Wondering how to save money over the summer? Here are some top tips for single mums (or any mums!) hoping to save money over the summer holidays.
When you’re a kid, the summer holidays are the absolute pinnacle of your year. It’s free time, it’s snacks, it’s staying up late, water fights. A holiday abroad and summer clubs packed full of activities and new friends to meet.
When you’re an adult, it’s cash cash cash cash cash. Spending money like you hate money. That weekly food shop is higher, the water bill, electric. Everything is above average because you’re all at home for SIX WEEKS! Want to send them to a holiday club? That’ll cost ya! Planing a summer holiday for the family? Well, enjoy those hiked up prices.
Summer isn’t easy on the pockets for parents, and it certainly isn’t easy for single mums on a solo income. But don’t despair, there are ways to have fun and save money at the same time. Here are some of my top tips for surviving and thriving over the summer holidays:
Budget
The first thing you need to do is make a budget and stick to it. It might sound boring, but trust me, it will save you a lot of stress and anxiety later on. You can use apps like Google Drive or Excel to create a spreadsheet with your income and expenses, and allocate a certain amount for each day or week of the holidays. This will help you keep track of your spending and avoid overspending on things you don’t need or want.
You can also use apps like Plum to see all your accounts in one place and get insights into your spending habits. These apps can help you set goals, track your progress and find ways to save more money.
Save Money on Days Out
You don’t have to spend a fortune on days out with the kids. There are plenty of free or cheap activities that you can do in your local area or nearby. For example, you can:
- Go geocaching: This is a fun outdoor treasure hunt that involves using a GPS device or smartphone app to find hidden containers called geocaches. You can sign up for free at geocaching.com and search for geocaches near you. You can also leave something in the cache for the next finder, such as a small toy or a note.
- Visit the beach: If you live near the coast, why not take advantage of the sun and sand? You can pack a picnic, bring some buckets and spades, and enjoy a day of building sandcastles, swimming and relaxing. Just remember to apply sunscreen and stay hydrated.
- Explore nature: You can also visit your local park, forest or nature reserve and go for a walk, bike ride or picnic. You can also look for wildlife, collect leaves or flowers, or play games like hide and seek or tag.
- Check out free museums and galleries: Many museums and galleries in the UK are free to enter and offer a range of exhibitions and activities for children of all ages. You can learn something new, have fun and stay cool in the hot weather.
- Look out for free festivals and events: There are also many free festivals and events happening across the country over the summer holidays. You can find music, art, food, culture and more at these events. You can check out websites like Days out With the Kids or Skiddle to find out what’s on near you.
Holidays
If you want to get away from home for a while, you don’t have to break the bank on a holiday abroad. You can have a great holiday in the UK without spending too much money. Here are some tips on how to holiday cheaply in the UK:
- Book early or late: If you book your accommodation well in advance or at the last minute, you can often find better deals than if you book in peak season. You can use websites like Booking.com or Airbnb to compare prices and find bargains.
- Travel by coach or train: If you travel by coach or train instead of by car or plane, you can save money on fuel, parking and tolls. You can also enjoy the scenery and relax while someone else does the driving. You can use websites like National Express or Trainline to find cheap tickets and timetables.
- Camp or glamp: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try camping or glamping (glamorous camping) as a way to save money on accommodation and experience nature. You can bring your own tent or rent one at a campsite or glamping site. You can also find facilities like toilets, showers, kitchens and wifi at some sites. You can use websites like Pitchup or Cool Camping to find campsites and glamping sites near you.
- Find a local supermarket: If you’re staying in a self-catering accommodation, you can save money by cooking your own meals instead of eating out. You can find a local supermarket and stock up on groceries and snacks. You can also look for local markets or farm shops that sell fresh and cheap produce.
- Look for free stuff: You don’t have to spend money on attractions or activities when you’re on holiday. You can look for free things to do in your destination, such as hiking, cycling, swimming, sightseeing or visiting landmarks. You can also use websites like TripAdvisor or Visit Britain to find out what’s on and what’s free in your area.
Meals and Snacks
One of the biggest expenses over the summer holidays is food. The kids are always hungry and want snacks, and you might be tempted to order takeaways or eat out more often. However, there are ways to save money on meals and snacks without compromising on taste or nutrition. Here are some ideas:
- Plan ahead: Planning your meals and snacks ahead of time can help you save money and time. You can make a weekly menu and shopping list based on what you have in your pantry and fridge, and what’s on offer at the supermarket. You can also batch cook and freeze some meals for later, or use leftovers to make new dishes.
- Cook from scratch: Cooking from scratch can be cheaper and healthier than buying ready-made or processed foods. You can use simple ingredients and recipes to make delicious meals and snacks for the whole family. You can also get the kids involved in cooking and baking, which can be fun and educational.
- Make your own snacks: Instead of buying expensive and unhealthy snacks like crisps, chocolate or biscuits, you can make your own snacks at home. You can make things like popcorn, granola bars, fruit salad, hummus, smoothies or muffins. You can also use websites like BBC Good Food or All Recipes to find easy and tasty snack recipes.
- Use vouchers and discounts: If you do want to treat yourself and the kids to a meal out or a takeaway, you can use vouchers and discounts to save money. You can find vouchers and discounts on websites like VoucherCodes or MoneySavingExpert, or on apps like Too Good To Go or Olio. You can also look for kids eat free or cheap deals at some restaurants.
Financial Help
Finally, if you’re struggling financially and finding it impossible to save money over the summer holidays, you’re not alone. Many single parents face difficulties making ends meet, especially with the rising cost of living and the impact of the pandemic. However, there is help available if you need it. Here are some sources of financial help that you might be eligible for:
- Universal Credit: This is a benefit that replaces six other benefits, including Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit and Income Support. It is paid monthly and is based on your income and circumstances. You can apply for Universal Credit online or by phone.
- Child Benefit: This is a benefit that is paid to parents or guardians of children under 16 (or under 20 if they are in education or training). It is paid every four weeks and is not affected by your income or savings. You can claim Child Benefit online or by post.
- Child Maintenance: This is money that one parent pays to another parent to help with the cost of raising their child. It is usually paid by the parent who does not live with the child most of the time. You can arrange child maintenance privately with the other parent, or use the Child Maintenance Service if you need help.
- Healthy Start: This is a scheme that provides vouchers for pregnant women and families with children under four to buy healthy food and vitamins. You can use the vouchers at supermarkets, pharmacies and other shops that accept them. You can apply for Healthy Start online or by post.
- Free school meals: This is a scheme that provides free meals for children who attend school in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. The eligibility criteria vary depending on where you live, but generally depend on your income and benefits. You can apply for free school meals through your local council or school.
I hope this blog post helps you save money over the summer holidays. And have a wonderful time with your kids!
Remember, you don’t have to spend a lot to have fun, and there is always help available if you need it.
