Martin Lewis is a household name in the UK, especially when it comes to personal finance advice. He’s not only known for founding MoneySavingExpert.com, one of the most popular financial advice websites in the UK, but also for his advocacy of consumer rights and his work as a TV presenter and journalist.
Over the years, he’s built a reputation for offering practical, easy-to-follow advice that helps millions of people manage their finances, especially during times of economic hardship. But what about his own financial success?
Martin Lewis’ net worth has attracted considerable attention, and for good reason — his career has been a fascinating blend of entrepreneurial acumen, media savvy, and consumer advocacy.
Early Career and the Birth of MoneySavingExpert.com
Martin Lewis’ journey to financial success started with an educational background in law and government. Born on May 9, 1972, in Withington, Manchester, Martin attended the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE), where he studied Government and Law.
After completing his degree, he shifted his focus to journalism, enrolling at the University of Cardiff for broadcast journalism training.
His early career began in the world of broadcast journalism. Martin worked as a producer for BBC Radio and Five Live, building a solid foundation in the media world.
However, it wasn’t until 2003 that he would make a bold move that would shape both his career and financial future.
In 2003, Martin used just £80 to launch MoneySavingExpert.com, a website dedicated to providing no-nonsense advice on how to save money, cut costs, and make the most of personal finances.
The site was a response to what Martin saw as a lack of accessible and practical financial advice for everyday people, particularly those struggling to manage bills and debt.
At the time, many people didn’t have easy access to the kind of impartial financial guidance that Martin offered, and MoneySavingExpert quickly gained traction with the public.
His approach was simple but effective: offer clear, actionable tips on how to save money on everything from energy bills to insurance premiums, and allow users to access comparison tools and expert opinions.
MoneySavingExpert.com rapidly grew in popularity, with the site becoming the go-to resource for anyone looking to save money. The website attracted millions of visitors, and its success didn’t go unnoticed in the business world.
The Sale of MoneySavingExpert.com
In 2012, after almost a decade of growing the website and its community, Martin made a life-changing financial decision: he sold MoneySavingExpert.com to The Moneysupermarket Group for a reported £87 million.
This sale catapulted Martin’s net worth to new heights, and his financial success has been a topic of public interest ever since.
While the exact figure Martin received from the sale has never been fully disclosed, industry insiders estimate that his personal cut from the deal was somewhere between £40 million to £45 million, with the remaining amount likely going to the company and shareholders.
Despite selling the site, Martin has remained involved with MoneySavingExpert, continuing to give his input and ensure that the website stays true to its mission of helping people save money.
TV Appearances and Media Ventures
In addition to his work with MoneySavingExpert, Martin Lewis has enjoyed a long and successful career in broadcast journalism.
His transition from behind the scenes to in front of the camera was a natural one, as his accessible style and straightforward advice made him a perfect fit for television.
Since 2012, Martin has co-presented The Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV, which focuses on offering practical financial advice to viewers.
The show has been a huge success, and his appearances have made him a household name in the UK. He has also appeared regularly on Good Morning Britain, Watchdog, Lorraine, and other programs, sharing his insights into everything from energy bills to the best savings accounts.
In 2020, Martin announced that he would be stepping back from Good Morning Britain after 17 years, citing the pressures of his increasing workload.
Nevertheless, his presence on ITV and his media reach continue to be a significant part of his financial portfolio.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of recent estimates, Martin Lewis’ net worth is around £123 million, according to the Sunday Times Rich List. His wealth stems not only from the sale of MoneySavingExpert.com but also from his ongoing work as a media personality and financial expert.
While Martin has amassed considerable wealth through his entrepreneurial ventures, he has also been very transparent about his commitment to using his success for the greater good.
He’s known for being philanthropic with his earnings, regularly donating to charities and causes that support financial literacy and consumer rights.
For example, Martin was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2014 for his services to consumer rights and charity, and in 2022, he was made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his contributions to both broadcasting and financial education.
Ongoing Income and Investments
Beyond his TV appearances and previous business ventures, Martin’s net worth is bolstered by his ongoing work in the media and his various investments.
He’s known to have made smart financial decisions that have allowed him to accumulate wealth over time, such as investing in property and continuing to earn from media partnerships.
Additionally, Martin has often shared his insights into how he manages his own money. For example, he has been vocal about the importance of smart investing and tax-efficient saving, advising his audience on topics such as pension planning, ISAs, and savings bonds.
One of Martin’s ongoing income streams is his regular public speaking engagements, which often include appearances at conferences and corporate events.
These speaking fees, combined with his media work, continue to contribute to his overall wealth.
A Legacy of Financial Advice
Though Martin Lewis has clearly achieved impressive financial success, what sets him apart from other wealthy media personalities is his dedication to helping ordinary people with their finances.
His advice and tips have helped countless individuals avoid debt, save money, and manage their finances more effectively.
His legacy is not just one of wealth, but also of positive societal impact. For example, Martin’s frequent warnings about the rise of energy prices and the cost of living crisis in the UK have prompted calls for action from both the public and politicians.
He is unafraid to speak truth to power, whether calling for government intervention in the face of rising fuel costs or advocating for consumers when companies are failing to deliver fair deals.
