0:00:02 > 0:00:06'When it comes to shopping, us Brits can blow a fortune.'
0:00:06 > 0:00:08That's what I want, a single solitaire.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10'But how can we control our spending?'
0:00:10 > 0:00:14- 30,000, or something like that?- Oh!
0:00:14 > 0:00:16'I'm business journalist Steph McGovern.'
0:00:16 > 0:00:18- 7,000.- Oh! What?!
0:00:18 > 0:00:21'I want to help make our money go further.'
0:00:21 > 0:00:23We are bringing down your spending.
0:00:23 > 0:00:24'And I'm Alex Jones.'
0:00:24 > 0:00:25Sale!
0:00:25 > 0:00:28'I know only too well the traps consumers fall into.'
0:00:28 > 0:00:32- How many times have you used that, then?- I haven't.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34'We're challenging families...'
0:00:34 > 0:00:35- Oh!- Oh!
0:00:35 > 0:00:36No!
0:00:36 > 0:00:39'..to try money-saving alternatives!'
0:00:39 > 0:00:40NO!
0:00:40 > 0:00:43'So we can all learn how to shop well for less.'
0:00:43 > 0:00:45- Ooh!- We're talking hard cash.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- Really?- That is amazing.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Our job here is done.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- ALL:- Aw!
0:00:51 > 0:00:55'This week, a family with more outgoings than most.'
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Oh! How often are you doing washing?
0:00:57 > 0:00:58About five washes a day.
0:00:58 > 0:00:59A day?! A day.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02'Desperate for their first family holiday abroad.'
0:01:02 > 0:01:05If anybody deserves a break, it's you two.
0:01:05 > 0:01:06'But helping them to cut costs...'
0:01:06 > 0:01:09You're raging, aren't you, Colin? I can see.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11'..is not going to be easy!'
0:01:11 > 0:01:12NO!
0:01:17 > 0:01:19'This week, we're in Glasgow.'
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Boys, breakfast!
0:01:21 > 0:01:23Lewis!
0:01:23 > 0:01:25'With an extraordinary family,
0:01:25 > 0:01:29'desperate to save rather than spend all their hard-earned cash.'
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- ALL:- We are the Rodger family.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35THEY LAUGH
0:01:35 > 0:01:39'For event organiser Colin and part-time dance lecturer Karen,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42'their household is especially busy.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48'They have 17-year-old twins, Kyle and Lewis.'
0:01:48 > 0:01:51We decided we wanted to have another one quite close,
0:01:51 > 0:01:52so it didn't feel left out!
0:01:52 > 0:01:54'So Karen had their second...
0:01:54 > 0:01:56'set of twins.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58'Finn and Jude, now 15.'
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Now that was a real shock!
0:02:00 > 0:02:04We ended up with four under three, which is quite major.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08'Ten years later, they wanted one more child.'
0:02:08 > 0:02:10And it was twins again!
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Which was...
0:02:12 > 0:02:15And Rowan and Isla are three.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18Being part of a large family is absolute chaos.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22But it's good fun chaos.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Would I change it for the world? No, I wouldn't.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30The difficulties of having a large family is the logistics
0:02:30 > 0:02:32of trying to make it work.
0:02:32 > 0:02:33I've really got to plan my week,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37because it would just fall apart if you didn't.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39High-five.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43'Logistics are tough, but the costs of a large family are even tougher.'
0:02:43 > 0:02:47It's very expensive, having six kids.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52They've all got to have trousers, shirts, school ties, boxers, socks,
0:02:52 > 0:02:53school blazers...
0:02:55 > 0:03:00I am well over £1,000 just to get my kids kitted out for school.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Right, let's go. Grab your stuff.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04I do try and run a budget, but...
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Doesn't understand the word budget!
0:03:08 > 0:03:13'Karen's Achilles heel where a budget is concerned is shoes.'
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Shoes are a massive issue in our house.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17Basically that they can't get enough of them.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21'They've even built a special cupboard to house them all.'
0:03:21 > 0:03:23And I hold my hands up and say, it's my fault.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27I love it, and that's slightly rubbed off on the boys.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30We don't really have many shoes that aren't branded.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Lewis, he always has to have a matching pair of shoes
0:03:33 > 0:03:34with his outfit.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37It's like Adidas, Nike, Vans,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40all that kind of stuff, which are high up at 60, £70.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44And now we've got pink shoes that flash, and we've got wellies,
0:03:44 > 0:03:45but they're not just ordinary wellies,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48they have to be Hunter wellies, or they're not good enough.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50The shoes they buy are expensive, I'm not going to lie,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53but you know they're going to last.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Anyway, can we move on from shoes?
0:03:55 > 0:03:57KAREN LAUGHS
0:03:57 > 0:04:01'But the male members of this family are also blowing the budget -
0:04:01 > 0:04:02'on technology.'
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- We've all got a TV in our room. - The phones and Xboxes.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08We've all got iPads, Kyle's got a laptop.
0:04:08 > 0:04:09Maybe I've encouraged it,
0:04:09 > 0:04:12because I like technology and I believe that the children need to be
0:04:12 > 0:04:15ahead of the game to succeed in life.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17'And the price of providing for eight people...'
0:04:17 > 0:04:19I win!
0:04:19 > 0:04:20- Did you win?- Yeah.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25'..combined with spiralling utility bills means there's little left at
0:04:25 > 0:04:27'the end of the month.'
0:04:27 > 0:04:30We don't do lots of things as a family,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32like the cinema, like holidays, etc.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34It's about sacrifice.
0:04:34 > 0:04:35"If we do that, we can't do that."
0:04:35 > 0:04:38We need to be more efficient with how we're spending our money.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41I would like to be smarter than what we're doing.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- What do you say?- Thank you. - You're welcome!
0:04:45 > 0:04:47'Getting smart is what it's all about,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50'and Alex and I are here to help this family of eight
0:04:50 > 0:04:54'slash their spending and start saving!'
0:04:54 > 0:04:57It's so nice to be back in Glasgow, it's such a cool city, isn't it?
0:04:57 > 0:04:59Yes, and this street is perfect,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02because all the shops you need are in this one run here!
0:05:02 > 0:05:03Yeah, but that's also the danger,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06because you just want to spend, spend, spend!
0:05:06 > 0:05:07No, that's what makes it brilliant!
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- No, it isn't!- Yes!
0:05:10 > 0:05:13'We need to shock the Rodgers into action.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15'So whilst they're out, we're raiding their home,
0:05:15 > 0:05:18so that we can set up shop with their stuff.'
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- What have we got in here? - Just a cupboard, probably, isn't it?
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- Ooh! BOTH:- Oh!
0:05:23 > 0:05:25- It's a dream.- It's a shop.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28In, let me in! Ah!
0:05:28 > 0:05:31They're buying for so many people, and it's all top brands, isn't it?
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Shoe heaven, but wallet hell, this, isn't it?
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- I want a room like this. - Alex, you've got a room like this.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39No, I've got a cupboard under the stairs that's really messy.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- It's different.- Oh, look at this.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44It's going to be quite hard to save a family like this money
0:05:44 > 0:05:46because they do need a lot of stuff.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- But do they need the most expensive? - No.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53'The reality of eight people living in one house is obvious.'
0:05:53 > 0:05:54Look at the size of that!
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Wow, you could actually wash yourself in that, couldn't you?
0:05:57 > 0:05:58We'll pop you in there.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00And look at all the washing powders and stuff that they have.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03I mean, that would last me a good couple of months.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Yeah, because you don't wash your clothes!
0:06:05 > 0:06:07STEPH LAUGHS You cheeky mare!
0:06:07 > 0:06:09They've really fallen into that trap of thinking
0:06:09 > 0:06:12the pricier stuff is the best stuff.
0:06:12 > 0:06:13Ooh, look at this room!
0:06:13 > 0:06:16I can see at least six iPads in front of me already.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20And what's the bet that they've all got one of these phones each?
0:06:20 > 0:06:23I mean, there must be worth thousands, just in here.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24'And the youngest members of the household
0:06:24 > 0:06:27'certainly don't come cheap either.'
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- Oh, wow, they've got a full-on dressing up cupboard!- Ah!
0:06:30 > 0:06:32It's the dream!
0:06:32 > 0:06:33These aren't your cheap tat,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36these are good quality dressing-up costumes.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38I know. But how can you say no to three-year-olds
0:06:38 > 0:06:40who want princess dresses?
0:06:40 > 0:06:42If you want to save money, you have to say no.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44They're not going to last long.
0:06:44 > 0:06:45Come on, let it go!
0:06:47 > 0:06:51'Combine the needs of such a large family with pricey brands,
0:06:51 > 0:06:53'and it's not surprising the Rodgers
0:06:53 > 0:06:55'haven't been on holiday abroad together
0:06:55 > 0:06:57'since the girls were born.'
