Brits reckon the lessons they have learned from their dads over the years have saved them around a considerable £7,000. Life lessons like turning off lights when they are not in the room and unplugging gadgets have stuck with Brits as they go into their adult lives.
Key findings from the poll
A poll of 2,000 people with father figures found 51% claim they are the most financially savvy people they know, with the average child adopting five money-saving habits from them. Eight in 10 have also received general household energy-saving advice from their dads, with 94% adopting at least some of these practices.
In honour of Father's Day, they shared their favourite 'dadisms', including sayings like 'money doesn't grow on trees' in reference to leaving a light on or a tap running, which have helped 64% to form lucrative lifelong habits.
Impact of dadisms on spending
Two in 10 now question the true value of things, after their dads provided constant commentary on how much things cost 'back in his day' (38%). Differences in prices when travelling to a new city or country (25%) also help Brits save money.
Other classic phrases from dads that have influenced their kids' behaviour included 'were you born in a barn?', 'close the fridge, you're letting all the cold out', and 'it's like the Blackpool illuminations in here'. As a result of these sayings, 34% now track and manage their own household bills very carefully, and 40% are more mindful about turning things off when not in use.
A spokesperson for Utilita, which commissioned the research to support its award winning High5 tips series, including to avoid standby and unplug gadgets to save £47, said: "Dads are often a source of wisdom, with lessons wrapped up in familiar sayings and everyday habits.
"Some of them might seem amusing at first, or lose their shine after you've heard them for the hundredth time, but they often stay with us. There's something about those repeated phrases we hear throughout childhood that quietly sink in and stand the test of time."
Other money-saving lessons
Other money saving lessons children have held onto included only ever buying what they can afford at the time (30%) and staying on top of household maintenance – as preventing a problem is cheaper than fixing it (24%).
DIY is a key area dads influence their kids in, with 23% saying they have taken up this pastime in an attempt to repair rather than replace whenever possible. Fathers also commonly share DIY knowledge through hacks intended to save cash or resources.
The most common pearls of wisdom included turning the lights off even if leaving a room for five minutes (23%), not overfilling the kettle and just using the water they need (20%), and unplugging gadgets and turning sockets off when not in use (18%).
These handy tips may be why dads are the number one trusted source for advice on saving money at home, according to the OnePoll.com data.
More than three quarters (77%) also said their fathers' energy-saving guidance has influenced them to be extra conscious of their usage in this area. Nearly eight in 10% claimed small everyday actions can make a real difference to their overall finances, and their dads' advice has saved them money over the years.
The spokesperson for Utilita added: "Dads have long been the unsung heroes of household saving, passing down practical advice in their own unique way.
"What's especially striking is how even the smallest, seemingly insignificant habits really do add up to make a meaningful difference over time.
"For that reason, we wanted to specifically shout out all dads this Father's Day for their help in keeping us financially on track."
Dads' top 20 tips for saving energy
- Turn the lights off even if leaving the room for five minutes
- Don't leave the water running while brushing teeth
- Bleed your radiators regularly
- Don't overfill the kettle, just use the water you need
- Wear a jumper instead of putting the heating on
- Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
- Unplug gadgets and appliances or turn off sockets when not in use
- Air dry clothes instead of using a tumble dryer
- Don't leave devices charging overnight
- Take your own bags to the shop instead of getting plastic ones
- Try to use natural light instead of artificial light whenever it's available
- Don't have radiators on in empty rooms
- Always fully load the washing machine
- Make sure you turn your oven off straight after you take the food out
- Insulate your loft/attic
- Never put devices on standby
- Regularly check the boiler is working properly
- Take shorter showers
- Use a washing up bowl rather than keeping the tap running
- Check your boiler pressure regularly
