Handy tips to help you save money during the summer.
Summer time is a time for you to relax and spend time with family and friends, but in 2024 we will see people seeing nothing but stress and strain as the cost of living crisis continues. With many families facing extra financial burdens such as travel expenses, entertainment and childcare costs, it's no surprise that most families are struggling this year. Not to worry Aldridge Supply & Finance has taken the time to put together some handy tips to help you along the way this summer making budgeting your finances a little easier.
Keep reading for our top six tips.
1. Budgets & Planning in Advance
There are many tools on the internet which allow you to access your income and expenses easily, this makes planning and budgeting your expenses all the easier and easier way to assess your finances.
We have found this tool helps most family’s massively, always make sure to allow in your budget for summer holidays and any planned activities make sure they are realistic and nothing over budget.
We also find that using prepaid debit cards, cash envelopes and savings accounts help create a safer way of sticking to budgets.
2. Offers, Deals & Discounts
Planning ahead when it comes to holidays and getaways is a huge must and we always recommend taking advantage of any discounts and offers available.
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative for you and your family this year a nice staycation or camping trip would be an ideal solution. There’s so many websites available where you can find the best deals and compare prices.
This may seem a little weird to some people but house swapping is also a popular option with a lot of people, this simply means you can swap homes and accommodation with fellow travelers there’s a great website called home exchange we always recommend people take a look at.
Although we always recommend planning ahead, last minute traveling can also be an option don’t write it off completely as it can often be a great way of finding last minute deals.
3. Free & Low Cost Activities
Again we always suggest booking any days out and activities in advance. Most supermarkets such as Tesco and Asda offer great discount with there store club cards, as well as this there are many free and low cost activities available on the market alls you need to do is a little bit of research and shopping around the internet is a great place and some deals and discounts are too go to pass us by.
4. Take A Picnic
One of our top money saving tips is to always take packed lunches and your own drinks whenever possible. The amount of money that can be saved doing this is tremendous.
Although if meals out and about are something you like to do as a family then their are will ways to help you do so there are many websites that offer huge savings and lots of restaurants that offer early bird menus, Toby Carvery always has greats deals such as kids eat for £1 most weeks through the holidays.
5. Childcare
During the holidays cheaper child care may be available as some councils run play schemes for children, some schemes also offer 20% discounts.
Another great option is to maybe split childcare with a friend, this could simply be looking after each other's children for the day.
6. Minimise Unnecessary Spending
Whilst it’s virtually implausible to cut out spending completely, minimising your spending splurges is a huge must, before making and purchases always take into consideration if it’s really needed and if it’s essential?