0:06:57 > 0:07:00You know, we would be easily £5,000 to go away
0:07:00 > 0:07:03on a holiday as a family.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07To find a way that we could save money to get on a holiday
0:07:07 > 0:07:09would just be absolutely fantastic.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12For us as well, I'd quite like to spend some time with you.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- Oh, and I'd love to spend time with you!- Thank you!
0:07:18 > 0:07:21'A family holiday will require some serious cutbacks,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24'so we've borrowed their stuff for our own shop,
0:07:24 > 0:07:28'to show this supersize family where they've been super spending!
0:07:28 > 0:07:31'But, they've no idea we've done it.'
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- I'll go to Karen, you go to Colin, yeah?- OK.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- Hello!- Hello!
0:07:37 > 0:07:40LAUGHTER
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Come on, give us a hug!
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- Hi, Colin.- How are you? - It's nice to see you.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49I thought you were robbing our wallets, there!
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Oh, yeah, we're taking them off you for a start!
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Can't believe you've got three sets of twins!
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- I know.- Your bills must be huge, and you are going to need help.
0:07:58 > 0:07:59- Definitely.- Up for the challenge?
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- Yes.- They're smiling, Alex, that's a good sign.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04They are! They don't look as scared
0:08:04 > 0:08:07as people normally do when we turn up!
0:08:07 > 0:08:10'We want these two to come face-to-face with their spending.'
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- After you...- Oh, my goodness!
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- Oh, no.- This is my house!
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- KAREN LAUGHS - Shoes, look at the shoes!
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- Oh, my God. - There's five Xboxes there.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Oh, it looks outrageous.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34'Karen and Colin might be surprised to see their belongings.'
0:08:34 > 0:08:36It's certainly tidier than our house.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38It is tidier than our house. Oh, look at their clothes!
0:08:38 > 0:08:40'But, they're going to be more surprised
0:08:40 > 0:08:43'at the amount of money they've spent on them.'
0:08:43 > 0:08:45So how many shoes do you think you've got in your family?
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- Too many! - I think that's evidently clear.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52So you have over 200 pairs of shoes.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- The girls have 36 pairs of shoes! - Oh!
0:08:56 > 0:08:5736 pairs of shoes?
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- Yeah.- I can't believe you've just told on me!
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Sorry!
0:09:02 > 0:09:05But, ultimately, it's about the cost, isn't it?
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- A guess, then?- 3,000?
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- It's 12,000.- Oh, my goodness.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13You've got a shoe collection worth 12 grand!
0:09:13 > 0:09:14£12,000?
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- Yep.- And this isn't all of them, either, is it?
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- No.- Stairway to shoe heaven!
0:09:19 > 0:09:22'Don't worry, Karen, it's not just the 219 pairs of shoes
0:09:22 > 0:09:26'that are the issue. There is a lot of technology here.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28'Most of it, one brand.'
0:09:28 > 0:09:31I mean, you look at the amount, it just looks really expensive.
0:09:31 > 0:09:3239 items we found.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- Right.- And how much do you reckon they're worth?
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- I couldn't take a guess.- Ten grand.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- Wow.- Does it have to be the most expensive brand?
0:09:41 > 0:09:44See, I don't see like that, as the most expensive brand,
0:09:44 > 0:09:45I see it as the most functional...
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Have you tried any others, or...?
0:09:47 > 0:09:51No. Because I came from a work background, in love with Apple.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54They love you as well, with the size of your family!
0:09:54 > 0:09:56'With five iPhones on the go,
0:09:56 > 0:10:00'they're racking up over £3,000 in contracts a year.'
0:10:00 > 0:10:02KAREN GASPS
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- That...- That is a lot of money.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07'The Rodgers are a very brand loyal bunch,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10'from cleaning kit worth £270
0:10:10 > 0:10:15'to washing products costing over two and a half grand a year.'
0:10:15 > 0:10:16How often are you doing washing?
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Probably averages about five washes a day.
0:10:18 > 0:10:19- A day?- A day.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21I've tried to find a way of cutting it down,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24wear things twice, that kind of stuff. But it doesn't work.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27'And what about those rocketing utility bills?'
0:10:27 > 0:10:32So, you spend about £1,500 just on electricity a year.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- £2,600 a year on gas. - OK.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40'That's over three times the national average.'
0:10:40 > 0:10:43The heating in the house is a constant war, I get so annoyed.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46I walk in from outside and it's actually...
0:10:46 > 0:10:47- Boiling hot?- Boiling hot.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50There's nothing you can do about how many people are in the house,
0:10:50 > 0:10:54but it's finding the provider that will do that cheapest for you.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56I've negotiated the rates with the suppliers,
0:10:56 > 0:11:00but I've never taken the decision to switch suppliers.
0:11:00 > 0:11:01'If they're to start saving,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04'the Rodgers need to make this a family affair.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08'And that includes help from the kids.'
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Your phone went off earlier, and you got a little text message,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- didn't you, from one of your sons? - I did.- What did it say?
0:11:14 > 0:11:16"Pop vinyls, shoes and jeans!"
0:11:16 > 0:11:18So give me your phone, because I'm going to ring Kyle!
0:11:18 > 0:11:19- ON PHONE:- 'Hello?'
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Hi, Kyle, it's Steph McGovern here with Alex Jones
0:11:22 > 0:11:25from Shop Well For Less, we're with your mum and dad.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- Hiya, Kyle! - 'Hello.'
0:11:27 > 0:11:30We've just received a text with a bit of a shopping list,
0:11:30 > 0:11:32and I've got an answer for you.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34You're not getting any of it, Sunshine!
0:11:34 > 0:11:36We are bringing down your spending!
0:11:36 > 0:11:37SHE LAUGHS
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- BOTH:- Bye!
0:11:39 > 0:11:40Right, come on, you lot.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45I was completely shocked!
0:11:45 > 0:11:48When you actually total it all up, that was a real surprise, for me.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51The thing for me is, not looking back the way,
0:11:51 > 0:11:54it's about seeing if there are some tricks and knowledge out there
0:11:54 > 0:11:55that can help us.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59I'm definitely feeling excited about the next step forward.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Well, what a family they are! Really good fun.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05What are we going to do with them?
0:12:05 > 0:12:08I think energy bills is definitely an area where they can save money,
0:12:08 > 0:12:10because they haven't even switched supplier for years,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12so there's loads I want to crack on with that.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13You know, they want the kids to have the best,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16but they're shelling out for six individuals.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Maybe they should learn to say no, sometimes,
0:12:18 > 0:12:20and look at cheaper brands.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22We need to get them the holiday, don't we?
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Oh, they totally deserve it.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27'Well, we've got a lot to do, but in the meantime,
0:12:27 > 0:12:30'we've replaced many of the family's favourite brands
0:12:30 > 0:12:32'with less expensive items,
0:12:32 > 0:12:36'to show them they can be canny with their cash!'
0:12:36 > 0:12:39'And we've banned the use of their usual products.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43'That includes access to their £12,000 shoe cupboard.'
0:12:46 > 0:12:49So, we're not allowed to use any of the shoes, then?
0:12:51 > 0:12:52KAREN LAUGHS
0:12:54 > 0:12:56KAREN LAUGHS
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- This is... - KAREN LAUGHS
0:12:59 > 0:13:03The kids are never going to speak to me again!
0:13:03 > 0:13:05'Some swaps are obvious.'
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Where have you put all my stuff?
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Where's my dishwasher tablets?
0:13:10 > 0:13:13This actually makes me feel slightly nauseous.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14I'm not happy.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17'But some items haven't been swapped at all.'
0:13:17 > 0:13:20There's only a few things that I want in life,
0:13:20 > 0:13:23and one is to be nicely moisturised.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26'But will the Rodgers recognise their own products?'
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Nectar!
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Cleansing milk, same.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32That's definitely the same.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35'To try and curb their expensive tastes in technology,
0:13:35 > 0:13:38'they'll be testing out a few new items.'
0:13:38 > 0:13:39TV package...
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- No Sky!- Oh, dear!
0:13:42 > 0:13:44If it doesn't do kids stuff...
0:13:44 > 0:13:47we're off to my mum's!
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Different phones. This has been my biggest worry.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53It's like the same, but it's not the same.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- I think it's going to be... - I'm not happy, to be honest.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57It's going to be weird.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02'And, to reduce those utility bills, some energy-saving tactics!'
0:14:02 > 0:14:04It looks like a wireless thermostat.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06I can turn the heating down from anywhere.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09'Including a ban on the tumble dryer.'
0:14:09 > 0:14:10KAREN GASPS
0:14:10 > 0:14:12What, we can't use the tumble dryer?
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- No!- What is that?
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- That's a clothes- dryer! NO!
0:14:19 > 0:14:21No!
0:14:22 > 0:14:25I am going to go nuts!
