Latest news with #Idealo
Cosmopolitan
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Already binge-watched Sirens? Why our obsession with 'eat the rich' TV is the true recession indicator
The storyline propelling Sirens, Netflix's hugely popular mini-series, unfurls quickly and with camp flourish. The five-part series follows Simone (Milly Alcock) as she assimilates into the picturesque New England elite alongside socialite Michaela Kell (an unsettling but chic turn by Julianne Moore). The plot dissolves into something equal parts preposterous and bingeable, which reveals that behind the shimmering facade… wealth can be little more than a gilded cage (yet one we may all hope to find ourselves in). Sirens is just the latest iteration of glossy dramas that place a focus on seeing the moneyed misbehave and befall misfortune. Arguably the biggest television series of the year so far was The White Lotus, with the third season of Mike White's sun, sea and satire of rich guests at a luxury hotel attracting record audiences (the finale drew in 6.2 million viewers, a 30% increase compared to the previous series high of 4.8 million). Meanwhile, Nine Perfect Strangers, which sees wellness guru Masha Dmitrichenko (Nicole Kidman, obviously) lead a transformative wellness retreat for the one percent, has just returned for round two. But why are we seeing a glut of shows focusing on wealth beyond our wildest dreams right now, when most of us are feeling the pinch more than ever before? Since 2020, the wealth of the five richest billionaires has more than doubled - and during the same time, more than five billion people have become poorer. For chartered psychologist Dr Manpreet Dhuffar-Pottiwal, our obsession with observing the lifestyles of the rich and the famous 'reflects a cultural preoccupation with extremes. 'This trend aligns with social comparison theory, wherein individuals evaluate their own circumstances against those perceived as socially or economically superior,' Dhuffar-Pottiwal continues. 'These shows offer aspirational escapism, allowing viewers to vicariously experience opulence. 'The rise of streaming platforms has also normalised binge-watching, creating a lucrative market for sensationalised, high-drama content that glamorises wealth. Clinically, I observe that clients from marginalised backgrounds often describe such shows as a form of 'mental holiday' from financial stress, though this escapism can fuel unhelpful fantasies of unattainable success.' It seems almost paradoxical, particularly during an era of economic uncertainty, that we'd want to see the wealthy flaunt their wad. The ongoing cost of living crisis means people are now struggling to afford the basics; research from the Young Women's Trust revealed that 56% of young women described their financial situation as "uncomfortable" in 2023. The rise in food, housing and energy prices are also seeing women disproportionately affected; a recent survey by Idealo found only one third of women (34 per cent) say they can afford to pay their bills and top up their savings. However, Dhuffar-Pottiwal argues it's because of this economic uncertainty that we find ourselves beguiled on shows about elites. 'This is down to relative deprivation theory, where systemic inequality promotes resentment towards the wealthy while simultaneously heightening curiosity about their lives,' she says, 'Programmes like Succession exploit this tension, offering audiences a voyeuristic glimpse into a world of excess that feels both alien and magnetising. 'Neuroscientific and behavioural addiction research on media consumption suggests that the brain's reward pathways are activated by depictions of luxury, akin to the allure of gambling or compulsive shopping.' Yep, it would seem that watching shows about the affluent is the true recession indicator; look at the popularity of Dynasty and Dallas, which hit screens following the severe economic recession of the early 80s. Likewise, when the economy is good, the television shows we flock to are grittier, or grimier; consider mafia murder series The Sopranos and grotty house-share drama This Life, which hit screens in the nineties. However, what differs in this new era of extreme wealth is the need to see the most loathsome, super-rich, characters fall from grace - and often spectacularly. After all, no-one is truly happy in Succession despite their proximity to millions, while The White Lotus always ends with (at least one) death - and Michaela in Sirens sees her life unravel at lightning speed. 'This reflects a societal demand for catharsis amid growing distrust of elites,' Dhuffar-Pottiwal says. 'Psychologically, this aligns with schadenfreude - the pleasure derived from others' misfortunes - which intensifies when the target is perceived as undeservingly privileged. 'The post-2008 political climate and critiques of 'the one percent' has normalised vilification of the ultra-wealthy. Audiences crave moral equilibrium; seeing the rich punished restores an illusion of fairness in an unequal world.' However, there may be something sadly uncanny in seeing the mighty fall; watching Michaela fearing her husband cheating in Sirens, or the hotel guests of The White Lotus bitterly battling it out for dominance (the toxic trio from season three, we're looking at you), shows how wealth does not necessarily cocoon them from everyday struggles us mere mortals face. 'Material abundance cannot insulate against human fragility,' agrees Dhuffar-Pottiwal. 'Newer television shows about the super rich both simultaneously glamorise wealth and dismantle its mythos.' In presenting us with entitled characters who we're supposed to loathe, while at the same time acknowledging that, deep down, we're not entirely unlike them, TV shows about the super rich are merely twisted, trick mirrors showing us back an ugly, magnified version of ourselves. And it seems we can't get enough. Sirens is now streaming on Netflix Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper's Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
