
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


Scottish Sun
8 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
I tested the best supermarket low alcohol booze – light & luscious winning wine was like pudding in a glass
Almost 40 per cent of the drinks we consume today are now a low- or no-ABV option THE LOW DOWN I tested the best supermarket low alcohol booze – light & luscious winning wine was like pudding in a glass Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALMOST half of Gen Z never have more than one glass of wine a night, while a further 39 per cent rarely have more than one, new research shows. And three out of four Brits of all ages now say they are more conscious of their tipple levels. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Drinks expert Helena Nicklin gives her verdict on lower ABV drinks Credit: Oliver Dixon 9 Almost half of Gen Z never have more than one glass of wine a night Credit: Getty Almost 40 per cent of the drinks we consume today are now a low- or no-ABV option. Luckily if you fancy a bevvie but want to cut down on your alcohol intake there's loads of non-boozy glugs to try. Many wine, beer and even spirits are now available in 'mid-strength' options for those who wish to cut down the units while still clinking a glass. But which lower ABV drinks deliver and which disappoint? Here, drinks expert Helena Nicklin gives her verdict. 19 Crimes Mid-strength Red 75cl, 7% ABV, £8, Sainsbury's - 2/5 WHERE do I start with this bottle of lower ABV red from the 19 Crimes brand? Well, on the plus side, this is indeed a lower alcohol wine at 7% ABV so it ticks the box for anyone who wants a glass of red, but less boozy. 9 19 Crimes Mid-strength Red 75cl scored 2 out of 5 Credit: Sainsburys However… it is also a great example of why you just can't simply de-alcoholise a normal wine and leave it. Why? Because it will taste unbalanced, acidic and cooked – just like this one. Add to that some fake-tasting vanilla and that's what you get here. Why Guinness tastes better in Ireland It's expensive too, as you are paying for the same name. Not the best! Small Beer: The Original 350ml, 2.1% ABV, £2.20, Majestic - 5/5 THE boys at the Small Beer brewery, located in South London, created this brand years ago with the sole aim of making properly drinkable, lower alcohol 'session' beers – so they had to be good. That's a promising way to start when you want to create something decent for drinkers who want lower booze levels to sip – and the results are super. 9 Small Beer: The Original scored full marks Credit: Majestic This perky Pilsner-style brew is light and hoppy, with lots of flavour. It is seriously refreshing and just right for a light buzz without the bad head. Well worth the few extra pennies, especially when compared to some other low-beer brands. Beavertown Satellite Super Session IPA 330ml, 2.8% ABV, £1.56 (£6.25 x 4), Sainsbury's - 3/5 BEAVERTOWN is a great brand for reliable beers of all shapes and styles. This brewery has a wonderfully creative image and this eye-catching can offers an IPA with a lot of flavour punch – from citrussy bitter hops to fresh florals, which make up for the lower ABV. 9 Beavertown Satellite Super Session IPA scored 3 out of 5 Credit: Sainsburys It might be too soapy and punchy flavour-wise for some drinkers, but traditional IPA drinkers should love it. What's great about this is you can just pick it up and chuck it in your trolley when you are in the supermarket and it won't cost you a fortune. So, it makes drinking 'low' easy and accessible. Summer in a glass! Mid-strength Val De Loire Blanc 75cl, 8.4% ABV, £7.75, Sainsbury's Taste The Difference - 4/5 SAINSBURY'S was the first supermarket to create its own range of mid-strength wines, and this tangy little number is lower on the alcohol – but to drink it's fab. Reduced-alcohol vino doesn't have the best reputation, but this one is made with the prettily perfumed, local grolleau gris grape variety from France's Loire region. 9 Mid-strength Val De Loire Blanc scored 4 out of 5 Credit: Sainsburys The Loire is known for its naturally lighter wines. In the glass, it delivers a tipple that is crisp, clean and fruity. Served well-chilled and you can hardly tell it's a lower ABV. A great bottle if you like the idea of a glass of proper wine in the evening or at a party but don't want a high booze count. McGuigan Mid Rosé 7% ABV, £4.50, Tesco - 5/5 THIS middle-strength rosé from Aussie winemakers McGuigan has been hit and miss in the past, but this year's version is the best so far – so this summer is the time to sip it. Slightly off dry, it comes across as very fruity with notes of summer fruit and strawberry jelly. 9 McGuigan Mid Rosé is perfect for poolside parties in the sun Credit: Tesco Light and luscious, it's perfect for poolside parties in the sun. Serve very cold with a handful of strawberries and it's practically pudding! A great way to enjoy a lovely glass of 'pool plonk' without going overboard on the alcohol. It's a nice daytime option too, if you are having a bottle with lunch. What's not to like? Quarter Proof Vodka Light 70cl, 15% ABV, £22.99 on offer, Amazon - 3/5 LOWER ABV spirits are becoming more common but opting for big brand 'low or no' versions of their bestsellers is not always your only option. The clue is in the name with Quarter Proof, a firm that makes spirits which are exactly that – one fourth of the ABV compared to the original mainstays. 9 Quarter Proof Vodka Light scorred 3 out of 5 Credit: Amazon This lower-proof vodka grain spirit splits the critics – at just 15%, many ask why wouldn't you just pour a smaller measure of the proper stuff into your glass – but this has a tad more flavour than most vodkas. This means you don't feel too short changed. There's something luxurious about pouring from a proper bottle too. Worth a go if this is your tipple. Hayman's London Light Gin 70cl, 12.5% ABV, £18.99, Tesco - 5/5 IF G&T is your favourite tipple but you want to trim the ABV level of what you measure over ice then this is the spirit I would recommend. The gin masters at Hayman's came up with this light gin concept way before it was trendy and, honestly, it works brilliantly – and it's cheaper than regular gin, too. 9 Hayman's London Light Gin scored full marks Credit: Tesco The key here is doubling down on the juniper and botanicals so that when you mix it with tonic, you really have no idea that the ABV is lighter. You get all that gorgeous gin taste, it pairs perfectly and it's very pretty too. Pour this into your balloon glass and it'll hit the spot even for hardened gin connoisseurs. The pretty packaging also means it makes a great gift.


Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I'm a beauty buff, you don't need fat jabs my five minute makeup fix will make you look 2kg lighter with a £2.99 product
Plus, the clever trick to stop your powder from cracking on trips FACE THE FACTS I'm a beauty buff, you don't need fat jabs my five minute makeup fix will make you look 2kg lighter with a £2.99 product Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORGET losing weight, if you want to look more snatched you may just need a clever make-up trick which takes seconds to do. Beauty lover Sam Luna shared how clever placement of a £2.99 bronzer can help you look like you've 'lost 2kg.' Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Sam shared how you should place bronzer and blusher on top of your cheekbones to look more snatched Credit: TikTok / @_sam_luna_ 4 She showed the finished result by doing the two different sides of her face differently Credit: TikTok / @_sam_luna_ 4 She used the Essence Essence Baby Got Bronze Shimmering Bronzer Stick to achieve the look Credit: Essence On her @_sam_luna_ account, she showed how you need to place contour bronzer on top of your cheek bones, instead of in the hollows of your cheek. She used Essence Baby Got Bronze Shimmering Bronzer Stick in Shade 20 Holiday Glow to help with her look. On top of this she used a blusher - the Essence Blush Stick Shade 50 in Cherry Cherry Baby - followed by a concealer which swiped up from the corner of her mouth and the outside of her nose. She then blended in the products and showed how lifted and snatched she looked, compared to the other side of her face which made her look like she'd 'gained 2kg', according to her. On the other side, she had placed the products lower down her face, which didn't 'lift' her features. On her video, Sam added: 'What a difference this make-up hack can make.' Her tip has been liked by over 82,000 people, and many were quick to comment. One said: 'That's crazy tho she looks so different.' A second added: 'That's crazy. With such a minimal amount too?' And a third commented: 'I'm defo gonna try this, thanksss.' The exact spot to put bronzer to give you the most snatched and lifted jawline ever - and it's nowhere near your cheeks POWDER CRACK HACK Have you ever had the frustration of packing your make-up powders for holiday - only for them to crack during the journey? We recently shared how a beauty lover revealed her very handy hack which could cost as little as 1p and will save you ruining expensive compacts. Maya, who posts under @ shared how all you need is a cotton pad for the clever trick. 4 A beauty lover has shared how you can use a cotton pad to stop your powders from cracking Credit: TikTok / @ In a video which has racked up over 106,000 likes, she showed how you simply need to place the cotton pad inside your blusher or powder. You can then snap the lip shut and your powder will be protected from any bashes, which could lead to it cracking. Maya explained: 'Without it, there's more chance of cracking or breaking. 'The cotton pad acts like padding so if it gets thrown or hit it'll be more dense together, decreasing the risk.'


Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Luxury chocolate brand puts Scottish twist on new range – and fans are loving it
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUXURY chocolate makers Lindt have designed a sweet treat with a Scottish twish - shortbread. Scots are going absolutely mad after discovering the rare Lindor flavour hitting the shelves – and it features an ingredient close to the country's heart. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Lindt's Chocolates are now using shortbread The Swiss chocolate maker is renowned for its diverse flavours and vibrant packaging, and has recently launched a distinctive flavour drawing inspiration from the beloved Scottish biscuit. The chocolate boxes have been found in high street retailers, and enthusiasts are thrilled to snap them up. The limited edition delights arrive in a rich purple wrapper and co-ordinating box and take their cue from the humble shortbread. Lindt devotees are so captivated by the new launch, they've pledged to load up their shopping trolleys straight away before the goodies disappear. It is just one of a number of experimental new flavours the company has launched in recent months. A post uploaded on New Foods UK recently got fans buzzing, and sent them dashing to share their reactions. The post stated: 'New Limited Edition Shortbread Lindor! 'Milk chocolate with shortbread pieces and a smooth melting filling! 'These are incredible, now available at Lindt stores.' The limited-edition flavour won't stick around indefinitely so if you fancy a box, you'll need to move quickly. King Charles visits luxury vegan chocolate shop in Scotland The delights are being sold at £5.50 per 100g and have been characterised as 'milk chocolate truffles with shortbread pieces and a smooth melting filling'. As soon as the Lindt shortbread special went on sale, chocolate fans reacted in their droves. One person enthused: 'Love this flavour!' Meanwhile another added: 'Would have to try one. I love chocolate and I love shortbread, but not really keen on chocolate shortbread.' 'I'm going to need to stock up on these,' one person penned. Another remarked: 'Oh my, will have to look out for these.'