The fun can quickly evaporate from social events if you’re feeling stressed about how you’re going to cover any additional expenses.
And right now, simply keeping up with day-to-day living costs may seem hard enough.
Adam Bullock, UK director at TopCashback.co.uk, has some ideas to stretch your budget further if you’re diary is quickly filling up…
Parents, children are amazing aren't they? But gosh do they cost a lot! We want to know – on average, how much do you budget to spend on your children for their birthdays?
— MoneySavingExpert (@MoneySavingExp) March 4, 2021
Offer your time or skills as a present
Bullock suggests: “For birthdays or seasonal events, rather than forking out on a physical present, consider offering your time or skills as a gift.
“Perhaps you could help a loved one sort out their garden, babysit their kids, or cook up a nice home-made meal together. Friends and family would prefer to spend time with you, rather than you spend lots of money on them that you can’t necessarily afford.”
Find free things to do near you
“Check your local council website for ideas,” says Bullock.
It’s also worth looking at local community websites – you might find a free walking tour, exhibition or event at a museum you’d like to visit.
☀🏛 Summer tickets are now available! 🏛☀
Plan you next trip to the Museum, with free general admission tickets to visit the permanent collection available to book until 24 July.
See what’s on and book: https://t.co/azjHG0S2b1 pic.twitter.com/wYFVutyvaW
— British Museum (@britishmuseum) April 1, 2022
Regift unused items
Bullock says: “Some see it as a taboo, but regifting can be an option if you have something you know you just won’t wear or use. It’s far better than ending up in a landfill. Just make sure it’s still in good condition, and you’re not regifting to the person who gifted it to you!”
If you’re not keen on the idea of regifting or don’t have anything suitable, Bullock also suggests using cashback websites to buy gift cards as presents – so you can earn cashback at the same time.
Gift thoughtfully
Some people may feel pressure to contribute to work colleagues’ leaving gifts.
Having a single pot everyone can contribute as much or as little as they are able to can help to ease the pressure on individuals.
Giving personalised gifts as well as shop-bought items can be cost-effective – for example, compiling a book of photos and memories for the person who is leaving takes a bit of time and thought, rather than costing a lot of money.
#Working families can use Tax-Free Childcare to help pay towards childcare costs
You can usually get Tax-Free #Childcare if you are:
💼In work
🤒On sick leave or annual leave
👪On shared parental maternity paternity or adoption leaveSee: https://t.co/c4GMAd9qta pic.twitter.com/0R4L8s9eEg
— Fletcher Thompson Chartered Accountants (@FTChAcc) April 5, 2022
Use tax-free childcare towards the cost of holiday activities
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reminds working parents not to miss out on tax-free childcare accounts, which can be put towards holiday clubs as well as other childcare providers.
Find out if you are eligible at gov.uk/tax-free-childcare.
Go off-peak
If you time trips wisely, you might be able to take advantage of discounts or offers at places like cinema chains or theme parks.
