How one man cleared £24k debt in 18 months—and you can too
Sammie Ellard-King’s story is proof that clearing serious debt doesn’t require years of sacrifice or eating beans on toast. The Ramsgate resident wiped out £24,000 in just 18 months—and has already saved £3,278 this year using simple, repeatable money hacks. Here’s how he did it, and what you can steal from his playbook.
When Sammie left university at 25, he was drowning. A student loan, credit card and overdraft meant a third of his wages were vanishing on interest alone. Despite a solid marketing salary, he’d fallen into the trap of “peacocking”—constantly splashing out to impress others while the debt piled up.
The turning point came when he took a hard look at himself. Rather than accept years of austerity, Sammie got creative: he picked up side hustles including trainer reselling, online surveys, freelancing and focus groups. The combination of extra income plus smart spending helped him become debt-free in 18 months.
Now 36, Sammie has turned his financial expertise into a money-saving website called Up the Gains, which has clocked up a billion content views. Here are his top five money-saving tactics worth trying:
The 24-hour rule: Before buying anything over £50 online, add it to your basket and wait a day. Most retailers will offer a discount to tempt you—but often you’ll realise you don’t actually want the item anyway.
Bill switching: Changing energy, mobile, broadband and insurance providers takes about two hours but can save hundreds a year. Sammie saved £61 monthly on energy and £150 on car insurance.
Cash back schemes: Websites like Quidco and TopCashback can deliver two to three free supermarket shops a year for a family of four. Systematically withdraw your cash back monthly and stash it in a savings account earning interest.
Bank account switching: Moving accounts strategically can unlock additional savings—some providers offer switching incentives of £100+.
The key isn’t finding one magic bullet. It’s combining small wins: ditching impulse purchases, shopping around for better deals, and making your money work harder through cash back and interest.
Start with whichever tip feels easiest. If you’re serious about debt, consider reaching out to StepChange (0800 138 1111) or National Debtline for free, impartial advice tailored to your situation.