Simple ways to save money as a family
With inflation predicted to rise in the UK in 2025, many of us are bracing ourselves to feel the pinch later this year. Finding ways to save money now will help to offset the impact so you can focus on what matters most – spending quality time together as a family.
- Minimise monthly bills
Essential costs make up the majority of our outgoings, and with council tax charges and energy bills having recently increased they’re higher than ever. While you cannot escape rises in council tax, there are simple steps you can take to minimise some of your other monthly bills.
Regularly check other utility bill providers to find the best deals and consider installing smart meters so you only pay for what you use instead of having to cover elevated estimates. Renew subscriptions to access lower monthly payments and look for and cancel any subscriptions you no longer use.
- Adopt smart shopping
Going to the supermarket without a plan is a guaranteed way to spend more. Impulse and repeat purchases will quickly add up, and accidentally buying a surplus of fresh produce will result in food going to waste.
Set aside time for meal planning each week and make a list of ingredients that exactly matches your requirements – with some treats included of course! Take advantage of loyalty schemes for your favourite shops which give you discounts on your most common buys or sometimes instant savings on your shop.
- Reduce travel costs
From your commute to taking the children to their various extracurricular activities, there’s little chance of you reducing how much you travel, but you can find ways to lower the associated costs.
Consider car sharing for work journeys or having one vehicle in your household. Having multi-car insurance can also help reduce the overall cost of vehicle ownership. Public transport is often well-priced compared to the cost of fuel and parking, so look for opportunities to switch car rides for bus or train journeys. You can use family or age-related Railcards or bus passes for further savings.
- Plan cost-effective entertainment
While some family attractions cost an arm and a leg, you’ll find a host of low-cost and free alternatives on the doorstep beyond the parks and playgrounds that provide entertainment on sunny days.
Local libraries often have children’s play areas, and many museums offer free or vastly reduced entry for kids. Some attractions offer annual passes for the same price as a single entry so you can go as many times as you like throughout the year. Other options include arts and crafts sessions, cosy film nights or cooking and baking as a family at home.
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