0:14:25 > 0:14:26I'm definitely sceptical about it,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30but they're going to save money that we can save up and go on holiday.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32That would be amazing.
0:14:32 > 0:14:33Hmm.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39'It's day one of the experiment,
0:14:39 > 0:14:41and with the shoe cupboard firmly out of bounds,
0:14:41 > 0:14:47'our label-loving twins are trying out their new alternative trainers.'
0:14:47 > 0:14:50I like the colours of them, but I don't like the design.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53You could get away with them in a dark place.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55I don't like these at all, one bit.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58'Well, brand cold turkey hasn't gone down well,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01'but if they bought these instead of their usual trainers,
0:15:01 > 0:15:07'they'd save £165 on these four pairs alone.'
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- I didn't like the design. - There's no way I would buy them,
0:15:09 > 0:15:10I don't like them.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12I thought the shoes were actually quite good,
0:15:12 > 0:15:14to be honest, good for what we were doing there.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16My attitude has slightly changed.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Definitely a way you could save money.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20'So a bit hit and miss.'
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Wow!
0:15:23 > 0:15:25'Perhaps the girls will be more enthusiastic
0:15:25 > 0:15:28'when they swapped fancy dress.'
0:15:28 > 0:15:30That is beautiful.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34'Instead of splashing out over £20 on each new costume,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37'we've kitted them out with three outfits each,
0:15:37 > 0:15:39'plus accessories from second-hand shops.'
0:15:39 > 0:15:41It's butterfly!
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Butterfly wings.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45You are so lucky.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50'On these outfits alone, Karen and Colin stand to save over £100.'
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- I'm going to huff, I'm going to... - Puff.- ..puff and I'm going to...
0:15:55 > 0:16:00- Blow the house away! - Down!
0:16:00 > 0:16:04'Charity shops are a great place to find barely worn dressing-up items
0:16:04 > 0:16:06'which won't burn a hole in your wallet.'
0:16:06 > 0:16:09They absolutely loved it.
0:16:09 > 0:16:10They played with it all.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13I want to see the beast.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Are you going to go and see the beast? OK.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Oh, stinking boys!
0:16:20 > 0:16:21'With six kids,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24'Karen's daily washing routine is a military operation.'
0:16:24 > 0:16:27I'm not sure whether they are going to like it.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31'Karen knows this isn't her usual brand of non-bio,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35but if she bought this one instead, she'd save £386 a year.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37I know you can get ones much cheaper,
0:16:37 > 0:16:39but I just really trust the brand that my mum used.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42That actually smells really nice.
0:16:42 > 0:16:43Please be good!
0:16:46 > 0:16:50'Nonbiological detergents contain fewer substances
0:16:50 > 0:16:52'that can irritate sensitive skin,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55'but does price reflect cleaning performance?
0:16:57 > 0:17:00'We've enlisted the help of some sporty mums,
0:17:00 > 0:17:03'well-qualified when it comes to the world of washing.'
0:17:03 > 0:17:04I am constantly washing.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07I think I do about two loads a day.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09I'm also doing washable nappies as well, so that's another big thing
0:17:09 > 0:17:11that we have to get through.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13I'm putting on so many washes, price actually is important.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17'Our mums are testing five non-bio washing detergents to see whether
0:17:17 > 0:17:20'they think a higher price gives a better wash.
0:17:20 > 0:17:25'Wilko's own brand is our cheapest at just 14p per wash.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29'Not far behind, at 16p per pod, is Tesco's Non-Bio.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34'Next up, Waitrose Essential own brand, 17p per wash.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37'Also, Ecozone's Laundry Capsules,
0:17:37 > 0:17:40'35p each and double the price of the own brands.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45'And finally, Karen's favourite, Fairy Non-Bio.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48'At 37p for each wash, it's the most expensive.'
0:17:50 > 0:17:52My biggest nightmare would be getting stains
0:17:52 > 0:17:53out of the kids' clothes.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Strawberries get everywhere.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Red wine's also pretty bad, but I haven't drunk much of that recently.
0:17:58 > 0:18:04'We're using them on the stubbornest of stains - ketchup, grass, mud,
0:18:04 > 0:18:06'red wine and tea.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11'Our test conditions aren't quite the same as doing this at home,
0:18:11 > 0:18:15and, following a quick 35 minute, 40 degree cycle,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18'we know these stains won't totally disappear.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21'But which of the products will get the better result?'
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Oh, wow! They're all pretty much the same, aren't they?
0:18:26 > 0:18:27That's really surprising.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29I didn't expect that. No.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Ultimately, there are still stains on all of them.
0:18:31 > 0:18:32- Yeah.- The green is nowhere near as good
0:18:32 > 0:18:34as we thought it was going to be.
0:18:34 > 0:18:35If I had bought that, and it looking so fancy,
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- I'd have been really disappointed. - Definitely.
0:18:39 > 0:18:40And the one we didn't think
0:18:40 > 0:18:44was not going to be very good has actually turned out really well.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- Yeah.- But I don't know. That red was pretty good.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- Yeah.- 'So which did our mums like the most?'
0:18:50 > 0:18:53The winner is...Tesco Non-Bio.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Wow!
0:18:56 > 0:18:59So each little capsule is 16p.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03I never would have bought that, so that's a real shock.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07'Whilst none of them removed the stains completely,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10'the own brand was our mums' favourite.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12'Scrubbing in second was our cheapest option,
0:19:12 > 0:19:14'whilst the most expensive
0:19:14 > 0:19:16'detergent - and Karen's favourite -
0:19:16 > 0:19:18'was fourth on our mums' list.'
0:19:20 > 0:19:21Can't believe Tesco won, you know?
0:19:21 > 0:19:2416p a wash, that's really good value.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25Tesco being so cheap,
0:19:25 > 0:19:28I would definitely use it as a washing product.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30'So it is worth shopping around,
0:19:30 > 0:19:32'as something cheaper may work just as well.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39'In Glasgow, how's Karen getting on with her swapped detergent?'
0:19:40 > 0:19:41That's absolutely excellent.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Love it, it smells great, washes great.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47I would definitely use it again.
0:19:47 > 0:19:48Especially if it's cheaper.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51'Phew! 'A positive result.'
0:19:51 > 0:19:52Right, let's do it.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57'Now for the energy-efficient new dryer.'
0:19:57 > 0:19:59I don't have time to stand and do this.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01I do about five loads a day in the washing machine,
0:20:01 > 0:20:04so I'd probably do seven tumble dryers.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09'But, Karen, this dryer's £389 less to buy than your current one
0:20:09 > 0:20:14'and could knock 178 quid off your electricity bill.'
0:20:14 > 0:20:16OK. Here we go.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19'By circulating warm air around the clothes,
0:20:19 > 0:20:23'it can dry up to ten kilos at a time, but the more clothes,
0:20:23 > 0:20:24'the more time it takes.'
0:20:24 > 0:20:26The proof is in the pudding, when we see it coming out.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Here goes.
0:20:30 > 0:20:31The big reveal.
0:20:35 > 0:20:36Still damp.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Colin!
0:20:40 > 0:20:41Uh-huh?
0:20:41 > 0:20:42It's still damp.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Yeah, that's really wet.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48It's just not happening. Not doing it.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Tape's coming off. We are free!
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Welcome home.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57'I think it's a no swap.'
0:20:57 > 0:21:01It actually looks like a supermodel, but sometimes...
0:21:03 > 0:21:06..there's nothing better than a bit of chunky.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09'When Karen shops, she always buys a brand she knows
0:21:09 > 0:21:11'or likes the look of,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14'but surely what matters is whether the product works.'
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- Hope the heating's on. - Yeah, and the kettle.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- Hello.- Hello, how are you?
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- I'm well, thank you. - It's wet, isn't it?
0:21:22 > 0:21:24'We're hoping we can change that
0:21:24 > 0:21:27'by getting her to try out five kettles.'
0:21:27 > 0:21:29You're a big tea drinker, Karen, aren't you?
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Yes, I sure am.- How many times do you reckon your kettle's on
0:21:31 > 0:21:37- the boil, then?- At least 15 times a day, if not more.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41'We want Karen to decide which kettle she would buy.'
0:21:41 > 0:21:45Looking at them, I like this one.
0:21:45 > 0:21:46It's quite old-fashioned looking.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49It's that whole going back to when you were young and thinking about
0:21:49 > 0:21:53my mum and all that kind of thing, so it looks a wee bit like that.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55These look ultra modern.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59'So far, Karen prefers the look of the traditional style one,
0:21:59 > 0:22:01'but will our kettle connoisseur change her mind
0:22:01 > 0:22:03'once she sees how they perform?'
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- Put the kettle on, Karen.- OK!
0:22:05 > 0:22:08See, I do squats when I wait for the kettle to boil.
