BRITS reckon the lessons they’ve learned from their dads over the years have saved them nearly £7,000.
A poll of 2,000 people with father figures found 51 per cent claim they are the most financially savvy people they know, with the average child adopting five money-saving habits from them.
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Brits reckon tips from their dads over the years have saved them nearly £7k Credit: SWNS
The most common pearl of wisdom was remembering to turn the lights off Credit: SWNS
In honour of Father’s Day, they shared their favourite pearls of wisdom hidden in the form of a ‘dadism’, including mantras like ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’ in reference to leaving a light on or a tap running, which have helped 64 per cent to form lucrative lifelong habits.
Constant commentary on how much things cost ‘back in his day’ (38 per cent) or differences in prices when travelling to a new city or country (25 per cent) has also taught 21 per cent to question the true value of items.
Other classic phrases from dads that have influenced their kids’ behaviour included “were you born in a barn?”, “close the fridge, you’re letting all the cold out”, and “it’s like the Blackpool illuminations in here”.
As a result of these sayings, 34 per cent now track and manage their own household bills very carefully, and 40 per cent are more mindful about turning things off when not in use.
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A spokesperson for Utilita, which commissioned the research to support its award winning High5 tips series, including to avoid standby and unplug gadgets to save £47, said: “Dads are often a source of wisdom, with lessons wrapped up in familiar sayings and everyday habits.
“Some of them might seem amusing at first, or lose their shine after you’ve heard them for the hundredth time, but they often stay with us.
“There’s something about those repeated phrases we hear throughout childhood that quietly sink in and stand the test of time.”
Other money saving lessons children have held onto included only ever buying what they can afford at the time (30 per cent) and staying on top of household maintenance – as preventing a problem is cheaper than fixing it (24 per cent).
DIY is a key area dads influence their kids in, with 23 per cent saying they’ve taken up this pastime in an attempt to repair rather than replace whenever possible.
It turns out fathers also commonly share DIY knowledge through hacks intended to save cash or resources, with 53 per cent being suggested methods like sealing gaps around windows to prevent draughts or putting tin foil behind radiators.
Eight in 10 have also received general household energy-saving advice from their dads, with 94 per cent adopting at least some of these practices.
DADS’ TOP 20 TIPS FOR SAVING ENERGY:
Turn the lights off even if leaving the room for five minutes
Don’t leave the water running while brushing teeth
Bleed your radiators regularly
Don’t overfill the kettle, just use the water you need
Wear a jumper instead of putting the heating on
Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
Unplug gadgets and appliances or turn off sockets when not in use
Air dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer
Don’t leave devices charging overnight
Take your own bags to the shop instead of getting plastic ones
Try to use natural light instead of artificial light whenever it’s available
Don’t have radiators on in empty rooms
Always fully load the washing machine
Make sure you turn your oven off straight after you take the food out
Insulate your loft/attic
Never put devices on standby
Regularly check the boiler is working properly
Take shorter showers
Use a washing up bowl rather than keeping the tap running
Check your boiler pressure regularly
The most common pearls of wisdom included turning the lights off even if leaving a room for five minutes (23 per cent), not overfilling the kettle and just using the water they need (20 per cent), and unplugging gadgets and turning sockets off when not in use (18 per cent).
These handy tips may be why dads are the number one trusted source for advice on saving money at home, according to the OnePoll.com data.
More than three quarters (77 per cent) also said their fathers’ energy-saving guidance has influenced them to be extra conscious of their usage in this area.
While 79 per cent claimed small everyday actions, like the ones they learned from their dads, can make a real difference to their overall finances.
The spokesperson for Utilita added: “Dads have long been the unsung heroes of household saving, passing down practical advice in their own unique way.
“What’s especially striking is how even the smallest, seemingly insignificant habits really do add up to make a meaningful difference over time.
“For that reason, we wanted to specifically shout out all dads this Father’s Day for their help in keeping us financially on track.”
