As the cost of living rises, finding creative ways to save money has become essential for many households.
Surprisingly, even members of the royal family, known for their luxurious lifestyle, have adopted some frugal habits to manage expenses.
One such example is Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, who has been known to implement money-saving strategies that anyone can incorporate into their daily lives.
Financial expert Jason Higgs, the senior deals strategist at Bountii, analyzes these royal strategies, offering insights into how you can stretch your budget and manage your finances in today’s tough economy.
Rewearing Outfits: A Royal Strategy
One of the most notable ways Princess Kate manages her wardrobe expenses is by rewearing outfits.
Instead of constantly purchasing new clothes, she mixes and matches previously worn items to create fresh looks.
Jason Higgs, a financial expert and senior deals strategist at Bountii, highlights this practice as a smart way to manage clothing costs.
“Rewearing outfits is a practical strategy for managing clothing expenses and minimizing waste,” says Higgs.
Savvy Home Decor on a Budget
When it comes to home decor, Princess Kate opts for budget-friendly choices without compromising on style.
It’s been reported that Prince George and Princess Charlotte have had Ikea furniture in their bedrooms, showcasing the royal family’s preference for affordable home furnishings.
Jason Higgs notes, “Choosing budget-friendly home decor allows you to save money while still creating a beautiful living space.”
Discount Store Shopping
Princess Kate has also been spotted shopping at discount stores, a habit that might surprise some.
In 2018, just days before Christmas, she was seen purchasing items at The Range, a discount store close to the King’s Sandringham estate.
“Shopping at discount stores can help you find fantastic deals and save a lot of money,” says Jason Higgs, emphasizing the value of looking for bargains.
Fashion on a Budget
The Princess of Wales is also known for her love of affordable fashion.
She has been seen sporting stylish yet budget-friendly pieces from popular high street stores like Zara.
For example, during the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in Marseille last year, she was seen wearing her go-to £66 blazer.
This savvy approach to fashion demonstrates that you can look great without spending a fortune.
From Deckhand to Royalty: Kate’s Humble Beginnings
Before becoming a member of the royal family, Kate Middleton led a life much like millions of other Britons.
After graduating from the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where she met her future husband, Prince William, Kate worked various jobs, including as a deckhand at the Ocean Village Marina in Southampton.
Her former skipper, Cal Tomlinson, shared in Katie Nicholl’s biography Kate: The Future Queen that Kate was known for her hard work and professionalism.
Additionally, Kate once worked part-time as a waitress, an experience she fondly recalled during a BBC Christmas special with renowned chef Mary Berry, admitting she wasn’t the best at serving the public.
Princess Kate’s down-to-earth approach to money management is a refreshing reminder that even in the face of financial challenges, it’s possible to maintain a budget without sacrificing quality or style. By following her lead, you too can adopt practical strategies to stretch your budget and thrive in today’s tough economy.