A single mother of four has shared her top tips for keeping her spending to a minimum over the summer holidays.
The woman, known on her social media pages as Mummy Budgets, went to her TikTok page to post some of the ways she has kept costs down.
8
8
8
8
This included making sure her ‘stock’ was full at the beginning of the month, as she noted: ‘Small trips to the store add up and help prevent impulse buys.’
She takes “daily walks” with the children – who are 14, 13, six and one – and adds: “This helps me when I feel overstimulated” and “it also helps the children burn off energy”.
She tries her best to avoid eating out, having a picnic in the park, and packing snacks ahead of time.
But she does treat the children to dinner on Fridays, because they are going to IKEA then.
Read more stories about parenting
“Meatballs and mashed potatoes are just £2.45 and a children’s menu with pasta is just 45p,” she explained.
“This is actually cheaper than cooking at home and it gives me a break.
“The children’s meal is fine and also includes a drink and a piece of fruit.”
There are also two play areas in the IKEA that she often goes to, which her children “love”.
On Sundays, she prepares meals and plans dinners for the rest of the week, which makes her life “much easier,” she says.
And she also uses paper cutlery and plates when “housework gets too much for her”.
“There are days when I just can’t handle doing the dishes all the time,” she sighed.
She also doesn’t put pressure on herself when it comes to housework.
“I take breaks and do what I can,” she noted.
And when it comes to time for herself, she always makes it a priority, “even if it’s just a nice cup of coffee.”
“It’s so important to prioritize yourself,” she concluded.
People in the comments were raving about the mother. One wrote: “You really got me stocking up, that makes perfect sense.
Where can kids eat for free this summer?
THE summer holidays have started, but keeping the kids entertained doesn’t have to cost a lot.
Here we show you where to get free and cheap meals for your little ones during the ‘endless’ summer holidays.
ASDA CAFÉ: After shopping, pop into an Asda café to give the kids something to eat.
Children under 16 can enjoy a hot or cold meal for £1 at any time of the day.
The little ones are also taken care of.
Children under 18 months receive a free Ella’s baby food pouch with every purchase.
MEAT EATER: This family-friendly pub chain will make your mornings a breeze.
Two children under 16 eat free when purchasing an adult breakfast for £10.99.
Opening hours are from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM during the week and from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM at weekends.
BEAUTIFUL ITALY: Book a table and order an adult meal at this Italian eatery for children aged two to 11. You get three courses and a drink for £1.
Offer valid from Sunday to Wednesday between 4pm and 6pm.
On Thursdays, kids eat free all day when they order an adult meal from the a la carte menu.
DUNELM: Make shopping for household items a fun day out.
The Pausa Cafés in Dunelm offer free children’s meals for every £4 spent on food or drink.
Available all day, every day.
FROM BILL: Dine at any Bill’s restaurant and receive up to two free kids’ meals (normally £6.95 per meal) with any adult meal.
Valid only on weekdays until August 30th.
Ikea: Make it a food day at the Swedish home furnishings store.
Every day except Friday, from 11am, you can visit their famous café for a children’s menu of pasta or macaroni and cheese for 95p.
Other minimum times are available for £1.50.
PIZZA EXPRESS: Children up to and including ten years old receive a free three-course Piccolo meal with every purchase of an adult meal, including dough balls, pizza or pasta and dessert.
This offer is valid every day until August 11th.
TESCO: From Monday to Friday until August 30, visit the supermarket café for free children’s meals when an adult purchases a product in the café.
To take advantage of this offer, you must have a Clubcard.
THE RANGE: Children under 16 receive one free meal per adult main meal purchased at The Range cafes.
You can choose from sandwiches, a hot breakfast and fish and chips.
All children’s meals include a piece of fruit and a drink.
“I hate it when I run out of things and then I make impulse purchases because of the panic.”
“Honestly, this is a game changer!” the mother replied.
“I love the idea of plastic plates for busy days,” said another.
“Those paper plates are absolutely brilliant, why didn’t I think of that myself?!” commented a third.
“I feel like I do the dishes ten times a day!”
“Awesome!” praised someone else.
“I use paper plates when I’m busy with my twins.
“I don’t have a dishwasher at the moment and the dishes sitting there make me so depressed.
“It works!”
8
8
8
8
