Martin Lewis is helping Brits stop overspending by sharing the three questions he asks himself when out shopping. While picking up the occasional item off the shopping list may be fine, these purchases soon build up and can have a real impact on your finances by the end of the month.
In a clip on TikTok, the MoneySavingExpert.com founder explained three questions everyone should be asking before they buy anything. The MoneySavingExpert founder says the goal isn't to stop spending altogether. It's about slowing down and being honest with yourself — especially when small purchases become a habit or when you're buying things without really thinking it through.
As he points out, he's been saying this for a reason: "I've been talking about these for about 20 years."
The Three Questions Martin Wants You to Ask
Martin's advice splits depending on where you're at financially — but the underlying message is the same for everyone: stop, think, and be honest with yourself before you spend.
1. Do I need it? / Will I use it?
For those who are skint, the first question is simple: do you actually need it? For everyone else, it becomes: will you really use it? "Well, will you really use it? Have a think about that before you buy," Martin says. If the answer is no, don't buy it.
2. Can I afford it? / Is it worth it?
If money is tight, Martin asks whether you can genuinely afford it — and if you can't, his answer is straightforward: "If you can't afford it, sadly, don't buy it." For those who aren't struggling, the question becomes one of value. "But even if you will, crucially ask yourself, is it worth it?" he says. "If it's a £250 item of clothing that you will only wear once, do you really want to pay £250 for one wear?" He pushes you to consider what he calls "the opportunity cost" — "Could you get more enjoyment or better value out of spending that money elsewhere? If you could, don't buy it. It's not worth it."
3. Have I checked whether it's available cheaper elsewhere?
This one applies to everyone without exception. "If you haven't checked whether it's available cheaper elsewhere, then check before you buy it," Martin says. It doesn't matter whether you're skint or comfortable — this step is non-negotiable. He's dubbed them "Martin's Money Mantras" — and with two decades of repeating them, it's fair to say he means it.
A spokesperson for Ecigone said: "The 'check elsewhere' rule is the one many people skip because they assume the first price they see is the going rate — but that's rarely true. It genuinely pays to take an extra few minutes before checking out. Compare across a few retailers, factor in delivery costs, and don't assume a well-known name automatically means the best deal. A little patience at that final stage can make a real difference to what you actually end up paying."