0:22:08 > 0:22:09- Do you?- Yes!
0:22:09 > 0:22:10That's a good idea.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13Through the heels, and then you've done them
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- and then you deserve a nice cuppa. - There you go.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21'First up, Karen's favourite and our second most expensive.'
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- That's us.- Give it a pour.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25It's all in the pouring, isn't it?
0:22:25 > 0:22:26- Pour's good.- Right.
0:22:26 > 0:22:27Move on, ladies.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33'Next, the Vektra, which keeps water warm for hours after boiling.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35'Not cheap, at £80.'
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Think it might take five minutes to actually pour a cup of tea.
0:22:40 > 0:22:41Too heavy and it pours too slow.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42No.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- OK-cokey.- Ready? - Let's do the next one.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48'The Breville kettle is next on the boil.'
0:22:48 > 0:22:50Got a full-on shake to it.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- But that's quite nice. - Yeah, I like the shake.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54It's like, ready!
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- How does it pour? - Now, that's what you want.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Yeah, good pour.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04'Fourth in line is our cheapest and only own brand, Tesco's kettle.'
0:23:04 > 0:23:06It's coming to the end.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- I think that one's too long. - There's more to life.
0:23:10 > 0:23:11It's not too heavy.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- Good pour.- Good pour.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14Right, final one.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18'And, finally, Russell Hobbs' kettle,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21'with its 75% noise reduction.'
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Very quiet. You know it's on because of the light.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26I can't bear it.
0:23:26 > 0:23:27There's no sense of occasion.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29Oh, here we go.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30That looked quite heavy, Karen.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32It is heavy. That one's heavy.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Quite a slow and steady pour.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38'Having seen them in action, which is her top kettle?'
0:23:38 > 0:23:39So, favourite...
0:23:40 > 0:23:41..is this one.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44That kettle is £60.
0:23:44 > 0:23:45Oh!
0:23:46 > 0:23:48'Karen's second and third choice, however,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51'were a fraction of the price.'
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Would you go for any of these two over your number one?
0:23:54 > 0:23:55Do you want me to be absolutely honest?
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- Yes.- I'd still choose this one.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Even though you know that that one pretty much boiled it
0:24:00 > 0:24:02in the same speed, you liked the sound of it,
0:24:02 > 0:24:04it would save you 40 quid?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- I know.- £40 that could go towards a holiday?
0:24:09 > 0:24:12If you weren't here, I would still go for that one!
0:24:12 > 0:24:13- Terrible.- I know.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18'Looks are still taking precedent over price.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22'I want to remind Karen why their spending habits need to change
0:24:22 > 0:24:25'if they're to achieve their goal of a family holiday.'
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Karen, I'm still reeling from the fact
0:24:27 > 0:24:29that you have three sets of twins.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33There must have been times when it's been difficult for you and Colin.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36It's a shock. When you have a baby, it's a shock to anybody.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37Gosh, don't tell me that now!
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Here we go!
0:24:39 > 0:24:40But it is, it's a shock.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44Whether you have one child or six children,
0:24:44 > 0:24:46just financially, it's massive.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49When has it been at its hardest, having the six?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51For me, it's when it comes to Christmas, I would say,
0:24:51 > 0:24:55because you want to give them as much as you can,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57but you're buying for six kids.
0:24:57 > 0:24:58I can't even imagine it.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00But you and Colin are very focused
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- on trying to deliver the best, aren't you?- You're right.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07We're both as bad as each other, I would say,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10cos Colin does like particular brands of his gadgets,
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- so that's really expensive...- Yeah. - ..much more expensive than my shoes.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16But you could save yourselves so much money
0:25:16 > 0:25:21by just buying things that are similar, but maybe not top-end.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Yeah, absolutely. I just want the boys
0:25:24 > 0:25:27to look good and feel good.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31Shall we get Colin in to just have a little chat about maybe how we can
0:25:31 > 0:25:33rein it in with what you're buying for the kids?
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- Yeah.- Come on, Colin! Come and sit down.
0:25:37 > 0:25:38'With so many in this family,
0:25:38 > 0:25:43'everyone is going to have to make sacrifices.'
0:25:43 > 0:25:45You haven't had a holiday since the girls came along
0:25:45 > 0:25:49and that's something, as a family, that would be a lovely thing to do
0:25:49 > 0:25:52before the boys, the eldest boys, moved out, wouldn't it?
0:25:52 > 0:25:57Would you consider, Colin, maybe looking at brands that weren't
0:25:57 > 0:26:02quite as expensive or weren't the top brands?
0:26:02 > 0:26:03No, absolutely.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07I mean, it would just be whether the boys would go, "Hmm, thanks,"
0:26:07 > 0:26:09or whether it would be, you know, welcomed.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14It's either having the best of the best or actually creating memories.
0:26:14 > 0:26:19Explain to them, "Listen, we want this holiday with all of us.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21"This is the only way we can, kind of, manage it."
0:26:21 > 0:26:24I would be worried about some of the things we'd have to do,
0:26:24 > 0:26:25but I think we could do it.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29Yeah, and, you know, if anybody deserves a break,
0:26:29 > 0:26:31it's you two.
0:26:31 > 0:26:32Definitely!
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Memories are so important.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37The girls are getting to an age where they'll remember
0:26:37 > 0:26:40and the boys won't forget.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Hopefully, we can actually do something
0:26:43 > 0:26:44and get something out of it.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49'The shift from spending to saving
0:26:49 > 0:26:53'means Colin needs to consider cheaper brands of technology.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57'So what will he make of Karen's new tablet?'
0:26:57 > 0:26:59It's really light, isn't it? It's great.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01That feels really strange to me.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04'Two thirds of UK adults have access to a tablet,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07'and Karen's keen to get one for herself.'
0:27:07 > 0:27:10As long as this connects to the boys' calendars,
0:27:10 > 0:27:13I wouldn't see why I would need to get an iPad, this looks quite good.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18Really, this would depend on how much it's cost.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20'How about 50 quid, Colin?
0:27:20 > 0:27:22This tablet's nearly £269 cheaper
0:27:22 > 0:27:25'than your usual favourite brand equivalent.'
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Cool. I think I'm just going to have to learn how to use it properly
0:27:28 > 0:27:30- and then just go with it.- Mm-hm.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33It's lighter, I think.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36'We've also swapped 17-year-old twins Kyle and Lewis'
0:27:36 > 0:27:38'premium brand mobiles.'
0:27:40 > 0:27:42- I want to know what brand is. - I know.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45It's got the same features, hasn't it, as the phone we have?
0:27:45 > 0:27:47- Yeah.- It's good.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50'If Kyle were to choose this phone instead of his usual brand,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53'this could save an extra £290.'
0:27:53 > 0:27:55I don't know if I could stick with this phone,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58the camera is not as good as the phone that we have right now.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00'Lewis has also been given a different phone
0:28:00 > 0:28:02'on a cheaper monthly contract,
0:28:02 > 0:28:07'representing another possible saving of £228 a year.'
0:28:07 > 0:28:09Do you think you could live with this phone?
0:28:09 > 0:28:10I probably could get used to it.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Money doesn't come easy, you know!
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Don't zoom right in.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18Ah, thanks.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20That's beautiful.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25This is, obviously, internet TV, isn't it?
0:28:25 > 0:28:26It's got Sky on it as well.
0:28:26 > 0:28:31'The Rodgers currently spend £80 a month on home entertainment.'
0:28:31 > 0:28:33I'm glad we're getting the opportunity to look at
0:28:33 > 0:28:36different options, because it's a lot of money.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39'This TV package costs £14.99 for the box
0:28:39 > 0:28:42'and, despite additional payments for extra channels,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45'could save them over £600 a year.'
0:28:45 > 0:28:48So far, I think it looks as though it does the majority of things
0:28:48 > 0:28:51our previous package did and it looks very easy to use.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55Indian recipes, we could knock up a wee Indian dinner tonight.
0:28:55 > 0:28:56I like this.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00'We've also changed the TV to one which is £480 cheaper
0:29:00 > 0:29:02'than the old one.'
0:29:02 > 0:29:05It feels crisper and sharper.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08It seems as though it's got a bit more definition to it.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12'And as an A+ energy rated model, it uses less electricity.'
0:29:12 > 0:29:16Oh, I can see somebody coming up that you really like...
0:29:16 > 0:29:17Katie Morag!
0:29:17 > 0:29:18Yeah!
0:29:20 > 0:29:22'With so many gadgets in their home,
0:29:22 > 0:29:25'the Rodgers constantly need batteries.'
0:29:25 > 0:29:28How many batteries do you tend to go through, then,
0:29:28 > 0:29:31- in your household, Colin? - Hundreds.- Hundreds?
