Latest news with #affordableliving
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
My parents built me a two-storey bedroom so I didn't have to move out – I pay £100 a month & it's basically an apartment
WITH the cost of living crisis making it tougher than ever for young people to fly the nest, finding an affordable, comfortable place to live feels like winning the lottery. Sky-high rents and deposit demands mean many are staying put in the family home for longer. But one savvy TikToker has revealed how she's managed to get her own luxurious two-storey place which is essentially her own apartment - and all for a mere £100 a month. When TikTok user @ yamajammehh shared a video of her immaculate, all-white loft space, complete with a stunning skylight, it quickly went viral with 1.4million views. But it wasn't just the plush aesthetics that caught people's attention; it was her candid revelation about her incredibly affordable living situation. The video starts with her jokingly referring to her gorgeous space as an apartment, before quickly correcting herself and explaining that it was actually her bedroom in her family house. She then went on to say how she pays her mum £100 in rent each month, going on to say how she feels this is a 'normal thing to do' at her age. Yama then went on to ask her 33.1k TikTok followers if they still live at home, and if they pay their parents rent, as well as asking parents if they would charge their kids rent. The rest of the video shows her meticulously cleaning her large skylight, a task that's clearly not for the faint of heart given her high ceilings. The TikToker then went on to explain a simple cleaning hack to clean her window. She uses a simple combination of Fairy liquid and disinfectant spray, along with an old "scrub mummy" to tackle the grime. She also addresses a common question from her followers: has it ever rained through the open skylight? Shoppers run to Primark for £6 home staple that's giving Barbie Dream House Her honest answer? "Yes! Literally multiple times especially when I wake up in the middle of the night and I can hear the rain literally falling onto the carpet below. "You would think I would have learnt by now." Her video shows off modern living as her parents' decision to build her a spacious, self-contained loft bedroom means she doesn't have to move out, offering a fantastic solution that benefits everyone. And it certainly sparked a conversation in her comments section as 1,407 people rushed to write down their thoughts on her video. One wrote: 'Girl you've got a mini apartment inside your family home that's so cute!! 'I pay £200 a month and I do the WiFi bill and my own food shop. I've been doing it since I was about 18 ish.' A second added: 'Look so nice, well done on you for helping your mum give a little bit back and show independence.' While a third said: 'My parents charged me, but when I was buying my house they gave it all back. They saved it for me all along.' And a fourth commented: 'I would never charge my child to live in my house. "He didn't ask to be born so I'd never take his money if he was old enough to pay.' 10 DIY hacks for under £1 each These simple and affordable DIY hacks can help you get creative while saving money Homemade Air Freshener: Mix baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place it in a small jar with a perforated lid to keep your home smelling fresh. Upcycled Tin Can Planters: Clean and paint empty tin cans to use as stylish planters for herbs or small plants. Custom Phone Stand: Use a sturdy piece of cardboard or an old plastic credit card to create a custom phone stand. Decorate it with washi tape or paint. DIY Lip Scrub: Combine sugar and a bit of honey or coconut oil to make a natural lip scrub. Store in a small container. Personalised Bookmarks: Use old greeting cards or decorative paper to create unique bookmarks. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon for a finishing touch. Decorative Mason Jars: Paint or decoupage old mason jars to use as decorative vases, storage containers, or candle holders. Easy Cable Organiser: Use empty toilet paper rolls to organize cables and cords. Decorate the rolls with colorful paper or tape. Magnetic Spice Jars: Attach small magnets to the lids of small jars and stick them to a metal board or fridge for easy-access spice storage. Handmade Coasters: Cut out squares from old corkboard or felt and decorate them with paint or fabric to create custom coasters. Natural All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Use it to clean surfaces around your home.
