Kelly's Affordable Luxe

If you’re building a luxe life on a budget, these are the essential financial tools I use to earn more from everyday spending, travel smarter, and invest in my future. Think of this as your toolkit for affordable luxury—each one is a low-effort way to make your money work harder, not just longer.

Full disclosure this blog contains affiliate links, but you’re free to Google and sign up without using them

💸 Cashback Platforms

1. Quidco

Quidco is one of the UK’s leading cashback platforms. You can earn money back on everything from groceries to tech and beauty. You can even ignore my advice about not shopping in store, register your card and earn in-store too! This is the first place I go before I buy ANYTHING, I’ve personally earned over £4,000 just by using Quidco to shop where I already shop.

2. TopCashback

TopCashback is another top choice for online cashback. Set up a profile, link your cards, and start saving on essentials and indulgences alike. I compare with both Quidco and Topcashback to see which link to use before I purchase anything.

✈️ Travel Rewards & Loyalty

3. Avios Shopping Portal

Use the British Airways Avios eStore to collect Avios on your normal online shopping. It’s one of the easiest ways to earn flights without changing your spending habits. If you can’t get cashback, or your priority is getting free flights or upgrades, this is the priority for you!

4. American Express (Amex)

Amex rewards cards offer incredible value, from Membership Rewards points to travel perks. Some cards come with welcome bonuses that cover hundreds of pounds in value when redeemed right. I personally opt for the AMEX that offers a companion voucher and use it to upgrade one full class – buy premium economy and fly business, hello lie flat bed!

5. Currensea Hilton Honors Debit Card

This debit card links to your bank account and earns Hilton Honors points on daily spending. Ideal for building hotel status without the commitment of a credit card. They are paid cards, but the benefits can outweigh the costs, but do the maths for you before you sign up! This is also perfect if you aren’t ready for the commitment of a credit card.

6. Barclaycard Avios Credit Card

Earn Avios on everyday purchases and qualify for cabin upgrades and reward flights. It’s one of the most direct ways to access business class without the business-class salary. Match this with using the avois shopping portal and you’ll be living it up in first class before you know it.

💰 Investing & Saving

7. Vanguard

Vanguard makes investing simple and low-cost. Whether you’re building a pension, ISA, or general investment account, it’s a smart long-term move. No bells and whistles—just strong performance and low fees. I personally use Vanguard for my S&P500 ISA.

🛠️ Luxe Living Tips

To get the most from these tools, remember to:

• Link your debit/credit cards to cashback platforms
• Stack loyalty programs with your rewards cards
• Use browser extensions to activate cashback automatically
• Track points and cashback monthly to make sure nothing goes unclaimed

Affordable luxury is about intentionality, not excess. With these tools in your wallet (and on your phone), you can build a life that feels rich in every sense—without overspending.