
We moved to a cheap as chips European country with 3 kids – houses are less than UK train tickets & our food shop is £43
FRUGAL FLEE We moved to a cheap as chips European country with 3 kids – houses are less than UK train tickets & our food shop is £43
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A FAMILY-OF-FIVE have left the UK and moved to a cheap as chips European country.
Now, not only are the houses cheaper than UK train tickets, but their weekly food shop has been majorly slashed too.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
A mother has revealed that she and her family left the UK and have moved abroad
Credit: tiktok/@freshstartsticks
2
Now, not only do they save loads on their food shop, but their petrol costs are super cheap too
Credit: tiktok/@freshstartsticks
And that's not all, as luckily for these parents, who have three children, their petrol costs are also now a third of the price.
Posting on social media, a couple who are known as 'Fresh Start Sticks', have shared an insight into their new life in Bulgaria.
The family made the decision to move abroad in search of a 'homesteading life,' which is a lifestyle focused on self-sufficiency and often involves practices such as small-scale farming, food preservation, and crafting.
Standing in front of their three-bedroom house which they bought without viewing it in the flesh, the mother said: 'We bought a house in Bulgaria for less than a UK season train ticket, but the price is secondary to the reasons why we made the decision.'
While the mother didn't confirm how much they paid for their home, the cost of a yearly train ticket in the UK varies significantly based on the specific route and class of travel.
The most expensive annual train ticket in the UK is typically for journeys into London, with routes like Harlow Town to London Liverpool Street costing £3,496.
However, some long-distance routes, such as those from Canterbury and Southampton into London, are set to rise more than £300 to £7,100 and £7,477 respectively.
The savvy mum explained that buying the home was a 'massive risk' and while it 'isn't perfect' it's worth it for them.
She then acknowledged their reasons for leaving the UK, as the content creator highlighted: 'We were running out of steam in the UK, things were not getting any better, in fact, it was getting worse - a lot of people's attitudes had changed, things were different, people were different.
'We did a lot of research before turning up in Bulgaria - for us, Bulgaria ticked all the boxes, it was warm in the summer, the only thing that we were a little unsure of was the winter, which gets down to -20.'
We lived in one of the UK's most expensive seaside towns but house prices were mental - so we saved £293k by packing up and moving abroad
The mum-of-three explained that the Visa process was a bit of a faff, but this wasn't the only issue they came across.
She continued: 'When we came to Bulgaria, there were so many pitfalls that we unfortunately fell into and that was the first thing that really irritated us.'
As well as the lengthy Visa process, she shared: 'The estate agents were showing us properties that were derelict and we were not interested in anything that was beyond what we could live in, and also the fees to get your visa were astronomical.'
Huge savings
In another clip, the mother got candid about the cost of living in Bulgaria.
Opening up about her costs, she confirmed that the family spend around £43 a week on food shopping.
We bought a house in Bulgaria for less than a UK season train ticket
Fresh Start Sticks
They also spend around £26.60 on fuel and £15 a week on fresh fruit.
When it comes to their miscellaneous spending, this normally costs just £6.65 a week, bringing their total weekly spend to around £91.25.
The parents confirmed that this is much cheaper than what they were previously spending, as they explained that whilst in the UK, they would normally fork out between £60 to £80 a week on petrol.
How easy is it to move abroad?
Brexit means British citizens now have to apply for visas to move to countries within the EU. While some countries residency restrictions are easier than others, here's what you need to do at home before moving: Notify HMRC about your upcoming move.
Let your local authority know and provide a forwarding address.
Contact your mortgage and utility providers and bank before leaving.
If you have paid enough UK national insurance contributions, you can qualify for a state pension abroad - contact the International Pension Centre.
You can sign up to the Royal Mail's redirection service.
If you have outstanding student loans, contact the Student Loans Centre.
If you have children, give due notice to childcares and schools.
Meanwhile, their supermarket food would typically cost them £180 a week and fruits would set them back between £70 and £80 a week.
With a total cost of around £320 a week in the UK, this savvy saver beamed at the 'big difference.'
And not only are they saving a huge amount, but they are also on a mission to reduce their spending even further, as the couple have plans to reduce their shopping costs and grow their own food on their land.
Big divide
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @freshstartsticks, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 521,400 views.
But social media users were left totally divided by the family's decision to move to Bulgaria - whilst some thought they would 'love' it, others expressed their concerns.
One person said: 'Enjoy your life in Bulgaria.'
Another added: 'Very cool! Welcome to such a beautiful journey.'
There is a reason why it's so cheap!!!
TikTok user
A third commented: 'You'll love it in Bulgaria.'
Meanwhile, one troll slammed: 'I couldn't even be paid to move there.'