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Travel + Leisure
23-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This On-Sale Shed With Tons of Functional Windows Doubles as a Mini Backyard Getaway
Believe it or not, you don't have to pack luggage and hop on a plane to get away. Shoppers are investing in tiny homes that feel like an escape and won't break the bank, which leads us to the Handy Home Windemere Shed. People have transformed the contemporary construction into various types of spaces, including a camping getaway site, an extra office space, an art studio, and a tiny waterfront house. So, if a backyard retreat piques your interest, consider bringing this charming shed home while it's on sale for just under $3,100 at Wayfair. Measuring 10 feet wide, 12 feet deep, and 10 feet tall, and offering 120 square feet of floor space, this small space-friendly hut is whatever you make of it. For instance, one shopper, who loves being outdoors, turned it into a camping getaway site. Whereas another buyer transformed it into a work office and 'added a bathroom with a beautiful shower, toilet, and sink.' While several reviewers reported that it took them days to build the outdoor storage shed, many noted that the instructions were easy to follow, including one who mentioned that it 'came with everything that was needed and was exactly what I was looking for.' Plus, for security reasons, it has a rust- and corrosion-resistant handle with a lock and two keys. If you want to turn this shed into an art or yoga studio, you'll be happy to hear that it has a lot of windows (11, to be exact), which, as one reviewer said, gives it an 'open feeling.' The 6-foot-high double doors, which come pre-hung with integrated transom windows that help keep it ventilated, also don't go unnoticed. A shopper who was looking for something more elevated than a basic shed to store their patio furniture during the winter said, 'This sealed the deal' for them, adding that they were able to adjust the windows to fit their needs. Long story short, this woodshed provides a place to escape to year-round, and now is the time to invest while it's marked down at Wayfair. Below, we've rounded up a few more highly rated options that are worth the splurge, including a Handy Home Tribeca Shed that you can have installed for an additional fee (because why lift a finger if you don't have to?).
The Sun
16-07-2025
- The Sun
We moved to a cheap as chips European country with 3 kids – houses are less than UK train tickets & our food shop is £43
A FAMILY-OF-FIVE have left the UK and moved to a cheap as chips European country. Now, not only are the houses cheaper than UK train tickets, but their weekly food shop has been majorly slashed too. 2 And that's not all, as luckily for these parents, who have three children, their petrol costs are also now a third of the price. Posting on social media, a couple who are known as 'Fresh Start Sticks', have shared an insight into their new life in Bulgaria. The family made the decision to move abroad in search of a 'homesteading life,' which is a lifestyle focused on self-sufficiency and often involves practices such as small-scale farming, food preservation, and crafting. Standing in front of their three-bedroom house which they bought without viewing it in the flesh, the mother said: 'We bought a house in Bulgaria for less than a UK season train ticket, but the price is secondary to the reasons why we made the decision.' While the mother didn't confirm how much they paid for their home, the cost of a yearly train ticket in the UK varies significantly based on the specific route and class of travel. The most expensive annual train ticket in the UK is typically for journeys into London, with routes like Harlow Town to London Liverpool Street costing £3,496. However, some long-distance routes, such as those from Canterbury and Southampton into London, are set to rise more than £300 to £7,100 and £7,477 respectively. The savvy mum explained that buying the home was a 'massive risk' and while it 'isn't perfect' it's worth it for them. She then acknowledged their reasons for leaving the UK, as the content creator highlighted: 'We were running out of steam in the UK, things were not getting any better, in fact, it was getting worse - a lot of people's attitudes had changed, things were different, people were different. 