Trying to get the family to be MoneySavers

[Deleted User]

I’m a MoneySaver and in charge of all the financial affairs in my house, yet I cannot seem to persuade any members of my family to change products, my grandparents are on a British Gas SVR paying thousands over the price cap, earning 0.1% on Savings and won’t try rewards credit cards. Anyone else struggling to help their families save? Any tips?

Pollycat

Why won't anyone listen to you?

Can't they be bothered to change their habits?

Or do they think it's none of your business how they spend (waste) their money?

bouicca21

My children became money savers virtually overnight once they had to pay their own bills. If grandparents can afford it then that’s their right.  You could try showing them a fully worked out example of what they could save, but if they don’t want to bother, they don’t want to bother.

[Deleted User]

Thanks, they think it’s too much hassle and don’t trust anything else other than the very biggest names. I’ve even done a comparison in front of them and then they picked a different company. I’ve admitted defeat now and will only help if I’m asked.

[Deleted User]

I also think it’s their ways as I’ve helped someone I’ve never met (my Dad’s colleague) get a better mortgage. 

maman

GabiB said:

I’ve admitted defeat now and will only help if I’m asked.

That's good. Maybe they just don't respond well to being told what to do. 

theoretica

GabiB said:

Thanks, they think it’s too much hassle and don’t trust anything else other than the very biggest names. I’ve even done a comparison in front of them and then they picked a different company. I’ve admitted defeat now and will only help if I’m asked.

So now you know which deals to suggest - eg a better deal but still with British Gas. 

Fireflyaway

Some people are set in their ways! It's ok to make helpful suggestions but sometimes people just don't want to change. Maybe instead of making recommendations to them, just mention every now and again how happy you are because you saved x  by doing y and found a great bargain at such and such place. That will probably raise their curiosity and might work better than them being left feeling you are telling them what to do. 

[Deleted User]

theoretica said:

GabiB said:

Thanks, they think it’s too much hassle and don’t trust anything else other than the very biggest names. I’ve even done a comparison in front of them and then they picked a different company. I’ve admitted defeat now and will only help if I’m asked.

So now you know which deals to suggest - eg a better deal but still with British Gas. 

I showed them the switch from British Gas to British Gas from about 4 months ago and thought it was too much hassle, I’ve given up showing them stuff now!

[Deleted User]

maman said:

GabiB said:

I’ve admitted defeat now and will only help if I’m asked.

That's good. Maybe they just don't respond well to being told what to do. 

Exactly! 😉

goodwithsaving

Gabi, your profile says you're 13? If a 13 year old came talking to me about energy bills, mortgages and how I spent my money I'd tell them to get lost. A few decades older, I do now help my parents find better deals because I've shown that I can manage my own affairs and earn my own money. Ultimately there's things they won't shift on but they can afford it and it's their business, not mine.