5 MINUTES WITH...
TV presenter Anna Richardson, 50, fronting a new consumer series to help us cut costs and reduce outgoings – with a group of experts dishing out advice…
What can we expect from this new series? Ingenious moneysaving tips and tricks for home improvements, food and our household budgets. Following the pandemic, lots of us need to sort out our finances – and lives. My job is to encourage people to chip away at their bad financial habits and get control back.
Tell us about the families?
What really stands out is the fact that they are really unaware of the amount of money they overspend each month, and in what areas. One of the families is spending £400 a month more than they actually earn, owing to a clothes-shopping habit and other luxuries. They’re burying their heads in the sand and are unwilling to talk about money. How satisfying is it to help?
It’s massively satisfying to be able to say, “OK guys, get your heads out of the sand because we can help you to save at least £1,000 in a really short space of time.” I challenge anybody to watch this show and not to be able to take at least one tip from it – it’s going to speak to all of us.
What would be your top tip for saving money?
Tackle your finances. Don’t put it off and don’t stay loyal to companies and let your utility bills roll over. Chop and change as much as you need to get the best deal.
What lengths would you go to in order to save a grand?
I’d get our crack team [chef Gary Usher – who’s creating affordable grub, decorating expert Eve Humphreys and “professional organiser” Peachy Clean] into my home to sort me out! I’ve already talked to Peachy about clearing out my wardrobe – then I can sell all the clothes that I’m just not wearing…