The best times to buy summer garden essentials including the three you must buy NOW – and you could save over £180
Read on to discover why timing is everything when it comes to saving money deal steal The best times to buy summer garden essentials including the three you must buy NOW – and you could save over £180 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHOPPING experts have revealed when is the ideal time to stock up on major garden essentials to make huge savings. Three of the key items should be bought this month in order to make the biggest savings. 3 Gazebos are a must-have for the unpredictable British summer Credit: Getty Boffins at comparison site Idealo have done the hard work for us and worked out that shoppers could save £183.84 if they purchase a gazebo this month, rather than in November, when they are at its worst price. One shopper recently bragged about picking up a "huge" gazebo from her local Morrisons for just £20. May is also your month for hedge trimmer shopping and you could save £12.80 as opposed to buying in August as their most expensive month. As most parents will know, tearing kids away from screens can sometimes be a challenge, making garden toys a lifeline in the summer months. If you're after something that will keep your little ones entertained for hours, what about the trusty pogo stick? May is the best month to pick one up, creating a saving of £1.24 rather than in December. For your other green-fingered needs, June has been officially crowned as the cheapest month of the year to buy garden bits in the UK, with the greatest deals on offer. While June is ideal, buying garden goodies any time between the end of May and August is also promised to save you cash. Idealo found that savings of up to £649 can be made by buying each item at the right time. BEST AND WORST MONTHS TO BUY PRODUCTS Beach/ sand toy (Best: April, Worst: May) - £3.34 Water gun (Best: August, Worst: October) - £2.39 Trampoline (Best: July, Worst: November) - £37.80 Greenhouse (Best: June, Worst: December) - £177.24 Garden table (Best: June, Worst: March) - £18.67 Garden lighting (Best: June, Worst: October) - £16.19 Sun lounger (Best: June, Worst: December) - £14.27 Fire pit (Best: June, Worst: August) - £9.60 Parasol (Best: June, Worst: January) - £6.16 Garden shears (Best: June, Worst: December) - £3.13 Gazebo (Best: May, Worst: November) - £183.84 Hedge trimmer (Best: May, Worst: August) - £12.80 Pogo stick (Best: May, Worst: December) - £1.24 Katy Phillips, senior brand and communications manager at idealo tells The Sun: 'Our data shows that a little patience can go a long way when it comes to saving money on garden essentials this year. "Holding off until the right month could save shoppers hundreds of pounds on big-ticket items like sun loungers, tables and fire pits. 'We'd always recommend comparing prices across multiple retailers before committing to a purchase. With a bit of planning, and by using apps with tools like price alerts, you can enjoy your garden for less and make your money stretch further this summer.' 3 The best time to buy a hedge trimmer is May Credit: Getty How to save money on garden furniture Opting to buy your new garden furniture or items on sale could save you a lot of money. Most retailers start discounting garden items after summer and will run promotions over the winter, but be aware stock can be far more limited during this time. Retailers will start reintroducing more to their garden ranges during spring and may run limited promotions over bank holidays, for example. You are unlikely to get a great deal just before or in the height of summer, but some retailers offer mid-summer clearance sales to get rid of old stock, so keep an eye out. Remember to always shop around when making a big purchase, as even if one store has a sale on, you may be able to get a better deal elsewhere. You can use websites like Price Spy to compare the prices of items across multiple retailers and see how the prices have changed over time. Remember, you may not need to buy you furniture - you could save a fortune by up-cycling old items instead. Giving dirty pieces a good wash and a lick of fresh paint can make them look brand new. You can also pick up perfectly good items second-hand. Try platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay to see if anyone near you is getting rid of old items - you may even be able to pick them up for free.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
The best times to buy summer garden essentials including the three you must buy NOW – and you could save over £180
