Mums Battling Budgets are Making Sacrifices to Provide for Their Children
Four in ten mums are going without new clothes and beauty products so they can provide for their children, according to new research.
Analysis by money saving website MyCashbackSuperstore.com found that 71 per cent of mums are budgeting more now than at any time in the past.
The study reflects recent reports that the average cost of raising a child to the age of 21 has risen by 58 per cent since 2003 to a staggering £222,458.
With the UK’s average annual salary said to be approximately £26,500, many families are being stretched to breaking point.
In a survey of 400 mums conducted by MyCashbackSuperstore.com 71 per cent admitted they struggled to cover all household outgoings within budget.
And two fifths admitted they had not bought anything for themselves, such as clothes or beauty products, within the previous three months.
One mother of two teenage girls said: “I have been finding it difficult to keep on top of the household spending and have worn the same clothes for years, but it’s harder having to say no to the girls when they want something new.
“Along with using other money-saving tips, cashback and voucher code sites help me to save extra money to spend on treats for them. We also get to try new companies and brands which we wouldn’t usually think of using.”
Almost a quarter said they only bought clothes that could be adapted for all seasons while 29 per cent used lentils, cous cous or similar to bulk out family meals.
Chris Coles, of MyCashbackSuperstore.com is pleased that the website is making a positive difference to families across the country.
He said: “We are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of visits to our site month on month as more people become aware of the great savings to be made.
“If consumers are going to purchase an item or items online anyway, it is well worth checking our site as we work with over 3,600 retailers and there may well be a code that can be used to save money – even if it is just free delivery. It all helps.”
He encouraged shoppers to sign up to the site’s newsletter, adding: “Users can receive email alerts on new offers for their favourite categories and member-only codes to ensure they don’t miss out.”
What sacrifices are you making to provide for the children? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
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