A second chimed in: 'There is a reason why it's so cheap!!!'
Someone else asked: 'I'm stunned 😳, why have you done this? I have no words.'
Whilst another claimed: 'This is just reckless 😖 I pray for your children and the hell they'll have to go through.'
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
UK passport warning for travel to 29 countries
Holidaymakers have been warned they could risk being turned away from flights UK passport holders are being warned that if they don't meet a certain criteria when travelling to one of 29 countries, they could find themselves in hot water. The Foreign Office has directed people to the site, Your Europe, if you're travelling to the Schengen area. But what is the Schengen area? It is hailed as a cornerstone of European integration, beginning in 1985 when five European nations agreed to gradually eliminate border checks between them. Soon, more countries began to join, enhancing the principle of free movement. It allows Europeans to live, work, study or retire anywhere within the EU whilst tourists and businesses can also enjoy the advantages of simplified travel. Which countries form the Schengen area? The EU applies a unified set of visa rules for short-term stay - up to 90 days within any 180-day period - as well as for transit through international airport transit zones within the Schengen Area. These rules apply in 29 European countries - 25 of which are in the EU and 4 non EU-countries. These include: Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czechia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Iceland Liechtenstein Norway Switzerland They warn: "EU visa rules do not apply in Cyprus and Ireland. These countries issue visas under their own national rules." You can check the embassy / consulate for more information on entry requirements and how to apply for a visa for one of these countries. If you have a valid visa or residence permit issued by one of the Schengen area countries, you may also use it for travel to Cyprus. The travel experts further warn that "visas or residence permits issued by Cyprus are not valid for travel to countries in the Schengen area." You must check the specific rules that apply if you have a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen. Before travelling, ensure your passport meets the entry requirements or face being turned away - and your holiday ruined. Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU and it must have been issued within the last 10 years Your Europe explained: "This means your travel document must have been issued within the previous 10 years the day you enter the EU on condition that it is valid until the end of your stay plus an additional 3 months." "Children and minors must have their own passport and visa, if required. You may also have to produce other supporting documents to border officials upon arrival such as an invitation letter, proof of lodging, return or round-trip ticket. For the exact requirements contact the embassy / consulate of the EU country you are intending to visit", they add. If you don't live within the EU, and you don't fulfil the entry conditions set out in the Schengen Borders Code, an EU or Schengen country may refuse you entry, Your Europe warns travellers. Under these rules you must have a: valid travel document visa (if needed, except if you hold a valid residence permit or a valid long stay visa) justification for the purpose and specifics of your stay (including proof of sufficient financial means) You can dispute the decision though if this happens. The experts explained: "If you have been refused entry, you have the right to appeal this decision. "Your appeal will be handled in accordance with national law in the country where you were refused entry. However, launching an appeal does not automatically suspend the decision to refuse entry."

South Wales Argus
5 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Get your act together on immigration, Trump tells Europe as he lands in Scotland
Mr Trump is in the country for a four-day visit to both of his golf clubs in Aberdeen and Ayrshire. Donald Trump speaks to the media after arriving in Scotland (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Landing at around 8.30pm on Friday, the president was greeted by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray before speaking to reporters. Asked about illegal immigration – which successive UK governments have sought to curb – Mr Trump said: 'On immigration, you better get your act together. 'You're not going to have Europe anymore, you've got to get your act together. 'As you know, last month we had nobody entering our country – nobody, (we) shut it down.' The president spoke to journalists as he disembarked the plane (Jane Barlow/PA) He added: 'You've got to stop this horrible invasion that's happening to Europe.' Immigration, Mr Trump said, was 'killing Europe'. Some European leaders, he continued, 'have not let it happen' and are 'not getting the proper credit they should', though the president did not say who he was talking about. Mr Trump said: 'Many countries in Europe, some people, some leaders, have not let it happen, and they're not getting the proper credit they should.' Trump supporters gather at Prestwick Airport ahead of US President Donald Trump's arrival (Jane Barlow/PA) The president also praised Sir Keir Starmer ahead of a meeting between the two at one of his courses in the coming days, describing him as a 'good man'. 'I like your Prime Minister, he's slightly more liberal than I am – as you probably heard – but he's a good man. He got a trade deal done,' he said. 'You know, they've been working on this deal for 12 years, he got it done – that's a good deal, it's a good deal for the UK.' The president's motorcade – which contained more than two dozen vehicles – passed a small group of protesters as he entered his Turnberry golf club. The Trump motorcade on the A77 in Maybole, South Ayrshire, as it arrives at his Turnberry golf resort (Robert Perry/PA) Mr Trump also suggested he would be meeting Sir Keir 'tomorrow evening', although it is understood the pair will not meet until Monday. As well as the Prime Minister, Scottish First Minister John Swinney will meet with the president, as will European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who confirmed on X she will come to Scotland on Sunday in a bid to hash out a trade deal between the US and Europe. Mr Trump told journalists there was a 'good 50/50 chance' of a deal being struck, adding that it would be the 'biggest deal of them all'. The president and Sir Keir are expected to discuss potential changes to the UK-US trade deal which came into force last month. Donald Trump waves as he disembarks from Air Force One (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Mr Swinney has pledged to 'essentially speak out for Scotland'. Speaking as he boarded Air Force One in the US, Mr Trump said he would be having dinner with the Prime Minister at Turnberry, before 'going to the oil capital of Europe, which is Aberdeen'. He said: 'We're going to have a good time. I think the Prime Minister and I get along very well.' Police on horseback outside the perimeter of Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire (Robert Parry/PA) Mr Trump added: 'We're going to be talking about the trade deal that we made and maybe even approve it.' He also told journalists he was 'looking forward' to meeting with the 'Scottish leader' Mr Swinney, describing him as a 'good man'. During his time in Scotland, the president is also likely to spark a number of protests, with concerns being raised about how such demonstrations are policed. Police Scotland has called in support from other forces in the UK to help bolster officer numbers, though senior officers and the organisation which represents the rank-and-file have accepted Mr Trump's visit will have an impact.


Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
All the Aldi Specialbuys hitting stores this weekend including bargain beer and kids toys starting at 89p
Bubble teas, BBQ meats, kids' toys and garden gear all land this weekend TROLLEY DASH All the Aldi Specialbuys hitting stores this weekend including bargain beer and kids toys starting at 89p Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHOPPERS are set for another rush to Aldi's middle aisle as the latest round of Specialbuys hit stores this weekend — with prices starting from just 89p. Among the top picks this week are the Lychee & Passion Fruit Bubble Tea and the Peach & Strawberry Bubble Tea, both 320ml and just £1.25 each. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Lychee & Passion Fruit Bubble Tea priced £1.25 Credit: Aldi 6 Peach & Strawberry Bubble Tea priced at £1.25 Credit: Aldi 6 Kids Light Assortment 1 Each costs £2.99 Credit: Aldi Little ones are in for a treat too, with the Kids Light Assortment at £2.99 and the Animal Hopper for £8.99. Also making a splash is the CRANE Bean Bag Toss at £19.99 — ideal for summer fun in the garden — and fidget toy cases for just £4.99. From Saturday, July 27, shoppers across the UK can pick up sizzling deals on everything from BBQ meats and beachwear to toys and kitchen must-haves — but they'll need to move fast, as everything is available only while stocks last. Holidaymakers and beach-lovers can grab Aldi's CRANE Surfing Long Wetsuit for £29.99. There's a child's version too, the Surfing Short Wetsuit, for only £9.99, making it affordable for the whole family to hit the water. Also returning to shelves are summer favourites like the Swimming Noodle (£2.49), Pool Sports Ball (£3.49), and Neoprene Ball (£3.99). Outdoorsy types will want to snap up the Pull Along Picnic Cooler from CROFTON, priced at just £14.99. It's perfect for keeping drinks chilled on days out. Staying hydrated is easy too, thanks to the Water Tracker Bottle for £2.79. Over in the meat aisle, Aldi's BBQ-friendly range is bigger and better. 'Absolutely delicious' shopper exclaims at new Aldi summer bargain essential that's perfect for BBQs Highlights include Ashfield's British Chicken Drumsticks, £3.79 for a 2kg pack, and premium cuts like the XXL Sirloin Steak for £15.99 and XXL Rump SteaKfor £12.99). If you fancy something with flavour, pick up the Sweet Chilli Koftas (£4.29) or the Asia specialities pork belly slices in either Salt & Pepper or Sweet & Sour styles, both just £3.49. For an easy dinner with a twist, the Ready, Set…Cook! Crispy Aromatic Spatchcock Duck with Pancakes (£10.99). Youngsters will also love Aldi's creative bits, like the Blowpens & Plusterpens set at £1.49, which is great for keeping kids entertained over the holidays. The little town Animal Hopper priced at £8.99 is likely to be a fast-seller for active play indoors or out. For those who enjoy garden games, the CRANE Bean Bag Toss costing £19.99 is a brilliant addition to any family gathering. And the Kids Light Assortment, at just £2.99, is a fun and affordable way to brighten up little ones' bedrooms. 6 Little ones are in for a treat too, with the Kids Light Assortment at £2.99 and the Animal Hopper for £8.99 Credit: Aldi 6 Youngsters will also love Aldi's creative bits, like the Blowpens & Plusterpens set Credit: Aldi