SHOPPING experts have revealed when is the ideal time to stock up on major garden essentials to make huge savings. Three of the key items should be bought this month in order to make the biggest savings. 3 Boffins at comparison site Idealo have done the hard work for us and worked out that shoppers could save £183.84 if they purchase a gazebo this month, rather than in November, when they are at its worst price. One shopper recently bragged about picking up a "huge" gazebo from her local Morrisons for just £20. May is also your month for hedge trimmer shopping and you could save £12.80 as opposed to buying in August as their most expensive month. As most parents will know, tearing kids away from screens can sometimes be a challenge, making garden toys a lifeline in the summer months. If you're after something that will keep your little ones entertained for hours, what about the trusty pogo stick? May is the best month to pick one up, creating a saving of £1.24 rather than in December. For your other green-fingered needs, June has been officially crowned as the cheapest month of the year to buy garden bits in the UK, with the greatest deals on offer. While June is ideal, buying garden goodies any time between the end of May and August is also promised to save you cash. Idealo found that savings of up to £649 can be made by buying each item at the right time. BEST AND WORST MONTHS TO BUY PRODUCTS Beach/ sand toy (Best: April, Worst: May) - £3.34 Water gun (Best: August, Worst: October) - £2.39 Trampoline (Best: July, Worst: November) - £37.80 Greenhouse (Best: June, Worst: December) - £177.24 Garden table (Best: June, Worst: March) - £18.67 Garden lighting (Best: June, Worst: October) - £16.19 Sun lounger (Best: June, Worst: December) - £14.27 Fire pit (Best: June, Worst: August) - £9.60 Parasol (Best: June, Worst: January) - £6.16 Garden shears (Best: June, Worst: December) - £3.13 Gazebo (Best: May, Worst: November) - £183.84 Hedge trimmer (Best: May, Worst: August) - £12.80 Pogo stick (Best: May, Worst: December) - £1.24 Katy Phillips, senior brand and communications manager at idealo tells The Sun: 'Our data shows that a little patience can go a long way when it comes to saving money on garden essentials this year. "Holding off until the right month could save shoppers hundreds of pounds on big-ticket items like sun loungers, tables and fire pits. 'We'd always recommend comparing prices across multiple retailers before committing to a purchase. With a bit of planning, and by using apps with tools like price alerts, you can enjoy your garden for less and make your money stretch further this summer.' 3 How to save money on garden furniture Opting to buy your new garden furniture or items on sale could save you a lot of money. Most retailers start discounting garden items after summer and will run promotions over the winter, but be aware stock can be far more limited during this time. Retailers will start reintroducing more to their garden ranges during spring and may run limited promotions over bank holidays, for example. You are unlikely to get a great deal just before or in the height of summer, but some retailers offer mid-summer clearance sales to get rid of old stock, so keep an eye out. Remember to always shop around when making a big purchase, as even if one store has a sale on, you may be able to get a better deal elsewhere. You can use websites like Price Spy to compare the prices of items across multiple retailers and see how the prices have changed over time. Remember, you may not need to buy you furniture - you could save a fortune by up-cycling old items instead. Giving dirty pieces a good wash and a lick of fresh paint can make them look brand new. You can also pick up perfectly good items second-hand. Try platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay to see if anyone near you is getting rid of old items - you may even be able to pick them up for free. 3
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Three savvy ways to use price comparison sites for your shopping
Plus, save on ice cream as the summer rolls in SUN SAVERS Three savvy ways to use price comparison sites for your shopping Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) YOU may use price comparison sites to get the best deals for your broadband or car insurance – but probably don't do the same when shopping. Whether you're looking for great buys for your home and garden, a good deal on a new summer outfit or simply to drive down the cost of your weekly shop, there are online tools that can help you get the best price. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up FANCY FEATURES: For homeware, tech, clothes and more, compare prices using sites like PriceRunner, Idealo, Google Shopping and PriceSpy. Check across different sites to make sure you get the best deal. They all have clever features to help you make the savviest shopping choices. Idealo is one that allows you to scan barcodes in store to check if a product is cheaper online With the PriceRunner on the Klarna app, you can access an AI assistant who will interpret what you're looking for and help you find the right item. PAST PRICES: The sites' price-tracking tools also help you to check if deals are as good as they look. They show price history, so you can see how the cost of an item has gone up and down. That way you can judge whether you might get a better deal by waiting. If you're shopping