Cost of living - how giffgaff's UK price freeze could help you

We know times are tough with the cost of living going up and up. Right now, inflation is at its highest level since 1992. This is raising the cost of pretty much everything, from food to energy to entertainment.

That’s why we’ve taken action by fixing our UK prices for 2022. Read on to find out what this’ll mean for you, our giffgaff members.

What does the rising cost of living look like?

Some of the things that have already become more expensive since December 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics, are:

• Transport – 12.1% increase
• Furniture and household items – 7.4% increase
• Restaurants and hotels – 6% increase
• Food and non-alcoholic drinks – 4.2% increase
• Clothes and footwear – 4.2% increase
• Home energy – 4% increase
• Recreation and culture – 3% increase
• Communication – 0.8% increase

Source: The Guardian

How is the UK reacting to the rising cost of living?

According to our survey of 5,000 people in the UK, many of you aren’t shying away from the crisis.

Instead, you’re doubling down on your non-negotiables (AKA. the things you absolutely will not live without). According to research we carried out:

• 46% of you won’t go without visiting friends and family
• 44% of you will keep your TV subscription services
• 44% will continue donating to charitable causes
• 28% won’t let the rising cost of living stop you going to the pub or nightclubs

Having said that, there are some things you will be cutting back on:

• 61% say you’ll stop shopping for non-essential clothes
• 57% will eat out less and get fewer takeaways
• 48% will put off going on holiday to save money

Source: giffgaff Cost of Living Survey 2022.

How is the giffgaff community dealing with things?

As news about the rising cost of living unfurled, the giffgaff community was quick to share some of their top tips. Here’s what some of you are doing to save money.

giffgaff member, tinkev, recommends accelerating your sustainability efforts as a way to save cash:

“Grow your own veg, use tinned products which last longer, buy from local farmers, i.e. milk, meat, bread. Wear thicker clothing to keep heating bills down, turn off and disconnect inessential electrical items.”

We’re not sure about this one, fozzie17, but fair play if it works for you:

“Only flush the toilet if you really need to.”

And, while we’re not sure how many people will go for this, caro120 has a pretty novel idea:

“Maybe we should start to share houses, heat one for one day and swap to another the next day […] it airs the house and can cut bills”

But there’s still one thing you clever bunch haven’t thought of. And that’s exactly why we’re pleased to make this special announcement. drumroll

Fixed UK prices on giffgaff SIM plans for 2022

There’s not much we at giffgaff can do to lower the price of your food and energy bills. But one way we can help is by capping the amount you spend on your phone tariff.

And that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Throughout 2022, we’ve committed to no UK price rises. That means, at a time when the cost of communications is on the increase, giffgaff members won’t have to pay a penny more for UK calls, texts and data, than they would have in 2021.

This applies to your favourite goodybags, Pay As You Go prices, and all UK rates, until 31 December 2022*. (*Excludes international rates and roaming.)

With the vast majority of you saying you absolutely won’t give up on seeing friends and family (and so you shouldn’t), this is our way of doing our little bit to help.

So, as a giffgaff member, you can continue to make UK calls, texts and chat online safe in the knowledge that you won’t pay any more than you would have in 2021.

Here’s what some of the folks in the community had to say about it:

bluemoonbaz is clearly a fan of the idea:

“It’s great move from giffgaff , everything’s going up , so this really helps”

While user, Ray2, sums up our feelings exactly:

“I for one will really appreciate this help, with so many other things going up it’s nice to know giffgaff have me covered with my tariff.”

And bobrobinson is glad to have one less thing to worry about, too:

“Awwww that is a great thing to do, as many people are on a very low budget that will be welcoming news for them ,and one thing less to worry about.”

Thanks folks. We’re just glad to be doing our part.

Struggling with rising costs?

Sadly, for many, the real challenge is just beginning. And it’s important we all take care of ourselves.

The rising cost of living will no doubt cause a lot of stress, and we’d hate to think any of our valued members are struggling.

If you do need help, these articles from the Big Issue and the Independent may offer some tips to help you cope.

And, if you have some handy advice of your own, be sure to share it with us on the giffgaff community.

Or if you’re not yet a giffgaff member, then check out our excellent range of SIM plans. With unlimted UK calls and texts, and plenty of data, you’re sure to find one that suits your budget and needs.