Harry Baker is best known for his words, but it’s a surprising lockdown decision inspired by Martin Lewis that’s now turning heads.
The youngest ever winner of the World Slam Poetry Competition, Baker has built a loyal following, with fans including Davina McCall and John Bishop. His latest collection Tender recently reached No.2 on the Sunday Times bestseller list.
But alongside his poetry success, Baker has revealed an unexpected financial win that began during lockdown.
Like many, he became hooked on advice from money saving expert Martin Lewis - and one tip in particular stood out. First class stamp prices were about to rise.
“Overnight, any stamps you had were worth more,” Baker explained. “So I thought… I’m already posting loads, why not buy more now?”
What followed was anything but ordinary.
Instead of picking up a few extra books, canny maths graduate Baker went all in, buying a roll of 10,000 stamps for £7,600, using some unexpected furlough money.
“Overnight, would then be worth £8,500, he reasoned. "You're making money at this point.
“At the time I thought, this will probably take me 40 years to get through,” he added. “But I’ll save money in the long run.”
What he didn’t expect, though, was how quickly that decision would pay off, and just how much money that Martin Lewis tip has saved him in six years.
As stamp prices rose year after year, the value of his stash climbed dramatically. With first class stamps now costing a whopping £1.70, that same roll is effectively worth £17,000.
“It turns out it was a very solid financial investment,” he said.
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The timing is fitting. After a surge in orders, Baker has finally used up the last of his 10,000 stamps.
“We give thanks for Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert," he smiled.
“But all of this is to say that because I had 1000 orders this week and each one needed three stamps on it, I’ve finally got to the end of my stash."
For a poet whose work brilliantly celebrates life’s small details, it’s a fitting twist - proving that sometimes even a postage stamp can tell a bigger story.
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