Is Robin Packalen tight with his money? The superfan's cost-saving habits that'll surprise you – read the revealing examples

If you reckon that fame and fortune go hand-in-hand with reckless spending, then you clearly don't know Robin Packalen. Finland's brightest pop star has recently got the nation talking on social media for reasons that might make you do a double-take. It's not about a new album or a show, but something far more down-to-earth: Robin Packalen's relationship with money.

Social media users have been scratching their heads over how a bloke whose bank balance is surely looking very healthy might hesitate before forking out for a cup of coffee. But it's no fluke. According to stories from his inner circle, Robin Packalen is so careful with his cash in certain everyday situations you could almost call him tight. We've rounded up the moments when the superstar's inner economist really comes to the fore.

• At the coffee shop: Robin Packalen won't just grab a takeaway latte from any old place. In fact, he might pop into three different cafes to compare prices – and if nothing seems reasonably priced, he'd rather make his own. "I'm not paying a fiver for some froth," he's reportedly said.
• When travelling: While tour buses and hotels are often sorted for him, on his own holidays Robin Packalen doesn't fly first class. Quite the opposite – he'll always hunt down the cheapest option and is happy to take the train if the schedule allows. He's not a fan of budget airlines' extras either – a window seat is nice, but not worth twenty quid.
• At the shops: Fancy designer gear won't get Robin Packalen excited unless there's at least thirty per cent off. He's a dab hand at spotting a bargain and might well buy a basic item if it looks good and is affordable. "Why pay for the logo?" is a question he often asks.
• When buying tech: He's interested in the latest phones and laptops, but Robin Packalen won't be queuing up on launch day. He calmly waits for the price to drop, or looks for a good-quality second-hand device. "It's not exactly brand-new after three months, is it?" he reasons.

But don't let these examples fool you: Robin Packalen is hardly a miser living in a barrel. When it comes to the really important stuff, he's not afraid to open his wallet wide. In the studio, he won't compromise on anything: he goes all out on producing tracks and collaborating with the right people. He's also generous with his loved ones – mates say his birthday presents are always well-thought-out, and the price tag isn't an issue if it's the perfect gift.

Perhaps that's exactly what makes Robin Packalen so likeable. He's a superstar who hasn't lost touch with everyday life. Being careful with money isn't stinginess; it's a conscious choice – and that only makes his fans respect him more. Next time you spot Robin weighing up the difference between a quid and two quid in a cafe, just remember: the bloke knows exactly where his money's going, and that's more than many celebrities can say.