I am a single mother of 4 – I save a lot on uniforms for back to school
Getting the kids ready for the new school year can be an expensive affair.
But a single mother of four has revealed the clever tricks she uses to save money on the process.
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The mother, known online as Mummy Budgets, went to her TikTok page to share the tricks, starting with a visit to Sainsbury’s.
She showed off a set of two blue cardigans for £10 and explained: “I don’t get school logos embroidered on jumpers anymore. I found these at Tu, they’re so pretty, 2 for £10.”
She bought a few skirts, which she called “the best” because you don’t have to wear shorts underneath, and she bought three white shirts for just £8.
“These are really value for money,” she added.
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“I buy a lot in July, before prices go up in August!”
She found some “nice and comfortable” school shoes in the supermarket for £17, and a pack of two pairs of cycling shorts for £4.
But when it comes to her teenage sons, they are “very picky and only want brand name clothes, so I have to shop everywhere to find the best bargains”.
So she headed to Sports Direct, where she managed to get her hands on a pack of Adidas socks for £5 each, a pair of swimming shorts for £6 and a pair of Speedos for £2.
She also bought a pair of Adidas trainers, this time from TK Maxx, for just £14 on their website.
As for accessories, she “always gets them from Home Bargains,” adding, “they’re definitely the cheapest” and they have “such a wide variety of stuff.”
They also had some girls’ school shoes for £8, which were “pretty decent for the price”, and she got a lunchbox with water bottle for £4.99.
“Shopping for the new school year doesn’t have to cost a lot,” she concluded.
“I know some things are unavoidable, but for other things there are definitely cheaper options available.”
Other parents were quick to compliment her on her inspiration in the comments. One wrote: “Aww, what a cute baby, you should be proud!”
“It’s not easy these days!”
“Ooh I didn’t know Sainsbury’s had skorts! I’ll have to look out for them,” added another.
EXTRA HELP WITH SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS
IF you cannot get targeted help from your municipality, there may be other options.
In some cases you can contact your school directly, they may be able to provide you with clothing.
Or perhaps you can buy cheap clothes from budget stores or thrift shops.
Some charities also provide assistance to families in need.
Please note that charities are often limited in the amount they can donate and have specific criteria that must be met in order to receive a grant.
Charity Turn2Us has a free grant search function on its website, which will help you see what help is available to you.
In the meantime, you can always contact your nearest Citizens’ Advice office.
If you don’t know where your nearest Citizens’ Advice branch is, you can find it at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/nearby/.
If you are not eligible for a school uniform grant, you may be able to get help through the Household Support Fund.
“It costs a fortune on supplies for the new school year,” sighed a third.
“My son is in secondary school. His bag cost £49, his shoes £80 and so on.
“Luckily my girl is alone at the reception!”
“I literally put all my change in a bin to buy their school uniforms. I had £87,” wrote someone else.
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