via Amazon, then CamelCamelCamel will show you how much items have previously sold for. Use the tool to check out the offers during Amazon's Everyday Essentials Week, starting on Wednesday. Cut car insurance costs and save money FOOD FOR THOUGHT: For grocery shopping, download the Trolley app or log on to You can search for any item you'd find in the big supermarkets, including own brands, to see the best prices. On the app, you can scan barcodes, create shopping lists and get price alerts when an item changes price. It shows Heinz Tomato Ketchup, 1.35kg, is currently £4.92 at Asda or £6 at Morrisons. Prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability 7 Three savvy ways to use price comparison sites for your shopping Credit: Getty Deal of the day 7 Save £50 the Vileda Sun Rise rotary washing line SWAP using a costly tumble dryer for drying your clothes outside on the Vileda Sun Rise rotary washing line, down from £167.99 to £117.99 at SAVE: £50 Cheap treat 7 Save £1.75 on Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons ice cream with a Clubcard Credit: Supplied TREAT the family to Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons ice cream, £4.50 for a pack of four from Tesco, or £2.75 with a Clubcard. SAVE: £1.75 What's new? IF you missed the sell-out metal striped chair from Asda last summer, there's now another chance to buy it. The garden lounger is £39, while stocks last. Top swap 7 This white linen blend short-sleeved shirt is £18 from Matalan Credit: Supplied 7 Or try the linen blend shirt just £7.99 from Lidl Credit: Supplied FELLAS can update their wardrobe with the white linen blend short-sleeved shirt, £18 from Matalan, or they can try the linen blend shirt, £7.99 from Lidl. SAVE: £10.01 Little helper LAY on a tasty spread with three sharing plates for £8 at Sainsbury's with Nectar, saving up to £5.50. Includes bacon-wrapped halloumi sticks and goat's cheese and caramelised onion quiches. Shop & save 7 Save £3.90 on a pack of The Best fresh pasta, sauce and garlic bread from a selection at Morrisons Credit: Supplied PICK up a pack of The Best fresh pasta, sauce and garlic bread from a selection at Morrisons for £6, to make a tasty Italian meal for two. SAVE: £3.90 Hot right now SEARCH 'kids eat free megathread' now at for a list of restaurants, cafes and supermarkets with 'kids eat free' deals. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Sun
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Three savvy ways to use price comparison sites for your shopping
YOU may use price comparison sites to get the best deals for your broadband or car insurance – but probably don't do the same when shopping. Whether you're looking for great buys for your home and garden, a good deal on a new summer outfit or simply to drive down the cost of your weekly shop, there are online tools that can help you get the best price. FANCY FEATURES: For homeware, tech, clothes and more, compare prices using sites like PriceRunner, Idealo, Google Shopping and PriceSpy. Check across different sites to make sure you get the best deal. They all have clever features to help you make the savviest shopping choices. Idealo is one that allows you to scan barcodes in store to check if a product is cheaper online With the PriceRunner on the Klarna app, you can access an AI assistant who will interpret what you're looking for and help you find the right item. PAST PRICES: The sites' price-tracking tools also help you to check if deals are as good as they look. They show price history, so you can see how the cost of an item has gone up and down. That way you can judge whether you might get a better deal by waiting. If you're shopping via Amazon, then CamelCamelCamel will show you how much items have previously sold for. Use the tool to check out the offers during Amazon's Everyday Essentials Week, starting on Wednesday. Cut car insurance costs and save money FOOD FOR THOUGHT: For grocery shopping, download the Trolley app or log on to You can search for any item you'd find in the big supermarkets, including own brands, to see the best prices. On the app, you can scan barcodes, create shopping lists and get price alerts when an item changes price. It shows Heinz Tomato Ketchup, 1.35kg, is currently £4.92 at Asda or £6 at Morrisons. Prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability 7 Deal of the day SWAP using a costly tumble dryer for drying your clothes outside on the Vileda Sun Rise rotary washing line, down from £167.99 to £117.99 at SAVE: £50 Cheap treat TREAT the family to Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons ice cream, £4.50 for a pack of four from Tesco, or £2.75 with a Clubcard. What's new? IF you missed the sell-out metal striped chair from Asda last summer, there's now another chance to buy it. The garden lounger is £39, while stocks last. Top swap FELLAS can update their wardrobe with the white linen blend short-sleeved shirt, £18 from Matalan, or they can try the linen blend shirt, £7.99 from Lidl. Shop & save 7 PICK up a pack of The Best fresh pasta, sauce and garlic bread from a selection at Morrisons for £6, to make a tasty Italian meal for two. SAVE: £3.90 Hot right now SEARCH 'kids eat free megathread' now at for a list of restaurants, cafes and supermarkets with 'kids eat free' deals. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
