As the end of the school year approaches, many parents start to feel the pressure of preparing for the upcoming summer holidays. With school out, the kids are home, and the costs associated with feeding them – keeping them entertained and organising childcare can quickly add up. But don’t worry! With a little planning and budgeting, you can set your family up for a fun and financially stress-free summer.
Here are some key areas to focus on.
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Budget for Extra Food Costs
During the school year, your children may have set meal schedules, but the summer holidays can mean more frequent snacks and meals at home. To avoid overspending at the grocery store:
- Plan meals and snacks ahead of time.
- Buy in bulk for common items like fruit, vegetables, and snacks.
- Consider making large batches of meals to freeze and use later.
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Plan for Activities
Summer is the time for outdoor fun and family adventures, but activities like theme parks, summer camps, or trips to the beach can put a dent in your budget. Here’s how to keep your expenses under control:
- Look for free or low-cost local activities like parks, museums, or community events.
- Consider group discounts for activities and look for deals or vouchers.
- Set aside a fixed amount each month leading up to summer for these activities.
Tip: The National Trust’s ‘Summer of Play’ events are all free and there’s plenty to choose from! Check them out here.
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Childcare and Summer Camps
With kids at home, childcare becomes a big concern for many parents. If you’re working during the summer, the cost of summer camps or babysitters can quickly add up. To manage these costs:
- Start looking into local summer camps early, as spots can fill up quickly.
- Compare the cost of different camps and consider a combination of half-day camps or a few weeks of different activities to spread out the expense.
- If possible, arrange for shared childcare with friends or neighbors to reduce costs.
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Set a Summer Fun Budget
Having a designated budget for summer fun will help keep your finances in check. By planning in advance, you can avoid impulse spending and make sure you don’t overspend.
- Break down your budget into categories: food, activities, childcare, and other essentials.
- Stick to your budget but leave room for spontaneous fun—it’s important to enjoy the summer!
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Save on Utilities
With kids at home more often, your utility bills may rise. To avoid a big increase:
- Encourage kids to play outside and use energy-efficient appliances.
- Be mindful of air conditioning usage, especially during hot days.
Preparing financially for the summer holidays takes some effort, but with smart planning, you can enjoy a stress-free break with your family. By budgeting for food, activities, and childcare, you’ll be able to make the most of the summer without breaking the bank. Start planning now, and you’ll have more time to focus on making fun memories with your loved ones.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or your budget isn’t stretching as far as it used to, we’re here to help. At Angel Advance, we’re proud to have helped over 48,000 people discover the right debt solution for their unique situations, including Debt Management Plans (DMPs), Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), Debt Relief Orders (DROs), Partial Settlements and Bankruptcy. We also offer Debt Solutions for Scottish Residents. Our expert debt advice is free, confidential, and just a click away.
