In the TV3 program Lyxfällan, countless participants have been helped to start over, and get their finances back on track. Lyxfällan has been on television for a full 34 seasons, and those who are currently the presenters of the hit show are Magnus Hedberg and Magdalena Kowalczyk.
The advice of the Lyxfällan experts: This is how much you should save every month
The luxury trap experts’ savings tips
But it is not only for Lyxfällan participants who have a hard time on the financial front. The last two years have been marked by skyrocketing interest rates and record high food prices, fuel prices and electricity prices.
News24 therefore asked the Lyxfällan presenters what all people should do to save as much money as possible.
– I actually think that the vast majority of people right now are actually doing what they can to save money and survive, says Magnus Hedberg and continues:
– Now there is starting to be some prospect that there might be an interest rate cut here. I think it’s already in May maybe. The fact that it starts to lighten up means that something happens mentally as well. There is so much psychological to this with economics as well. “Everyone else agrees, then I agree too”.
Magnus Hedberg is one of the presenters. Photo: TV3/Lyxfällan
Jimmy bought a vacuum cleaner for 40,000 – can’t afford food
Magnus Hedberg: “Extremely many people don’t agree”
According to Magnus Hedberg, it is precisely excess luxury that is of the utmost importance to cut down on in this tough economic situation.
– I still think that this crisis has caused many to examine themselves. What costs do I have? You can’t live like you did before. I hear a lot of people who miss the old life, being able to go out on an AW or go out to eat. Many people have actually had to cut back on much of the silver lining in life. And have had to spend their entire income just surviving on interest payments, food prices, electricity bills and fuel prices.
– My assessment is that very many have done what they can. But then we also see with the Kronofogden that there is a record mountain of debt of SEK 119 billion. It is increasing by SEK 50 million a day right now. There are extremely many people who are unable to actually solve the situation as it is now.
Marie is one of the participants in season 34. Photo: TV3/Lyxfällan
Simon has had 50 cars – has debts of 4 million: “Luxurious”
“It’s a deadly cocktail for many”
Magnus Hedberg emphasizes that it is actually a deep economic crisis for many, and not just a small “notch in the curve”.
– Losing your job now, while you may have doubled or tripled housing costs or living expenses, is a lethal cocktail for far too many.
The change in the new Lyxfällen – big difference: “It’s noticeable”
Magdalena Kowalczyk’s savings tips: “It’s risky business”
Magdalena Kowalczyk sees two aspects that are extra important to consider when it comes to saving money.
– To begin with, it’s about managing the money that goes out, and then minimizing the risk a little. The first thing I would recommend is to set up a rule for yourself. From today onwards, me and my family will only consume with the money we have. Not money that we have tomorrow or six months from now, but money that we know we have. And we can if we still want to “cash in” on a sofa or a new dishwasher, explains the Luxury trap expert and continues:
– As many people live with small margins now, and perhaps also work irregularly with irregular income, more and more people are becoming very vulnerable to natural fluctuations in income. And it’s a goldmine for those who sell things to us, and who will be able to charge late fees and interest for collection charges. But it’s risky business for us.
Magdalena Kowalczyk is one of the presenters. Photo: TV3/Lyxfällan
Kelly buys toys on credit – goes back SEK 42,900 every month
“Now is the time to wake up”
The one point of view is to only spend existing money, in order to minimize the risk of ending up in financial trouble. But Magdalena Kowalczyk also recommends actually actively opting out of certain expensive things in life.
– We have had a good time. Let’s agree on that. We have been able to treat ourselves like subscriptions, nails, hair and game consoles. We have been able to afford it. Now it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee and realize that my finances look different. Because my disposable income doesn’t go as far.
Jimmy appeared in season 34. Photo: TV3/Lyxfällan
Marie is addicted to buying sofas – has debts of 477,000
“We can’t afford it anymore”
Magdalena Kowalczyk explains that we both have real wages that have not kept up, but also more expensive food and higher housing costs. For the vast majority of people, this means that we have less money to play with than we had before.
– Then it’s up to me to decide. It is clear that I must have a golden edge to existence. I deserve that because I work. But I will have to choose one or the other, says Magdalena Kowalczyk and continues:
– Make an overview for yourself. What treat items do I have? Add them up. And if you realize that too much money is being spent, you actually get to write off a few until the day you get a raise. The ones that are least important to you. We can’t afford it anymore. Unfortunately. Better times will come, but it’s a long way from here.
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