Summer can be a pocket-crumbling time for parents
How many times a week do you hear the dreaded words “recession” and “economic crisis?” More than you would care to want, right? So, now more than ever before, every penny really does count.
New research conducted by Daycare Trust and Mumsnet revealed that the high cost of childcare is forcing parents to turn down job opportunities and borrow money, with over a third of parents having considered leaving work.
To top that off, the summer holidays are fast-approaching and that means more money spent on keeping the kids entertained. Fear not, we have expert advice from Pritee Chohan, money for Life Programme volunteer and Halifax Branch Manager, on how you can spend and save responsibly during the summer break.
Here’s Pritee’s top ten tips:
1. Set a timer for your heating and hot water so it only comes on when you need it and not when you’re out and the kids are at school. Also try setting your thermostat a little lower, just one degree lower will save you £5 a month and you probably won’t even feel the difference.
2. Form a small buying group with other parents to take opportunity of better 
prices in bulk buying. Use the collective buying power to buy in bulk necessities such as shampoo, toothpaste and even perishable goods. A single family doesn’t need three huge packs of potatoes but 3 families might.
3. Sell your clutter on EBay! Whether it’s unwanted presents or your children’s outgrown toys, this is a great way of earning a bit of extra money to spend on the family.
4. Entertain your kids for free! Family activities can be expensive but there are lots of fun things to do for little or no cost. Take advantage of free entry to museums and galleries, ditch the cinema for the park and if the weather is good, go picnicking or camping in the back garden.
5. Save money on expensive ready meals by cooking your own food. If you can find the time, this will be cheaper and more nutritious and it’s a great thing to do with your kids.
6. Don’t be misled by special offers – 3 for the price of 2 is not a good deal if you don’t use everything you buy! Whilst it’s great to stock up on items you need regularly when they are going cheap, don’t fall into the trap of buying more than you need, especially with perishable items.
7. Re-use embellishments on cards or old wrapping paper to make cards with your children. Not only will this save you money on disproportionately expensive cards, but it’s great for the environment and will keep the kids entertained.
8. It can be busy to find time with a growing family, but try to allocate a financial ‘holiday’ a couple of times a year to look over your family finances. Are you on the best energy tariff? Can you switch to a different internet 
provider and get free calls? Can you get a cheaper car insurance deal?
9. Encourage your children to think about the difference between financial wants and needs – the latest Playstation game might not be an essential, but decent school shoes will be!
10. If you’re used to holidaying abroad, why not try a ‘staycation’ to explore new places closer to home? And most of all remember make full use of discounted travel. Remember that children under the age of 5 can often travel for free, whilst family discounts are usually available on public transport – you just need to shop around for the right ticket.
Share your tips with other readers in the comments box below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
FemaleFirst
Shabana Adam @Shabana_FAM
Tagged in Money Money Advice Money Saving Tips