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Now, there’s just a few weeks to go until the schools break up for summer, but a new study out today shows families will fork out £468 entertaining their kids this summer – a bumper £6.2bn spend nationally.
Worryingly, the annual Post Office Money Parents’ Summer Spending report reveals over half of mums and dads are stressed about covering the cost of the summer break, with a third turning to credit cards to plug the spending gap and a quarter cutting back on their own spending.
Owen Woodley, Managing Director at Post Office Money, said: “There can be many hidden costs over the summer months and while two in five parents we spoke to have the cash to cover these additional costs, many do not. Thirteen per told us they are planning on dipping into their savings and some families are even saying they’re likely to miss bill payments or even take a mortgage holiday to help manage this overspend.”
Here are the top tips to help cover the cost of caring for kids this summer:
1. Plan ahead – breakdown your intended weekly spend and stick to your budget.
2. Where you spot a shortfall and are likely to need to rely on credit, make sure you have the right credit product for your needs. Don’t risk going into an unapproved overdraft.
3. If you’re going to use a credit card, try to get a 0% deal so you have longer to repay and are not caught out with interest charges.
4. Track down deals online in advance. There are plenty of 2 for 1 offers on theme parks, cinemas, family days out and restaurants.
5. Travelling by train? Keep costs down by booking well in advance and travelling off-peak.
6. Team up with other parents to organise free group activities like a picnic, sports tournament or scavenger hunt
7. Hundreds of museums throughout the UK offer free entry all year round, while others are free at certain times. Check local websites to find the best near you.
8. Organise a fun-filled creative day at home entertaining the kids by baking, painting, crafts or a spot of gardening
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