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Hundreds! I've started going for own makes now.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38- Yes!- But I'm still not convinced about how effective they are.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41We've got a really fun way to find out.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43'There's huge differences in cost,
0:29:43 > 0:29:47'but are the bigger brands worth paying more for?
0:29:47 > 0:29:48'We're testing four makes.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53'Brand leader Duracell is the most expensive, at 89p a battery.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57'We've another popular brand, Panasonic,
0:29:57 > 0:29:59'which are 31p a battery.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03'At the other end of the scale are Wilko's, at just 10p each.'
0:30:03 > 0:30:08'And, finally, Lidl's Aerocell, each battery costing 25p.'
0:30:08 > 0:30:10And these ones will last the longest.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12I knew you'd go with the bunny last.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15You have more confidence because you see it on the telly.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17Never believe everything you see on the telly.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19- No, I'm learning that. - First rule of television.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21Unless it's us.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27'Alex and I also have four experts at the ready to put the batteries
0:30:27 > 0:30:29'through their paces.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31'It's the Shop Well For Less Grand Prix.'
0:30:31 > 0:30:33Get set, race!
0:30:33 > 0:30:37'And they're off, but which batteries will last the longest?'
0:30:37 > 0:30:38I'm in second, here we go.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43I think Finn needs a sat nav in his!
0:30:43 > 0:30:45- I'm first.- I'm first! Look at me, I'm miles ahead.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47Wrong way.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48Number three's not looking good.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50It's looking a little bit sluggish.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54'1 hour 20 in, and we have our first casualty.'
0:30:55 > 0:30:58One down, still three going strong.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04Just over an hour later...
0:31:04 > 0:31:06One, that's had it now, hasn't it?
0:31:08 > 0:31:09Yeah.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14'With two cars still going steady,
0:31:14 > 0:31:16'Alex and I decide to call it a night,
0:31:16 > 0:31:20'leaving Finn and Jude in the driving seats.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Now, I know this is scientific and all the rest of it,
0:31:23 > 0:31:25but I'm ready to throw in the towel.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Are you with me, Colin?
0:31:27 > 0:31:29- I'm with you. - Are you boys happy to stay?
0:31:29 > 0:31:31- Yeah.- You can report back to us.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- Bye!- Bye.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40'And finally, after a hard-fought battle...
0:31:42 > 0:31:44'..Finn's the winner..
0:31:48 > 0:31:51'The next morning, I'm keen to find out which batteries failed first
0:31:51 > 0:31:53'and whose powered ahead.'
0:31:53 > 0:31:55We've got the results.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57- Yeah. - ..which are quite surprising.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01- Yeah.- So we'll start with the first one to fail, which was number three.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03OK, so a drum roll...
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Oh.
0:32:07 > 0:32:08- STEPH AND ALEX:- Ooh!
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- ALL:- Ooh!
0:32:12 > 0:32:14Gosh, that's a surprise.
0:32:15 > 0:32:16Panasonic.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Yeah, so that means that...
0:32:19 > 0:32:21..that was the winner, wow.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23Who'd have thought that?
0:32:23 > 0:32:25'Surprisingly, the most expensive
0:32:25 > 0:32:27'brand leader came third,
0:32:27 > 0:32:28'whilst the crowned winner
0:32:28 > 0:32:30'was our second cheapest own brand.'
0:32:30 > 0:32:32I would never have thought
0:32:32 > 0:32:33that they would be the winners.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35It just makes you think maybe own brands are an option,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38because they might do just as good a job or even better
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- than some of the big names.- Yeah.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44'With eight people under one roof,
0:32:44 > 0:32:48'the Rodgers' energy bills last year were over four grand.'
0:32:49 > 0:32:52"To save the money on your energy bill, we want you to count
0:32:52 > 0:32:56"and switch off all the appliances in your home. Love, Alex and Steph."
0:32:56 > 0:32:57Right, off youse go.
0:32:59 > 0:33:06'UK households waste £227 million a year on appliances left on stand-by,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10'which continue to suck up power and pennies.'
0:33:10 > 0:33:11I'm quite sceptical about it.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14I don't really believe that it will save an awful lot of money.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18'Each item may be costing just a few pence a month, Colin,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21'but over a year, they all add up.'
0:33:21 > 0:33:22How many did you find?
0:33:22 > 0:33:25There was 64 appliances.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29- You're kidding on. - Still plugged in, not turned off.
0:33:29 > 0:33:30That's absolutely unbelievable.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33If we're not using it, just switch it off.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36'If all 64 appliances were switched off at the socket,
0:33:36 > 0:33:40'they could have another 80 quid a year in the bank.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43'I've a few more energy-saving tips that could get them closer
0:33:43 > 0:33:45'to that family holiday.'
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Your gas and electricity is a big burner of money, isn't it?
0:33:49 > 0:33:51Well, it is, but it's also the practical issues
0:33:51 > 0:33:53of having a big family
0:33:53 > 0:33:55and a beautiful, lovely wife
0:33:55 > 0:33:56who doesn't really appreciate
0:33:56 > 0:33:58that if you turn the heating down, you save money.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01I do, I turn up to 30 and then when I see Colin...
0:34:01 > 0:34:02That's quite hot, 30!
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- I know! - Don't say what you're about to say.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06Then when Colin comes up the drive, I turn it down.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Do you? You know, you all, obviously, need to shower.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12It's the length of time spent in the shower that can make a difference.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- Mm-hm. - It's me, I have a long shower.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- Do you? How long are you in the shower for?- 30 minutes.
0:34:17 > 0:34:18You're not telling the truth.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20- What is it really?- 45. 45.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23What are you doing in there? You can bring that down a bit.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26OK, I will. I'll bring it down, I promise.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29Do you ever think about how you pay for your bills?
0:34:29 > 0:34:32Do you get them online? You know, do you look at the tariffs ever?
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- Do you do anything like that? - No, I haven't.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39We changed our providers when we changed our tariffs for a long time.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41There's a lot of money you can save by switching.
0:34:41 > 0:34:46Last year, you paid about £1,330 for your electricity.
0:34:46 > 0:34:52We found a deal where you would have paid £946 last year.
0:34:52 > 0:34:57So it's a saving of £384, just on your electricity.
0:34:57 > 0:34:58How do you feel about that?
0:34:58 > 0:35:00- Surprised. - Yeah, that's amazing.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02I didn't know there was so much variance on it.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04Let's have a look at your gas, then.
0:35:04 > 0:35:10Last year, you paid about £2,400, just over 4p per kilowatt hour.
0:35:10 > 0:35:15So we found a deal for just over 2p per kilowatt hour.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17- No.- My word.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20A saving of over £1,000, on your gas bill.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22You're raging, aren't you, Colin?
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- I can see.- Absolutely. - You're proper raging.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26The provider that we're with just now,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28for the length of time we've been with them,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30you would think they'd be looking after us.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33That's a big question - does it pay to be loyal?
0:35:33 > 0:35:35- It doesn't feel like it, does it? - No.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38So if you take that combined, your gas and electricity,
0:35:38 > 0:35:41the difference is £1,400.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44I didn't realise I could save that amount of money.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47I think you should move in, Steph.
0:35:47 > 0:35:48I would love to.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51You wouldn't even notice I'm here!
0:35:51 > 0:35:53'Many of us are brand loyal,
0:35:53 > 0:35:55'and to demonstrate one quite surprising way that brands
0:35:55 > 0:35:59'can lure us in, consumer expert, Professor Avi Shankar,
0:35:59 > 0:36:00'sets us a challenge.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03To illustrate this, I'd like to play little game with you.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06So what you've got to do is put your blindfolds on and then I'm going to
0:36:06 > 0:36:09give you some pens and ask you to write with them.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16'We've got to sign our names using two different pens.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- Are you right-handed, Steph? - Yeah.- Yeah, yeah.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21'But will we notice any difference?'
0:36:23 > 0:36:26OK, brilliant. OK, thank you very much.
0:36:26 > 0:36:27Now you can remove your blindfolds.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29Oh, I quite like it in here.
0:36:29 > 0:36:30Oh, I don't.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Oh, you've got a lovely signature.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38Did either of the pens feel more feminine?
0:36:38 > 0:36:42- No.- I don't know how a pen can feel feminine, if I'm honest with you!
0:36:42 > 0:36:47Well, believe it or not, the first pen I gave you was this one.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48- Which you can now see.- Oh, OK.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- A pink one. - A pink one, indeed.- Right.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54And the second one I gave you...
0:36:54 > 0:36:55Ahh.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58Which one do you think costs more?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- The pink one.- This one. - The pink one, indeed.
0:37:01 > 0:37:06So our gender can trap us into buying things that are more costly.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08See, that really annoys me.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10I would never spend more money,
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- especially on something that says "Miss Bic," it puts me off.- I know.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16Because it gets on my nerves cos I think it's sexist, for a start.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18- Yeah, yeah. - So I'd go with this, cheapest.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21- Right.- It's like razors, as well, isn't it?
