A budgeting expert with two kids shares her top tips for saving money during the new school year.
How to apply for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours childcare
The summer holidays may seem like a distant memory now that the new school year has started, but for some parents the costs of term-time can seem never-ending. From school uniforms and lunchboxes to daily routines and lost PE kits, it all adds up.
A recent survey by online off-price retailer MandM, which polled 1,000 UK parents, found that nearly 40 per cent are worried about the rising cost of getting their children through the new school year.
But fear not, budgeting expert and mum-of-two Gemma Bird, known online as MoneyMum, has shared easy hacks which could save families over £500 between now and the end of the school year next June.
READ MORE: Child Benefit payments set to end for some parents next week unless action takenREAD MORE: Parents urged to claim £2,000 top-up to help with childcare costs over new school year
The MandM ambassador said: “With the cost of living crisis squeezing family finances, every penny counts right now. That’s why getting ahead, buying smart and finding hacks that work for your family can make such a big difference.”
Skip the multipacks, bulk buy and portion at home instead
This viral hack has racked up thousands of views and simply involves buying in bulk and portioning snacks at home. Instead of spending extra on mini packs of crisps, cakes and raisins, Gemma buys large bags and portions them out into sandwich bags, cutting the cost dramatically.
She also recommends refilling juice bottles at home instead of buying branded single-use drinks. She said: “These little changes add up massively over the school year.”
Her pre-portioned lunchbox filled with multipacks and minis came in at £3.08 per portion, while the bulk buy version totalled just £1.11. That’s £9.85 extra in your pocket each week, and a massive £512 saving across the year.
Label absolutely everything
It’s no surprise children lose things, but how often and how quickly might shock you. According to MandM’s survey, one in three children misplace items within the first month of term.
The most commonly lost items are water bottles, followed by PE kits and cardigans. Parents are being urged to label everything, from coats and lunchboxes to trainers and pencil cases, either with printed name labels or a good old-fashioned permanent marker.
Don’t splurge on easily lost items
Given how often things go missing, Gemma recommends opting for affordable versions of the most mislaid items.
She explained: “I always buy affordable versions of school essentials like water bottles and sports kits so that it doesn’t cost a small fortune if they go missing.
“You can still get the big brand names at much lower prices online. It stings a lot less.”
Cut your food shopping bill with by choosing frozen over fresh
Switching to frozen fruit, veg, meat and fish is one of the simplest ways to save on time and money during the school week.
Frozen items are cheaper per portion, last longer and reduce waste, so you’re not throwing money in the bin.
Gemma explained: “Fresh broccoli costs 82p or £2.19/kg, while 900g of frozen broccoli comes in at just £1.07 or £1.19/kg. That’s nearly half the price per kilo. Blending frozen veg in pasta sauces can also be a quick win for adding more nutritional value to the fussy eaters’ dinners. “
Save on clothes with multipacks
If your child is constantly needing new socks or misplacing pants, multipacks are your secret weapon. Instead of buying single items at full price, buy in bulk to save time and money.
Retailers like MandM offer top-name brands in discounted bundles, such as a 10-pack of New Balance socks at 50 per cent off the RRP. It’s one of the easiest ways to save on everyday basics without compromising on quality.
