Phone contracts, car finance and other big purchases without regret. Compare the total cost, spot add-ons you don't need and know your cooling-off rights.
'£0 upfront' isn't free. Compare the total cost of a contract with buying the phone + SIM-only.
Buy for your real needs. Refurbished (with a warranty) and student discounts can save loads.
'You saved £50' on something you didn't need = you spent money. Check price history and sleep on it.
Saving up costs nothing extra. Borrowing costs interest and fees — unless it's genuinely 0% and you pay on time.
The purchase price is the start. Running costs every year can be bigger than the car's price.
PCP: lower monthly cost, big final payment to own it, mileage limits. HP: higher monthly payments, you own it at the end.
Check the MOT history (free on GOV.UK), the logbook (V5C), the mileage and whether there's finance owed.
Faulty goods: full refund within 30 days. After that, repair or replace (fault assumed for 6 months). Your claim is against the seller.
Credit card: Section 75 on items over £100, up to £30,000. Debit card: chargeback (not a legal right, but often works). Bank transfer: little protection.
Research, set a walk-away price, ask politely, be willing to leave. Worst they can say is no.
Cost per use + a waiting period + opportunity cost = fewer regret purchases.
Handset contracts are usually credit, and most providers want you to be 18. If it's in a parent's name, missed payments affect THEIR credit file.
Total cost, real need, safe payment, and patience beat the upgrade itch every time.
Free with a codeBig Purchases: quick answers
Contract: £45/month for 24 months, £0 upfront. Total cost?
£45 × 24 = £1,080. That's the real price tag.
Option B: buy the same phone for £600 and get a £10/month SIM-only deal for 24 months. Total?
£600 + (£10 × 24 = £240) = £840. That's £240 less than the contract — if you can afford the upfront cost without borrowing at a high rate.
Related topics
- BorrowingOverdrafts, BNPL, cards and loans: the real cost.
- Consumer RightsRefunds, complaints and getting your money back.
- InsuranceContents, phones, travel: what's worth it.
Browse the whole money library or play the free money games.