Wallet Watchers Glasgow
Wallet Watchers in Glasgow: rain, rent and the rise of treat culture
The Wallet Watchers team, fronted by Married At First Sight’s Hannah Norburn, swapped sunshine for showers this month, heading north to a very wet Glasgow to talk about all things money, spending and saving.
As the cost of living continues to squeeze households across the UK, we wanted to know: how are Glaswegians coping and what’s their hard-earned cash going on?
It turns out the priorities are clear: food, rent and (sometimes not-so-little) luxuries, with a healthy dose of creativity when it comes to saving.
The big spends: food and little luxuries
When we asked locals what’s eating up their budget, the answer was unanimous: food and rent. Essentials are dominating wallets, with one local simply saying, “Rent price rises are insane.”
But even with tighter budgets, there are non-negotiables on their shopping lists. Jewellery and make-up featured heavily in conversations, with Vivienne Westwood, Michael Kors, Hollister, Boots and e.l.f. called out as their ride-or-die brands.
Interestingly, while few said they stick to one supermarket, brand loyalty for fashion and beauty remains strong, perhaps showing that affordable luxury still has power, even in tougher times.
The cutbacks: small changes, big impact
The message on spending was clear: Glaswegians are cutting back. Locals told us they’re buying fewer clothes – “I’m not buying things I’ll only wear a couple of times” – and scaling down on social bolt-ons like vapes, takeaways and alcohol.
One person summed it up bluntly: “It’s hardcore, it’s hard. Everything’s getting worse” and another made a poignant comparison “Do you eat, or do you heat your house?”
But within that honesty lies a sense of realism and resilience. People are rethinking habits, prioritising needs over wants, and finding new ways to stay in control.
Old school saving makes a comeback
When it comes to saving, Glasgow locals are getting inventive – and a little nostalgic.
Several people told us about their “cash in a box” strategy: physically taking money out and locking it away. One person proudly shared that they’d saved an impressive £600 this way.
Others are embracing a more modern approach, using high-yield savings accounts to separate spending and saving, or meal-prepping to keep food budgets steady.
And, of course, Christmas is already front of mind. Many are planning ahead for gifts for friends and family, proving that festive budgeting season has well and truly begun.
Black Friday fatigue
On the contrary, and what would have once been the marker of Christmas shopping truly beginning, Black Friday got a damp reception.
Glaswegians were united in their scepticism of the retail event, telling us “the deals aren’t worth it these days”, “the sites will all crash” and “everything you want is gone.”
It’s a sign of shifting priorities, people are less interested in impulse (and now often menial) discounts and more focused on meaningful, manageable spending.
The Takeaway
Rain or shine, Glasgow’s spirit stands strong.
Yes, times are tough. But whether it’s saving with a biscuit tin, cutting back on non-essentials or staying loyal to the brands they love, Glaswegians are proving that creativity and resilience go hand-in-hand.
Wallet Watchers will be back next month with more real stories about money, spending and saving across Britain.
Until then, maybe it’s time to dust off that old savings box – or open a high-yield account – and see how much you can stash away before Christmas.