0:37:21 > 0:37:23The pink ones, the "girlie" ones, are more expensive.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27I always get men's razors because I know I'm not going to fall for that
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- flaming gender stereotype. - Is that for there?
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Yeah, it is actually for my beard,
0:37:31 > 0:37:35but let's not go into that now, Alex, and embarrass me.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37It's really dodgy that, though, isn't it?
0:37:37 > 0:37:39It's so hard being a woman, Avi.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41But why do they do it, though?
0:37:41 > 0:37:42Do they think we're stupid,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45that we won't see there's a difference in price,
0:37:45 > 0:37:46just cos the colour's different?
0:37:46 > 0:37:50Clearly, it's worth their while doing it, but equally,
0:37:50 > 0:37:52if you're going through a supermarket, for example,
0:37:52 > 0:37:55and you see pink and blue and you're a woman or a man,
0:37:55 > 0:37:57it immediately signals to you that that's a product for you
0:37:57 > 0:37:58and that's a product for you.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01It makes me really angry that, though.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03- And me.- And me too.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07'So what Avi's telling us is to look beyond the packaging -
0:38:07 > 0:38:08'pink or blue.
0:38:09 > 0:38:14'Back in Glasgow, doing her bit to reduce energy consumption,
0:38:14 > 0:38:16'Karen's attempting a shorter shower.'
0:38:16 > 0:38:18"If you're serious about reducing your gas bill,
0:38:18 > 0:38:20from now on all showers in the house
0:38:20 > 0:38:22"need to be limited to four minutes or less.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25"Good luck. Alex and Steph."
0:38:25 > 0:38:27I could take your four minutes and my four minutes.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30I could come in with you and that'd give us eight minutes.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- Right! Enough. - No...
0:38:33 > 0:38:36'Usually, Karen enjoys a 45-minute soak,
0:38:36 > 0:38:40'but reducing this to just four minutes would save 57p a shower.'
0:38:40 > 0:38:41Get set...
0:38:41 > 0:38:43go!
0:38:43 > 0:38:48'And six of those a week would give them an extra £179 a year.'
0:38:48 > 0:38:51- How'd I do? - TIMER BEEPS
0:38:51 > 0:38:52Bang on four minutes.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55Good on her for giving it a go.
0:38:55 > 0:38:56She won't have enjoyed that.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01'To reduce heating costs, we've installed a smart thermostat,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04'that Colin can operate remotely, that could slash their gas bill
0:39:04 > 0:39:06'by nearly a third.'
0:39:06 > 0:39:09So I think we should set the temperature at 25.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13It's 22 at the moment and it's absolutely roasting,
0:39:13 > 0:39:15I'm actually sweating.
0:39:15 > 0:39:16We're supposed to be saving money.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21'And every degree dropped could be £85 a year saved.'
0:39:21 > 0:39:23- Set it at 17...- 25.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25Right, OK, we'll go in the middle. We'll go to 19, right?
0:39:25 > 0:39:27- No, that's not the middle!- It is.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29'This thermostat automatically turns the heating down
0:39:29 > 0:39:33'when no-one's in the house and adapts the temperature
0:39:33 > 0:39:35'according to the weather forecast.'
0:39:35 > 0:39:36We'll go 20.5.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38This is a big house, it changes its temperature.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- Can I have a wee shot...?- No.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42- No, just a wee shot to see how it... - No, it's fine.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44It needs to go down.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46What's that over there?
0:39:47 > 0:39:51'Many of us rely on the same branded cleaning products,
0:39:51 > 0:39:52'time and time again.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56'But this week, Karen has no idea what she's using.'
0:39:56 > 0:39:58The multi-purpose liquid is brilliant.
0:39:58 > 0:39:59I think it's the same.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02'It's not yours, Karen, but buying this one in future
0:40:02 > 0:40:05'would save £48 a year.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Our swapped bathroom cleaner's also gone down well.'
0:40:08 > 0:40:10It smells brilliant.
0:40:10 > 0:40:11It's a swap.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14'Great news, as switching to this bathroom cleaner
0:40:14 > 0:40:17'is another annual saving of 49 quid.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21'And as for the air freshener...'
0:40:21 > 0:40:22It could be mine.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24'Nah, it's definitely not yours, Karen.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27'At £2.50 cheaper per can,
0:40:27 > 0:40:32'choosing this would save an impressive £130 a year.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34But not all our swaps have been a success.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Dishwasher tablets, didn't like them at all.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39I would end up washing the dishes twice.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41'If Karen did switch to these tablets,
0:40:41 > 0:40:45over the year she'd save £110.'
0:40:45 > 0:40:47No matter how cheap they are, I would not swap them.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54'When it comes to cleaning, there's one thing 94% of British consumers
0:40:54 > 0:40:56'all own - a vacuum cleaner.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59'And, with some models close to £500,
0:40:59 > 0:41:02'it's an investment worth thinking about.'
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Back in the day, I used to be an engineer,
0:41:04 > 0:41:06working on things like developing vacuum cleaners.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08But they're so different, aren't they?
0:41:08 > 0:41:11In the way they look, and how much they actually cost.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14What should you be looking for, when you want to buy a vacuum cleaner?
0:41:14 > 0:41:18'I'm in Somerset, at one of the last UK-based manufacturers
0:41:18 > 0:41:19'of vacuum cleaners.'
0:41:21 > 0:41:23- Here's your hi-vis.- Lovely.
0:41:23 > 0:41:24Let's go and have a walk round the factory.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27'I want to find out if there's more to buying a vacuum cleaner
0:41:27 > 0:41:29'than just super suction.'
0:41:30 > 0:41:33So when it comes to buying a vacuum cleaner, Stuart,
0:41:33 > 0:41:34what should I be looking for?
0:41:34 > 0:41:36There are upright vacuum cleaners,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38and there are cylinder vacuum cleaners.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40An upright's very good for cleaning carpet.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42Cylinder vacuum cleaners are very good
0:41:42 > 0:41:43for lots of different applications -
0:41:43 > 0:41:46carpets, hard floors, and even going out and cleaning your car.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- And you've got to think about how you're going to use it.- Yes.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51Now, another big difference between vacuum cleaners
0:41:51 > 0:41:53is ones that have a bag in, and ones that don't.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Yeah, and a bag provides you with a very big dust capacity,
0:41:56 > 0:41:59so that you don't have to empty the vacuum cleaner so often.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02If you can cope with emptying a little bit more often,
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- bagless is great. - Can I have a go at making one?
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- Absolutely. Lena will show you how to put one together.- A-ha.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08'In the well-carpeted UK,
0:42:08 > 0:42:13'54% of British consumers own an upright vacuum.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16'But before buying, think about manoeuvrability, weight,
0:42:16 > 0:42:19'flex length and price.'
0:42:19 > 0:42:20How long did that take us?
0:42:20 > 0:42:22About half an hour with me helping, there we go.
0:42:22 > 0:42:23Sorry, production line ruined.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- I'll leave you to it, Lena, thank you.- Thank you.- See you.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31'But if you're about to splash your cash on a new machine,
0:42:31 > 0:42:33'how do you know it will last?'
0:42:33 > 0:42:35There's a flapping rig down here.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38'This is the factory's test area.'
0:42:38 > 0:42:40So what's going on here, then?
0:42:40 > 0:42:42So this is hose flexibility testing.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44The rig is stretching that hose,
0:42:44 > 0:42:46and pulling it and pulling it and pulling it,
0:42:46 > 0:42:48100,000 times.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52'Regularly cleaning a vacuum's filters will extend its life span,
0:42:52 > 0:42:55'but manufacturers also do rigorous quality control testing
0:42:55 > 0:42:57'on their products.'
0:42:57 > 0:43:00This looks like some type of military training camp.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03What we've got is a trundle rig, and we're testing for wheels, castors,
0:43:03 > 0:43:05again, durability, reliability.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08Inevitably, though, things do break now and again.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11- Absolutely.- So what happens then, do you have to buy a whole new vacuum?
0:43:11 > 0:43:14No, we can supply spares, right down to a screw, a wheel.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16And that's something that's important to think about
0:43:16 > 0:43:18when you're buying a vacuum cleaner is,
0:43:18 > 0:43:20"If anything happens, will I be able to get the part?"
0:43:20 > 0:43:23I feel sorry for them. Do they ever get a break?!
0:43:23 > 0:43:26No, they seem happy this morning, aren't they? Let's face it.
0:43:26 > 0:43:29'All new vacuums have one test that's now standard
0:43:29 > 0:43:31'across the industry.'
0:43:31 > 0:43:34This is our dust pick-up testing equipment.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36So what does it tell you, in the end?
0:43:36 > 0:43:37How efficient the machine is
0:43:37 > 0:43:39at picking up dirt and debris from the carpet,
0:43:39 > 0:43:42and telling us how much electric is used in the process.