'We did a lot of research before turning up in Bulgaria - for us, Bulgaria ticked all the boxes, it was warm in the summer, the only thing that we were a little unsure of was the winter, which gets down to -20.' We lived in one of the UK's most expensive seaside towns but house prices were mental - so we saved £293k by packing up and moving abroad The mum-of-three explained that the Visa process was a bit of a faff, but this wasn't the only issue they came across. She continued: 'When we came to Bulgaria, there were so many pitfalls that we unfortunately fell into and that was the first thing that really irritated us.' As well as the lengthy Visa process, she shared: 'The estate agents were showing us properties that were derelict and we were not interested in anything that was beyond what we could live in, and also the fees to get your visa were astronomical.' Huge savings In another clip, the mother got candid about the cost of living in Bulgaria. Opening up about her costs, she confirmed that the family spend around £43 a week on food shopping. They also spend around £26.60 on fuel and £15 a week on fresh fruit. When it comes to their miscellaneous spending, this normally costs just £6.65 a week, bringing their total weekly spend to around £91.25. The parents confirmed that this is much cheaper than what they were previously spending, as they explained that whilst in the UK, they would normally fork out between £60 to £80 a week on petrol. How easy is it to move abroad? Brexit means British citizens now have to apply for visas to move to countries within the EU. While some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here's what you need to do at home before moving: Notify HMRC about your upcoming move. Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address. Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving. If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad - contact the International Pension Centre. You can sign up to the Royal Mail's redirection service. If you have outstanding student loans, contact the Student Loans Centre. If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools. Meanwhile, their supermarket food would typically cost them £180 a week and fruits would set them back between £70 and £80 a week. With a total cost of around £320 a week in the UK, this savvy saver beamed at the 'big difference.' And not only are they saving a huge amount, but they are also on a mission to reduce their spending even further, as the couple have plans to reduce their shopping costs and grow their own food on their land. Big divide The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ freshstartsticks, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 521,400 views. But social media users were left totally divided by the family's decision to move to Bulgaria - whilst some thought they would 'love' it, others expressed their concerns. One person said: 'Enjoy your life in Bulgaria.' Another added: 'Very cool! Welcome to such a beautiful journey.' A third commented: 'You'll love it in Bulgaria.' Meanwhile, one troll slammed: 'I couldn't even be paid to move there.' A second chimed in: 'There is a reason why it's so cheap!!!' Someone else asked: 'I'm stunned 😳, why have you done this? I have no words.' Whilst another claimed: 'This is just reckless 😖 I pray for your children and the hell they'll have to go through.'
The Independent
14-07-2025
- The Independent
The best budget hotels in Glasgow for location, style and heritage
Lately, Edinburgh folk have been moving to Glasgow to live more cheaply – and found themselves surprised by the cultural riches on offer. It's a similar experience for the visitor; your Scottish pounds will go further here than in the capital. The incredible range of free attractions includes Degas and Dali at the Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove Gallery; industrial history at the Riverside Museum; and the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art. And while the food is more elevated (and healthier) than in decades past, the Glasgow ethos of high calorie-to-cost ratio endures. Not to mention the music scene; you can still catch intimate gigs by Mercury Prize-nominated artists for little more than a tenner. Appropriately, there are plenty of budget accommodations, and most are in the centre of town, so you won't compromise on location. Neither will you compromise on aesthetics. Far from being generic chains, Glasgow's budget hotels are a showcase of the clever design the city is famous for, whether that's in refurbishing a much-loved heritage building or making the most of a tiny space. For the best hotels in Glasgow and the best hotels near the airport in Glasgow, see our lists. 1. The Social Hub Glasgow hotel Aside from the stellar location – among the brunch bars and architectural jewels of Merchant City – this B Corp-run hotel's strength is its flexibility. Options include plush yet reasonably priced king rooms and small-but-mighty single rooms, all with private bathrooms and free Zenology toiletries. You'll get better rates for extended (two-plus weeks) stays and there's even all-inclusive student accommodation that costs less than most West End digs. What's more, your rate includes access to a coworking space, free laundry services and a gym. A rooftop bar is due to open later in 2025. Book now 2. The Address hotel A tighter budget usually means sacrificing style – not so here. Rooms mix traditional and luxe items, all sourced or crafted in Scotland, and there's a Mid-century influence apparent in the graceful lines, patterned curtains and the sepia-toned, Mad Men -esque colour palette. Chill for a couple of hours in the pink Himalayan salt sauna, grab reasonably priced pesto arancini or pork belly bao at North restaurant, then hit the shops. Having saved money here, you'll have more to spend on Buchanan Street, Glasgow's main artery, which is just seconds away. 3. AC Hotel Glasgow The cheaper rooms of this heritage hotel are in the modern extension, but your followers don't need to know that: snap a photo of the Grade A-listed sandstone facade (Glasgow's former Parish Hall) and caption it, 'look where I'm staying!'