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Save, make, understand money

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Saving money over the summer holidays

Lucinda Beeman
Written By:
Lucinda Beeman
Posted:
Updated:
25/07/2014

Keeping the kids occupied during the summer months can be a costly pursuit.

In fact, British parents will spend close to £500 entertaining their children this summer, according to a report by the Post Office.

However, wherever you are in the country there are great ways to keep your family laughing and learning all through the holidays.

Get entrepreneurial…

Multiplication tables may be off the agenda during the summer holidays, but that doesn’t have to mean hours of cartoons. Encouraging your kids to start their own little enterprise will keep them entertained and inspired.

Your mind may leap to lemonade stands, but selling watered-down squash to passers-by doesn’t have to be the limit of your child’s business plan. Let them explore their interests. If they like to bake, help them whip up something to sell at a bake sale (even on a small scale); if they like to do hair, have them offer their services to particularly relaxed friends and neighbours.

If all else fails, there’s always the holy grail of front-yard business: the garage sale.

… or get creative

Messy paints on white carpet might come to mind here, but if you think outside of the box there are loads of tidy ways to get your kid’s creative juices flowing.

Encourage your kids to write and perform their own plays – though you may have to sacrifice some of your own clothes to stock the costume department. If you have a video camera at the ready, or even an iPhone, your kids can make their own movies or music videos. Not only will they be busy for the rest of the day, they may come back with a priceless piece of family footage.

For older kids – especially preteens and teens – encourage them to get blogging. If your kid has an interest in movies, music or video games, recording their ideas can help hone their writing skills and give them a big leg-up in the University admissions race. With broadband getting cheaper even as the cost of other activities skyrocket, this is also a cost-efficient way to keep your teen entertained and engaged through the school holidays – though you may want to check up on what they’re writing every once in a while (just don’t tell them you’re having a peek).

Look for an adventure

Not every new experience has to cost an arm and a leg. If your kids want to spend a night under the stars, pitch up a tent in the garden and roast marshmallows over the barbeque. Pack up a picnic lunch, take it to the local park or lido and snack in the sun as your kids play.

Keeping up-to-date with your local council’s upcoming events and special activities at National Trust sites could inspire some great days out you would never have thought of.

And never be afraid to stay in – if a night out at the movies is looking dear, pop some popcorn, pull the blinds and have a film night in your living room. Fully embracing Netflix could save you some serious cash.

For a list of more exciting – and cheap – days out of the house click here

Incorporate your kids in saving money

The budget doesn’t have to go out the window just because your kids are home all day – and neither do the tricks you use to keep your spending in check.

Meal planning and growing your own fruit and vegetables are great ways to keep costs down, so get your kids to help tend the garden or make up a dinner schedule.

When you go shopping leave your credit card at home and only bring as much cash as you think you’ll need. Make it a game with your kids to see if you can spend only the money you have on you.

Read more about how to get your kids in the swing of budgeting and saving here.

Plan a day out around your budget

Sitting at home all summer is no fun, so don’t deny yourself a few days out. Just be sure to plan according to your budget and look for the best deals available.

An entire universe of websites exists for this purpose. For example TopCashback.co.uk is offering deals at the Sea Life Centre in Birmingham and tours of the stadiums where Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal play. Groupon and VoucerCodes.co.uk also have great deals on days out.

When you do have a day out, remember the best and easiest way to save money: bring your own lunch!