Parents' money saving tips

What better way to find out how families can save money than getting tips straight from the horse's mouth?

In October we asked over 5,000 families (through a YouGov survey) how they were coping with the credit crunch. Some said they had to tighten their belts, others said it was nothing new – they'd always struggled financially and probably always will – and for some, they'd not felt the pinch yet but expect to in the future.

As well as telling us if they were coping, they also shared their money saving tips. So here's our pick of parents' best ways to save money … there's even some fun ideas in there too!

These are the things parents told us they are doing to save money …

Shopping

  • Shop online – it makes it easier to stick to a budget.
  • Make the most of special offers/coupons in the supermarket but be careful to only get the things you need.
  • Shop around – you don't have to get everything from the same store.
  • Reusable nappies work out much cheaper and better for the environment.
  • Buy in bulk when possible.
  • Buy clothes from charity shops.
  • Make the most of store club cards that reward you with points.

Food

  • Make your own bread.
  • Buy unbranded food.
  • Plan your meal calendar for the week and stick to a budget for it.
  • Take packed lunches instead of buying lunch or school meals.
  • Use cheaper cuts of meat.
  • Buy less expensive vegetables and when they are in season.
  • Use garden/pots for growing vegetables.
  • Buy frozen veg – it works out cheaper and saves on lots of little trips to the shops hence avoiding spending temptation.

Low cost leisure time

  • Have film nights in instead of going to cinema.
  • Get exercise outside - walking to and from school/work, going for a run etc - instead of gym memberships.
  • Car boot sales/jumble sales can be fun for the kids and raise a little extra cash for yourself too.
  • Investing in thermos flasks and picnic bags. That means you can take your own food with you and drinks with you when you go on outings with the kids.

Cutting travel costs

  • Driving slower, keeping your tyres pumped up and not using the air conditioning in your car uses less fuel.
  • Walk or cycle instead of using the car unless essential.
  • Use public transport wherever possible – some bus companies do books of tickets which work out cheaper for multiple journeys.
  • Book train tickets in advance to make journeys cheaper.
  • Get a Family railcard for a third off tickets for lots of journeys.
  • Find out about cycling proficiency classes for the kids and get cycling.
  • Use walking websites to plan journeys you would usually make by car or bus.
  • Car share on regular journeys like commuting or school run.

Cutting energy and fuel bills

  • Turn appliances off standby at night.
  • Use extra blankets/clothes/hot water bottles for warmth.
  • Use the quickest wash on the washing machine.
  • Change lightbulbs for more energy efficient ones.
  • Insulate your home.
  • Shop around for the best deal.

Managing cash flow

  • Prioritise spending.
  • Swap things between friends – toys, clothes, etc.
  • Leave your wallet at home when you don't need it.
  • Cancel any unused subscriptions.
  • Put money aside each month for big expenses like Christmas and holidays and emergencies.
  • Save up for things before you buy them instead of paying for them on credit.
  • Claim your benefits – there are benefits available to parents who do and don't work. To check you are getting what you are eligible for visit direct.gov.uk

Download this page here Parents' money saving tips

Last updated: 10th September 2009 at 02:09:33