. Plus, the modern rooms have bigger windows and look out onto the City Chambers or Strathclyde University's Royal College. Head downstairs to the Scandi-chic Hazel restaurant for a seriously opulent (and great value) afternoon tea: the rotating menu may include parma ham and fig open sandwiches or strawberry and matcha Battenbergs. 4. Native Glasgow hotel This isn't the cheapest hotel on this list, but it may be the best value. For the price of a nice dinner, you'll get a studio apartment with a sofa, kitchen and dishwasher. The fixtures are all soft lighting, vintage-styled art and brass edging, inspired by the Art Deco stylings of the palatial exterior (this was once the headquarters of the Anchor Line Shipping Company). Downstairs, you'll find popular date spot The Anchor Line Restaurant, echoing a 1920s cruise ship with its marble bar and Prohibition-inspired cocktail menu. The George Square location puts you at the heart of everything. 5. Point A Hotel Glasgow At this price (and especially at this central, Bath Street location), you'd expect a sterile stay at best, yet this branch of budget travel chain Point A packs pops of colour and locally themed art in amongst clever amenities. Rooms are compact but cover all essentials: free Wi-Fi, logically placed charge points and intuitive air-con. Plus, you'll have fun with the mood lighting colour controls. The continental breakfast has a decent vegan range, including vegan blueberry croissants. Your rate includes discounts at nearby venues such as the excellent Maki & Ramen restaurant or The Butterfly and The Pig Tea Room. 6. Hotel Indigo Glasgow This handsome Victorian building was once one of Glasgow's first power stations – luckily, these prices won't give you a shock. Rooms have that velvet-and-flocked-brocade look typical of the Indigo brand, and come with a nifty workspace and hairdryer. There's also a fitness centre with treadmills, Swiss balls and free weights. The Turbine 75 restaurant serves pub classics and a mean Scottish breakfast with haggis in the morning. The central location puts you within walking distance of top sights, such as the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and George Square. 7. Arthouse Hotel Glasgow This well-appointed 19th-century townhouse celebrates Scottishness in subtle ways, such as tartan bedspreads and lion rampant wallpaper. Blackout curtains ensure a good night's rest – unless you're bingeing a show on the free Wi-Fi, that is. Breakfast is served in the Brasserie Restaurant and includes oat and chia porridge, baked eggs with green shakshuka and vegan pancakes. With its tufted banquettes and smart, subway-tile walls, it's also a great place to enjoy their dinner menu of pan-European small plates. The city centre nightlife is just outside, including celebrated literary-themed cocktail bar The Last Bookstore, which has walls lined with 8,000 books. Address: 129 Bath St, Glasgow G2 2SZ 8. citizenM Glasgow hotel This outpost of the Dutch hotel brand sits in a handy town-centre spot, a short hop from the Glasgow Film Theatre and National Piping Centre. Like all CitizenM hotels, there's only one type of double room here – and, unfortunately, no option to convert to a twin room. The layout makes the most of the limited space; however, there's even a little desk and the ability to control lighting and temperature via a tablet. There's also an accessible room with a low bed and bathroom grab bars. The 24-hour restaurant-bar serves signature cocktails, comfort food and bar snacks including haggis pakoras. Book now 9. The Z Hotel Glasgow Exploring further afield? This budget city-centre hotel sits in an attractive former printworks two minutes from Queen Street station, from where trains depart east (to Stirling and Edinburgh) or west (to Loch Lomond). Or, if you're taking the car, you'll get discounted parking at a car park two minutes' walk away. Compact rooms cover all the essentials and have Sky TV, TNT Sports and underbed storage. The 'Z Inside Single' rooms are a real bargain, but be aware that 'inside' is a euphemism for 'windowless.' 