more than 490 million views.
The public’s anxiety about rising costs has been exploited by content producers, who have shared tips on how to reduce expenditure in unique ways like taking a shower at the gym and charging your electronics at the workplace or while riding public transportation.
Even outside of the videos itself, people use the comment sections of well-known accounts to exchange advice and share their own tricks.
Before October 1, when the energy price limit established by regulator Ofgem would increase by up to 80% to reflect the growing cost of wholesale energy, one video advised charging all electronic gadgets.
Some commenters criticised the notion, pointing out that most iPhones need to be charged every day, but the original posting clarified that he was referring to ‘random gadgets’ that may not be used as regularly.
While this was going on, individuals in the comments section revealed they intended to utilise their workplaces as charging stations for their electronic gadgets.
“At work, my phone is always charging… I wait till the afternoon to charge the air pods, one customer stated.
Others said they charge power banks while at work so they can take them home and use them to recharge bigger devices.
Additionally, gym members are urged to take a shower right after rather than waiting until they get home.
The developers of this tip said that they are “going to the gym anyhow” and found it to be a decent method to reduce the cost of their electrical bills, despite the fact that it isn’t especially beneficial for those who aren’t actively utilising a gym membership.
Nowadays, I seldom take a shower at home, one artist said.
A other person continued: “Not even kidding, myself and my partner tried this and the water bill went from £85 to £28.”
As Britons try to save money on goods, the app is becoming overrun with inexpensive recipes.
Father-of-three Mitch Lane has more than a million followers on TikTok thanks to his cheap dinners that cost £5 or less and are simple to make at home.
When individuals were forced to stay at home during the original Covid lockdown without the option of going out to eat, his @mealsbymitch account initially gained popularity.
Pasta bake, churros, burgers, and chilli con carne are just a few of his specialties.
single mother
Jo Rourke manages the @thismumcooks TikTok account, where she provides viewers with advice on how to save the cost of their grocery shopping.
She said to Sky, “I just realised that a lot of people don’t really know how to purchase in bulk to save money, so I figured I’d start sharing these things, since it’s what I have to do.” It’s how I always shop and how I now shop.
“I have three kids and I’m a working single mom, so I know how difficult it can be since kids are under so much pressure to have certain things…” Finding a balance is important, especially right now.
“I believe that everyone will have difficulty.” Therefore, those who have traditionally had the means to eat anything they want will realise that they must start making alternative decisions.
Britons should take a heavy financial blow from the outrageous increases in food prices, with families facing a £533 increase in yearly shopping spending.
According to Fraser McKevitt, director of retail and consumer research at Kantar, the UK is now seeing the second-highest rate of food inflation since 2008.
August saw a rise in prices of 11.6%, the highest rate since the 2008 global financial crisis.
It implies that the typical household’s annual food cost would soar by £533, or £10.25 each week.
The increase was due to substantial price rises in necessities like milk and butter, which have increased by 25% and 23.5%, respectively, since last year.
According to recent industry statistics from market analysts Kantar, the prices of burgers, halloumi, and coleslaw are all 13%, 17%, and 14% more than they were at the same time last year.
Costs associated with the manufacturing of food have increased due to supply chain challenges and labour pressures, which are now being passed on to consumers.
For the 66 million people in the UK who will also be urged to reduce their consumption of gas and electricity in winter and even switch off the lights when the wind picks up, experts told MailOnline there is “no escape.”
The use of ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM may be discouraged. The action could help in averting possible outages this winter.
Even three-day weeks have been explored at schools, and courses may be merged to cut down on the amount of spaces that need to be heated each day.
Pubs are already turning down the lights as rising energy costs strike the struggling hospitality industry. Last orders are at 8.30 p.m. and doors close at 9 p.m., food service is discontinued, and venues are managed by skeleton crews to prevent bankruptcy. Even beer gardens are closing at night to save expenses.
Additionally, towns may decide to emulate Germany by lowering street lights and disabling traffic signals at calm intersections.