How to Save Money This Summer: Smart Tips for Families

Summer is a time for adventure, laughter, and cherished family moments, but it can also bring a wave of financial stress for parents. With kids home from school and the costs of activities, food, and travel on the rise, many families are feeling the pinch.

In fact, nearly half of parents are worried about managing their budgets during the summer months. But fear not! This summer can be both enjoyable and economical with a little creativity and planning.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to save money, from cashback opportunities and selling unused items to smart transportation choices and pausing unnecessary memberships. Let’s dive into how you can keep your finances in check while making the most of this sunny season!

Almost half of parents (43%) said they’re worried about the higher costs that come with having the kids at home for six weeks, as well as the extra costs of preparing to go back in September. More than one in 10 (13%) are concerned about putting food on the table and paying for their utility bills.

Research by the Salvation Army and YouGov found:

- 50% are concerned about the cost of school uniforms

- 29% worry about affording food, especially with reliance on free school meals during term time

- 25% of working parents are anxious about food expenses

- 19% of working parents are concerned about taking unpaid leave

Most parents (55%) said cheaper school uniforms would help ease financial strain, while 53% said they’d benefit from lower childcare costs. Additionally, 46% said food vouchers or extra cash, or benefits that cover living costs would help.

Help for Parents

Thankfully, having the kids at home doesn’t have to mean being out of pocket if you’re struggling to afford the essentials. Here are some tips to help you save money this summer:

Pause Memberships You’re Not Using

If you have gym memberships, subscription services, or other recurring payments that you’re not using during the summer, consider pausing or canceling them temporarily. This can free up extra cash for activities that the whole family can enjoy. Many gyms and services offer flexible options, so check your agreements to see if this is possible.

Walk More and Take Advantage of £2 Bus Deals

Instead of driving everywhere, consider walking more or using public transport. Many areas are offering £2 bus deals, which can save you money on parking and petrol. Not only is this a budget-friendly option, but it also encourages family bonding through walking and exploring your local area together.

Free National Trust Passes and Kids Eat Free

- Free National Trust Passes: Look out for offers on free National Trust passes. These can provide great family days out without the expense. I share ow to get these and more days out like this in my newsletter here - https://stephanies-newsletter-9422b2.beehiiv.com/subscribe

- Free Places Kids Can Eat: Many restaurants and cafes offer free meals for kids during the summer holidays. Check local listings and websites for the best deals. Again, i share all of these too in my newsletter.

Having a Cleanse Before September

Consider having a financial cleanse before September. This means reviewing your expenses, cutting out unnecessary costs, and finding ways to save more money. This can help you start the new school year on a stronger financial footing.

Making Your Money Go Further

We’ve also got loads of other money-saving tips to help your funds go further, and additional ways to increase your income and reduce your bills. But it might be time to ask for help if the summer holidays are going to make it hard for you to make ends meet. We can help you with everything from budgeting to making sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to, as well as advising you on debt solutions (some are free, for others there’s a fee).

Back to School

Going back to school in September can be expensive, with school uniform costs being the outgoing parents are most worried about. The vast majority of parents (97%) we spoke to last year were worried about being able to afford new uniforms, with 11% saying they would have to borrow to cover the cost and the same proportion saying they’d rely on second-hand clothing.

If you’re worried, find out if you can get support, such as grants and second-hand uniform schemes to help ease costs.

Electricity

Having the kids at home can really drive up electricity bills, especially if they’re avid gamers. Save on costs by:

- Setting daily screen time limits for TV and other devices.

- Encouraging outdoor activities to reduce their energy usage indoors.

- Using energy-efficient LED bulbs – they’re more expensive upfront but they use a fraction of the electricity and last much longer, meaning more savings in the long run.

- Turning off any electronics not in use – you could save £65 each year just by switching off ‘vampire devices’ at the plug socket (games consoles are one of the biggest culprits for using energy even when in standby mode).

Splash Less Cash: Smart Water Savings

Summer heat often means more showers and increased water usage, which can lead to higher bills. Here are some refreshing ways to keep your water costs down:

- Time your showers: Challenge family members to take shorter showers. Consider using a timer or playing a short song to make it fun.

- Go low-flow: Install water-efficient showerheads and taps. These can reduce water usage without compromising pressure.

- Harvest rainwater: If possible, use a water butt to collect rainwater for your garden. It's free and great for your plants!

- Meter matters: A water meter could save you money if you're efficient with water use. Check with your provider about potential savings and support schemes like WaterSure if you're on benefits.

Remember, small changes in daily habits can lead to significant savings over time. According to Water UK, fixing a dripping tap could save up to 5,500 litres of water a year!

Affordable Childcare Solutions

Summer childcare costs can be a major concern for parents. Here are some budget-friendly options to explore:

- Government schemes: Look into programmes like the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) scheme, which offers free holiday club places to children eligible for free school meals.

- Tax-free childcare: This government scheme can help cover up to 20% of childcare costs for working parents.

- Community support: Check local community centres, libraries, and organisations like the YMCA for affordable or free summer activities.

- Parent partnerships: Team up with other families to share childcare responsibilities, creating a fun and cost-effective solution.

A recent survey by the Family and Childcare Trust found that holiday childcare costs have risen by 5% since 2019, making these alternatives increasingly valuable for families.

By exploring these options, you can ensure your children have an enjoyable summer while keeping your budget intact.

Food Costs

More meals at home can increase grocery bills, especially as kids always seem to be hungry. But extra mouths don’t have to mean extra expenses:

- Use food banks in your local area – contact your nearest Trussell Trust food bank to see who can issue you with a voucher.

- Buy non-perishable or store cupboard ingredients in bulk where possible as it’s usually cheaper.

- Take advantage of sales, coupons, and loyalty programmes to cut grocery costs.

- Many supermarkets allow kids to eat for cheap or free in the summer holidays – we’ve pulled together all the best offers.

Cashback and Selling Old Stuff

- Cashback on Shopping: Use cashback apps and websites to earn money back on your purchases. Apps like TopCashback and Quidco can help you save a significant amount over time[3].

- Selling Old Stuff on Vinted: Clean out your closets and sell unwanted items on Vinted. This can be a great way to make some extra cash and declutter your home at the same time. Make sure to take good photos and write detailed descriptions to attract buyers.