10. Glasgow Youth Hostel In a twist worthy of an Old Firm derby, one of Glasgow's cheapest accommodations occupies some of the city's priciest real estate. You'll find Glasgow Youth Hostel in a high-ceilinged townhouse on the revered Park Terrace, overlooking Kelvingrove Park and minutes from Kelvingrove Gallery (free) and the Hunterian Museum (also free). The lounge preserves the building's moulded cornices and wood panelling – it's worth grabbing the bay window chairs if you can. Private ensuite rooms are available, and the bar is licensed to sell wine and beer. FAQs When is the cheapest time to visit Glasgow? The cheapest time to visit Glasgow is typically during the off-peak travel season, when demand is lower and prices for accommodation, flights, and attractions tend to drop. This tends to be between January and March, although it's worth noting that the weather is much colder. Midweek stays are also a good option for cheaper room rates. Is Glasgow expensive? Glasgow is one of the more affordable major cities in the UK, especially when compared to places like London or Edinburgh. There exists a wide range of food options and accommodation for all budgets, plus many attractions are free, such as museums. The city centre and West End are also walkable, meaning money saved on transport costs, too. What are the best free things to do in Glasgow? Glasgow is packed with free attractions and things to see and do. Gaze at Dali at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, expand your horizons at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), head to The Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery – Scotland's oldest public museum – or enjoy the Riverside Museum & The Tall Ship, all of which enjoy free entry. Fancy a stroll? Head to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens for Victorian glasshouses and tranquil trails, venture into woodland walks and spot Highland cattle at Pollok Country Park, or head to Glasgow Green & The People's Palace – one of the city's oldest parks. There's also a free City Centre Mural Trail that takes in Glasgow's extensive street art scene. After dark, head to bars like The Hug and Pint or Nice N Sleazy for free live music. How much spending money do I need? How much spending money you need in Glasgow very much depends on the things you want to see and do. Budget travellers can get away with spending approximately £25 per day by making the most of free attractions, cheap eats and by walking or using public transport. Keen to spend a bit more? Mid-range travellers can expect to spend around £40 to £70, including all food and drinks, several paying attractions, snacks and transport. As for luxury travellers wanting to splash out on upscale dining, shopping and concerts? The sky's the limit.
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Travel + Leisure
14-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
These Are the Best Cities in the World to Retire for $1,500 or Less a Month
Getting to a comfortable place financially is certainly the common goal. However, saving up all those dollars and cents so you can enjoy those golden years seems to be getting harder and harder. There is, however, one easy solution: moving to a destination where your money stretches further. And, according to a new list by International Living, there are plenty of places you can live for just $1,500 a month as a senior citizen. "While the costs of everyday life may be rising back home, there are places overseas where $1,500 a month covers you for housing, healthcare, food, fun … the whole nine yards," the website dedicated to helping expats live their best lives, shared. "And that's for a couple. If you're flying solo, you can call these places home for even less." According to the site, the Iberian Peninsula reigns supreme when it comes to affordable retirement living. It named Bragança, a city in northern Portugal, as a top spot thanks to its furnished apartments, which can be rented for about $400 to $500 a month. It also noted that the cost of living here is also rather affordable, with electricity, water, and internet costing about $150 a month. Access to health care is also easy, thanks to private health insurance, which costs around $100 a month. Add in a $400 food budget and $30 for transportation, and you're squared away for a retirement under $1500 a month. Also joining Bragança is the city of Covilhã, located in central Portugal, where you can also find one-bedroom apartments for about $500 a month. Here, International Living shared, a meal out at an inexpensive restaurant can go for as little as $8.50 per person, while groceries remain affordable, too, with "a liter of milk, a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs, a pound of beef, a pound of cheese, and a bottle of wine" totaling around $15. International Living added, "With utilities (electricity, phone, Internet) averaging $175, a couple can live comfortably within a $1,500 budget while still having funds for travel and savings." Joining Portugal are three destinations in Spain, including Oviedo, close to the Bay of Biscay, where retirees can snag a furnished one-bedroom apartment for about $630 per month, while utilities average about $185, and a monthly public transportation pass costs $34. Alicante, Spain, also made the list, where you can get a city apartment or an ocean-view spot for less than $700 a month. Granada, Spain, rounded out the list; here you can get a city apartment for $600 a month and the overall cost of living for two people averages just $1,000 a month. Of course, there are other places outside the peninsula that made the list, including several spots in Mexico, Malaysia, and more spread across Asia. See all the places you can move for an affordable retirement at
