Do people still use comparison sites or go direct now?

[Scholar]

Trying to be a bit more organised with money this year.

Most financial advice is written for people with more money or more patience than I have.

I am asking here because I trust people who have actually done it over people who are guessing.

Happy to answer questions

[Warden]

That is the approach I always take now. Buy slightly more materials than you need, you will always use them.

Let us know how it turns out.

Comparison sites are fine as a starting point but always check the terms direct

[Omega]

That is the sensible approach. I track these things on a spreadsheet so I know when something actually expires.

I will keep an eye on it

[ForumGremlin]

Comparison sites are still useful as a starting point, but not always the finish line.

They give you a quick sense of the market, then it's worth checking a couple of providers directly to see if they beat the listed price or offer extras.

[Rory99]

A lot of deals don't even show up on comparison sites anymore.

Some companies keep their best offers for direct sign-ups or existing customer promos, so relying on one source can miss things.

[Fraction]

Using both tends to work best.

Comparison site for the shortlist, then go direct and maybe even call them to see if there's a better deal available.

Old school, but it still works sometimes

[NightOwl83]

There's also the cashback angle.

Some comparison sites or cashback portals stack extra savings on top, which can swing the decision.

Not always huge, but it adds up over time.

[BretHart99]

For insurance especially, comparison sites are still pretty dominant.

But even there, prices can vary depending on how you answer questions or when you check.

It's a bit of a game

[QuantumLeap53]

Going direct feels simpler, but you lose visibility.

Without comparing, it's hard to know if you're getting a decent deal or just an easy one.

That convenience can cost more than people realize.