- The UK’s favourite Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis, was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Sheffield this week (Wednesday 14 January 2026) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to financial education and consumer advocacy.
- During his acceptance speech, Martin addressed postgraduates, sharing his keys to success and advice he wished he had known after graduating
- He encouraged the graduates to take pride in their academic achievements and the value of higher education, seeing it as a privilege which can help to improve society
The UK's leading money saving expert Martin Lewis, has urged postgraduates to embrace focus, resilience and the role of luck in success after being awarded an honorary degree by the University of Sheffield
The University recognised the highly respected financial expert in a graduation ceremony on Wednesday 14 February where he was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters, alongside the latest cohort of graduating students.
Addressing the postgraduates, Lewis shared advice he wish he knew after graduating university, saying:
“It takes four things to be really successful. Talent, you’ve all got it, as do many more people than you think. Hard work, if you want to be really successful you're going to have to work hard. Focus, zone in on what you’re good at. Understand none of us are unfailingly brilliant at everything so find the thing that you're good at and zone in on that and that is what will create your success.
And the final thing, the most important thing is luck. You can do everything right and it still not work for you, and you need to know that now. Failing does not make you a failure, we will get knockbacks in life. The things that we think will work, will not work for us. Do not judge yourself, see it as a way to learn and a way to improve and give yourself a better opportunity the next time.”
He continued:
“Be proud. Many people will knock higher education or say these days it isn't worth it. But you have worked hard to be members of a special club. You are university postgraduates. Congratulations, go out, have that little frugal celebration tonight.”
Not only that, but while we often have a dim view of the UK, in relative terms this is still one of the world's richest and most tolerant societies. Take a step back, count your blessings, you have an opportunity many in the country and elsewhere are denied. So use that privilege to improve yourself, your society, your community, your countries and the wider world.”
Martin Lewis is the founder and Executive Chair of Money Saving Expert, the UK’s largest consumer finance website, which supports more than 16 million users each month. Renowned for his clear, practical approach, he has helped millions of people better understand their money, cut costs and make informed financial decisions.
He studied Government and Law at the London School of Economics before going on to complete a masters in Broadcast journalism at Cardiff University, laying the foundations of his career as an award winning campaigning journalist.
Martin presents his own prime-time ITV show and is a regular presenter on Good Morning Britain. Alongside broadcast television, he reaches millions more through his podcast, YouTube channel, newsletters, and social media, making complex financial issues accessible to all
Beyond the media, Martin has spearheaded numerous successful campaigns for financial justice, leading to policy change at the highest level, and has founded two charities supporting people facing financial hardship.