0:43:42 > 0:43:44And how would you know that if you're in a shop?
0:43:44 > 0:43:47You've got an energy label, which looks like this.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49An A is a very, very good energy rating,
0:43:49 > 0:43:52and a low number here for kilowatt hours per year,
0:43:52 > 0:43:53obviously, is very good.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56Cos you want to know that it's going to suck up the dust,
0:43:56 > 0:43:58but it's not going to take too much energy to do it.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00- Exactly right. That's what you're looking for.- Makes sense.
0:44:00 > 0:44:04'The label also rates the machine's ability to pick up on carpet
0:44:04 > 0:44:07'and hard floors, as well as dust emissions.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11'So, look for higher ratings in those areas that matter to you.'
0:44:11 > 0:44:15It's really easy to get sucked into thinking you have to spend a fortune
0:44:15 > 0:44:17in order to get the best one.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20But there are loads of options out there that will do the job,
0:44:20 > 0:44:23last a long time, and be efficient too.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27'Back in Scotland, we're on a mission
0:44:27 > 0:44:30'to make the Rodgers more shopping savvy.'
0:44:30 > 0:44:31Oh, it feels nice.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36'In the UK, we spend over £4.5 million a year
0:44:36 > 0:44:41'on beauty products. We're hoping to reduce Karen's contribution,
0:44:41 > 0:44:45'by swapping her luxury brand for cheaper alternatives.'
0:44:45 > 0:44:48It smells like walking through a meadow! Does that make sense?
0:44:48 > 0:44:50Like I'm walking through a meadow.
0:44:50 > 0:44:52'I think that's good.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55'But will she recognise her usual cleanser?'
0:44:55 > 0:44:57This smells exactly like mine.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59'Well, she knows her stuff.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01'But we have switched the rest.'
0:45:02 > 0:45:06Love it. If that was cheaper, that would really shock me.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10'If Karen ditched her luxury lotions for our beauty bargains,
0:45:10 > 0:45:13'she'd save over a grand a year on these items alone.'
0:45:13 > 0:45:15I am very happy.
0:45:15 > 0:45:19I think I would cope with it, I certainly would cope with it.
0:45:20 > 0:45:22'Sounds positive.
0:45:22 > 0:45:24'What will Karen make of her new frying pan?'
0:45:24 > 0:45:26I use my frying pan all the time,
0:45:26 > 0:45:28so I probably go through about one a year.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30But this looks more expensive.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32'You're absolutely right, Karen.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35'This frying pan is nearly £40 more expensive,
0:45:35 > 0:45:40'but has a lifetime guarantee, so won't need replacing every year.'
0:45:40 > 0:45:42It's actually cooking really well, it's not sticking,
0:45:42 > 0:45:45my food's not sticking to it.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47So maybe using a more expensive one...
0:45:49 > 0:45:51..it might last me a bit longer.
0:45:51 > 0:45:53Right, Isla, go shout your brothers.
0:45:53 > 0:45:55Finn!
0:45:57 > 0:46:00'Finn and Jude are testing out two new schoolbags,
0:46:00 > 0:46:02'without a brand name in sight.'
0:46:02 > 0:46:06I wouldn't mind swapping it, if my other one got ruined.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09I like the colour and the design of it.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11Yeah, I'd be happy with that bag, I've got no problem with it.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14'Finn's swapped bag would be a saving of eight quid.
0:46:15 > 0:46:19'But what's Jude going to make of his brandless bag?'
0:46:19 > 0:46:22I don't really care if it's cheap or expensive,
0:46:22 > 0:46:24if it's brand or not branded.
0:46:25 > 0:46:27It's just a bag, it'll do the job.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29'I couldn't agree with you more, Jude.
0:46:29 > 0:46:34'And without a logo, this bag's £52 cheaper than his current rucksack.'
0:46:34 > 0:46:35Bye!
0:46:35 > 0:46:37'Nice work, lads.'
0:46:37 > 0:46:40Oh, now look, you've put it on the wrong foot, but that's OK.
0:46:40 > 0:46:43'As part of the spending shake-up,
0:46:43 > 0:46:47'three-year-old twins Rowan and Isla are trying out some new wellies.'
0:46:47 > 0:46:50How good are they? Do you want to go and splash in the puddles?
0:46:50 > 0:46:51Yeah.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55'Each pair is £23 cheaper than their usual branded ones.
0:46:55 > 0:46:57'So if Karen bought these in the future,
0:46:57 > 0:47:00'she'd be spared another £46.'
0:47:01 > 0:47:02I think the boots are fantastic.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04I actually think they're better than their usual pair,
0:47:04 > 0:47:07because they have the two loops on either side,
0:47:07 > 0:47:10which they can grip onto to pull on themselves.
0:47:10 > 0:47:11Do you think you can splash me?
0:47:11 > 0:47:13LAUGHTER
0:47:14 > 0:47:18'Karen's also been given budget boots too.'
0:47:18 > 0:47:20These boots look slightly plastic.
0:47:20 > 0:47:21I don't think they're my own brand.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23But I could be wrong.
0:47:24 > 0:47:26'You're not wrong, Karen.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29'These aren't your branded boots, but they are a third of the price.
0:47:29 > 0:47:34'If she bought these next time, she'd save herself £75.'
0:47:34 > 0:47:37I'm not sure if it would be a swap.
0:47:37 > 0:47:39But I do quite like them.
0:47:40 > 0:47:42'With the good old British weather,
0:47:42 > 0:47:45'it's not just boots that need to be fully functional.
0:47:45 > 0:47:51'Over 1.1 million umbrellas have been sold annually in the UK.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53'So we're testing five compact ones,
0:47:53 > 0:47:56'to see which can withstand the strongest winds.
0:47:56 > 0:48:02'The mid-range Knirps flip resistant umbrella is £39.95.
0:48:02 > 0:48:08The handmade Aspinal Marylebone is our deluxe option at £150.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11'At the other end of the scale, the Incognito, a budget brolly,
0:48:11 > 0:48:13'at £11.95.
0:48:14 > 0:48:19'Next, at £47.50, the Senz's storm proof shape enables it to float,
0:48:19 > 0:48:21'rather than fight the wind.
0:48:21 > 0:48:25'And finally, another mid-range option at £40,
0:48:25 > 0:48:28'the fibre-reinforced Fulton Cyclone.
0:48:29 > 0:48:33'They're all rainproof, but how wind resistant are they?
0:48:33 > 0:48:35'We're at an indoor skydiving arena,
0:48:35 > 0:48:38'where five instructors are finding out which brolly
0:48:38 > 0:48:39'will blow them away.'
0:48:41 > 0:48:43It's very sturdy, very well made.
0:48:43 > 0:48:44It's definitely going to win today.
0:48:55 > 0:48:56Unbelievable. I was so gutted.
0:48:58 > 0:49:02It's pretty strong. Yeah, I think it'll be pretty good.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12I'm a bit surprised, I thought it was going to be a bit better.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14But, like you can see, it is still working.
0:49:15 > 0:49:21So I'm a little bit worried, I think my umbrella's a bit flimsy.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23- Shocking. - It wasn't the best one.- Shocking.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26I'm actually feeling pretty confident about my umbrella,
0:49:26 > 0:49:29I quite like the colour of it, it looks pretty fashionable.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36It didn't perform, but it popped back in place really well.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40I quite like my umbrella, not just for the colour.
0:49:44 > 0:49:45Yeah!
0:49:50 > 0:49:52You know, I'm not going to go out looking for storms.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54But if there was one, then I'd definitely use this umbrella.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57'So which brolly weathered the wind?'
0:49:58 > 0:50:00The overall winner is...
0:50:02 > 0:50:05- No way!- Yes! It was mine!
0:50:06 > 0:50:09'The luxury umbrella won
0:50:09 > 0:50:10'by just a second.
0:50:10 > 0:50:12'But close behind were both
0:50:12 > 0:50:13'mid-range brollies,
0:50:13 > 0:50:15'over £100 cheaper than the winner.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20'So investing in an umbrella might be an area where you should spend
0:50:20 > 0:50:22'what you can afford.'
0:50:23 > 0:50:26I would never spend £150 on an umbrella.
0:50:26 > 0:50:29Even though this came second, I'd go for this.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32It's a lot cheaper, and it's just as good, I think.
0:50:32 > 0:50:36'In Glasgow, the label-loving Rodgers have been separated
0:50:36 > 0:50:38'from their beloved brands.'
0:50:38 > 0:50:41The more you get used to it, the easier it becomes.
0:50:41 > 0:50:43Do you think you could live with this phone?
0:50:43 > 0:50:45Yeah, I could.
0:50:45 > 0:50:49'Our objective - to change some serious spending habits.'
