The summer holidays are here. While this is the perfect time for families to unwind and make memories, there’s no doubt that it can be a hard time financially for many. With the kids off school many parents need to cut their working hours and/or up their paid childcare. There’s also the pressure to buy new school uniform, pay for days out and keep the kids well fed (they seem to eat double while they’re off school, don’t they?).
Sites such as cashlady explain the importance of learning to save money even when on a low income. This way you can build up a financial buffer and protect yourself from debt.
Here are 5 ways to save money during the summer holidays:
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Bake and Make
Baking is a great way to keep the kids both entertained and fed during the long days of summer. Yes, I know you have to splash out on baking ingredients. However once you’ve bought your initial outlay of flour, sugar, margarine, yeast and oats it’s surprising how much bread, pizza, cake, biscuits and flapjacks you can actually make. A little goes a long way and you’ll save money by not buying processed food in the shops.
2. Get Crafty
There are a lot of (good) things to be said about the old adage of make do and mend. The holidays are a great time to teach kids traditional making and fixing skills. This keeps them entertained, saves money and is great for the planet too. Teach sewing to mend holes in clothing. Have fun revamping old clothes or making school gifts out of old clothes. Make bunting for future celebration. Knit a scarf or basic squares to turn into a blanket ready for winter. Bowls can be made using simple paper mache. Keep younger children amused with junk modelling so nothing is wasted.
3. Free Days Out
Of course you want to get the kids outdoors as much as you can too. Make the most of everything that is available for free. Go to the park, play dates with friends, woodland walks and to the river or beach. Visit free museums, art galleries and look for free open days at attractions you usually pay for. Check if your local leisure centre has any free swimming sessions for family and remember to visit your local library. Don’t forget to sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge. Find more free days out here.
4. Everyday is a Picnic
Save money on days out by always packing a picnic. This can be as simple as a sandwich and fruit or pack some of your tasty home bakes. Themed picnics such as our Enid Blyton style picnic can be a fun way to link to books too. Always bring a refillable water bottle with you to cut down on plastic waste and save money too.
5. Save money on Paid Days Out
Perhaps you want to treat the family at least once to a trip to a paid attraction. If so be sure to look out for special offers available to you. You could also join Kids Pass to save money on days out.
I hope these five tips help you to save money this summer holidays!
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We are all for saving even more money this year after moving house a few weeks ago. I have started packing up sandwiches and taking our own juice whenever we go anywhere to save a few pounds it’s really helping.