0:50:49 > 0:50:51It's not the same, but it's pleasant.
0:50:51 > 0:50:55'But will the experiment have been a success, or not?'
0:50:55 > 0:50:58Alex and Steph have certainly saved us money,
0:50:58 > 0:51:03but whether they've saved us enough money for a holiday, I don't know.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07'Well, there's only one way to find out.'
0:51:07 > 0:51:09I'm feeling quite nervous about this one, you know,
0:51:09 > 0:51:11because we haven't just swapped products.
0:51:11 > 0:51:13We're, like, changing the way they operate.
0:51:13 > 0:51:16I know. But then, if they really want a family holiday,
0:51:16 > 0:51:18they've got to make those changes.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26Right, then. The moment of truth.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28- How are you feeling? - I'm really excited.
0:51:28 > 0:51:30- Yeah.- Are you?- Yeah.
0:51:30 > 0:51:32How did your week of swaps go, then, generally?
0:51:32 > 0:51:33I've really enjoyed it.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36I'm really interested to find out what's going to
0:51:36 > 0:51:37be the outcome.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40'We challenged the Rodgers to make some real changes in their home,
0:51:40 > 0:51:43'in order to reduce their energy bills,
0:51:43 > 0:51:47'starting with turning off all those appliances.'
0:51:47 > 0:51:49It's going to be painful, just do it.
0:51:49 > 0:51:51OK!
0:51:51 > 0:51:55That would save you £80 a year.
0:51:55 > 0:51:57That's that you're throwing away.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00Oh, my goodness. Get it, get it!
0:52:00 > 0:52:01It's mine! It's mine!
0:52:03 > 0:52:05That is unbelievable, £80.
0:52:05 > 0:52:09- It is, when you add it all up.- It's a good start, isn't it?- Brilliant.
0:52:09 > 0:52:13'Karen could save £180 a year sticking to a four minute shower.'
0:52:13 > 0:52:15I would never have thought that.
0:52:15 > 0:52:17That's a lot, isn't it?
0:52:17 > 0:52:20If all the lads went down to four minutes as well,
0:52:20 > 0:52:23that would actually save you £290.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26And you're going to come every day and help me get them out?
0:52:26 > 0:52:28With a whistle, and a stopwatch!
0:52:29 > 0:52:32'The smart thermostat could shave nearly a third off
0:52:32 > 0:52:33'their annual gas bill.
0:52:33 > 0:52:37'That's a possible further £560 saved.'
0:52:38 > 0:52:41- That's a lot of money. - Absolutely amazing.- Yeah.
0:52:41 > 0:52:44'Making these small changes and switching energy supplier could give
0:52:44 > 0:52:48'them some impressive results over the course of a year.'
0:52:48 > 0:52:55All of those energy savings could save you about £2,330 a year.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57- That's a lot of money.- Fantastic.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00'We've taken on technology in this house,
0:53:00 > 0:53:03'including Colin's satellite TV package.'
0:53:03 > 0:53:06Do you think it's going to save you quite a lot, though, every month?
0:53:06 > 0:53:08- I'm sceptical. I'm not sure. - OK.
0:53:08 > 0:53:10You'd save over £50 a month.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12- A month?- A month?- A month.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17The annual saving would be over £600
0:53:17 > 0:53:19by switching to this little device.
0:53:19 > 0:53:21And that includes the sports and...
0:53:21 > 0:53:24- Yeah.- I'm flabbergasted. - Absolutely.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27There's certain things that have made me angry.
0:53:27 > 0:53:29That makes me angry.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32- Hold in the anger and think of the holidays.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:53:32 > 0:53:34- That's a swap.- Absolutely.
0:53:34 > 0:53:36'And what did they think of Karen's tablet?'
0:53:36 > 0:53:40This one will save you £269.
0:53:40 > 0:53:44I would buy that. That's, like, a flight.
0:53:44 > 0:53:46- You're going for that one? - I'll go for that one.- Excellent.
0:53:46 > 0:53:47And I think that's a good price.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51'It looks like some bad habits have been broken.'
0:53:51 > 0:53:53So we gave Lewis this phone.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56Compared to his current contract...
0:53:57 > 0:53:59That is a big difference.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02That's over a 24-month contract.
0:54:02 > 0:54:03I think I need to be tougher.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06It's actually a merry-go-round that I really don't want to be on.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09- Hopefully, in the future, we can change that.- Yeah.
0:54:09 > 0:54:11'That's music to my ears, Colin.
0:54:11 > 0:54:15'But is Karen also prepared to bin the big brands?'
0:54:15 > 0:54:17So we swapped your serum.
0:54:17 > 0:54:19Oh...
0:54:19 > 0:54:22- Quite a big difference here.- Yeah. - Let's have a look.
0:54:22 > 0:54:24- Really?!- Yeah.
0:54:24 > 0:54:26That's a massive saving.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29Hang on, hang on. Is that annually, or per packet?
0:54:29 > 0:54:32No, this costs £9.99.
0:54:32 > 0:54:36And the one your rather fabulous, lovely, gorgeous wife buys...
0:54:36 > 0:54:38With amazing skin...
0:54:38 > 0:54:41- ..is £55.- Ooh!
0:54:41 > 0:54:45If I told you that was an annual saving of £540...
0:54:46 > 0:54:48That makes me feel so bad.
0:54:48 > 0:54:50- I can't believe that.- 540.
0:54:50 > 0:54:54- It's a swap.- OK, brilliant. - It's a swap.- Excellent.- Brilliant.
0:54:54 > 0:54:57'Not all our swaps were so popular.'
0:54:57 > 0:54:59So compared to the cost of a tumble dryer,
0:54:59 > 0:55:03this is £389 and a penny cheaper.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05Could we actually use this?
0:55:05 > 0:55:09- And the answer was no. - It's not a swap.- Definitely not.
0:55:09 > 0:55:12'However, they decided to keep over 80% of our suggestions,
0:55:12 > 0:55:16'including the expensive but longer lasting frying pan.'
0:55:16 > 0:55:20This one is £49.99, but it does come with a lifetime guarantee.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23- It's great. Swap. - Swap.
0:55:23 > 0:55:24Detergent.
0:55:24 > 0:55:26Loved it. I can't believe it.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29- That's good.- I really hope it's cheaper.- The saving...
0:55:31 > 0:55:34..is £18.19.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36£385 a year.
0:55:36 > 0:55:39That is an absolute swap.
0:55:39 > 0:55:41This television was actually bought in a supermarket,
0:55:41 > 0:55:43but it would save you...
0:55:44 > 0:55:46..£479.
0:55:46 > 0:55:50- Next time...- Next time. - ..is it a swap?
0:55:50 > 0:55:51- BOTH:- Yes.
0:55:51 > 0:55:54'Going forward, if this super-sized family were to take on
0:55:54 > 0:55:57'these savvy swaps and learn from our tricks,
0:55:57 > 0:56:00'could they save enough for a holiday abroad?'
0:56:00 > 0:56:03Well, all we need to do now is give you the big total.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06So taking on board the tips that we've given you,
0:56:06 > 0:56:09and looking at the swaps that we've done,
0:56:09 > 0:56:11that would be a saving
0:56:11 > 0:56:15of around £7,500.
0:56:15 > 0:56:16That is a holiday.
0:56:16 > 0:56:18Can you smell the pina colada?
0:56:20 > 0:56:22I'm delighted that we can get away on holiday.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25It will be absolutely brilliant. I didn't think it was achievable.
0:56:25 > 0:56:27Are we on the plane, are our bags packed?
0:56:27 > 0:56:29Yes. We'll send you a postcard!
0:56:30 > 0:56:34You expect a saving, but you don't expect a saving of that amount.
0:56:34 > 0:56:35It actually makes you feel quite bad
0:56:35 > 0:56:38of what we must've been spending our money on.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41I am so happy. I can actually visualise us going on holiday now,
0:56:41 > 0:56:43when I never thought we ever could.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46I remember my granny telling me the pennies make the pounds,
0:56:46 > 0:56:47and all that kind of stuff, and it's true.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49It's had such an impact on everybody.
0:56:49 > 0:56:51It's just fantastic.
0:56:54 > 0:56:55What a lovely family.
0:56:55 > 0:56:59I know, and they've made some really substantial changes, haven't they?
0:56:59 > 0:57:01Yeah, those savings have come from teamwork.
0:57:01 > 0:57:05Yeah. Good job. Well done.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08'Next time, a house bursting with buys...'
0:57:08 > 0:57:10- Three of these.- Another pair.
0:57:10 > 0:57:12'..means looking good comes at a cost.'
0:57:12 > 0:57:13You're uncontrollable.
0:57:13 > 0:57:16No, you've made me uncontrollable.
0:57:16 > 0:57:18'Can we rein in their wild ways?'
0:57:18 > 0:57:19No!