INSTAGRAM MUM reveals six ways to save money during half term

Instagram Mum provides six foolproof ways to save money during half term, from food to fun 

Half term is just around the corner, which can be a stressful and possibly challenging time for parents as they try to balance entertaining the kids with budgeting everyday costs.  

Undeniably, it’s easy for children to soak up most of a household’s surplus income, especially when they are off school and require entertainment at home. 

CashLady.com has partnered with popular ‘Instagram Mum’ Rebecca Lawrance, who has shared her tried and tested tips on easy, cost-efficient ways to entertain the kids while being at home.  

Rebecca is a mum of two, with children aged 3 and 6, living in Chester. She can be found @mandhs_playcorner  on Instagram.  
 
“It’s great to have the kids off school during the February half term, but it can quickly dawn on you how much it can impact your finances. Not only do the children need more entertainment and food than usual, but now that energy prices have increased, it can easily be a really expensive week.”  
 
“With a combination of preparation and creativity, there are a number of ways that you can keep costs down over half term.”  

1. Plan food 

“I find that without planning food for the week, we’re much more likely to eat out. If you’re underprepared, it’s easy to end up buying overpriced snacks and hot drinks whilst out and about with the kids.” 

“Draw up a food planner ahead of the half term and prepare packed lunches to take out with you. It’s worth buying a cheap hot drinks flask and some snacks to grab for the kids, both of which can save you money in the long run. Keeping a bag in the car with crackers, apples, and flapjacks can avoid having to buy food whilst out of the house.” 

“Bulk buying can be an effective way to reduce costs. Opt for a bigger box of the week’s staples such as cereals, bread, crisps and fruit. Prepare meals such as lasagne, cottage pie, and fish pies in advance, then freeze them, to ensure you don’t have any food waste or require any last-minute trips to the shop.” 

2. Reduce energy bills 

“Now the energy bills have risen, keeping the costs down at home can become quite challenging – particularly when the kids are not at school.” 

“Start teaching kids the importance of turning the light off and encourage positive behaviour when they do so. You can always try to make it into a fun game to see if they remember. Not only does this keep things fun and light-hearted, but you will also be training a positive habit that will end up saving you money!” 

“Have a cinema night with blankets and snacks but just have the radiator on in that room. This way, you’re not having to heat the entire house.” 

3. Find fun at home  

“Arts and crafts are always a big hit with the little ones. Cover the table with paper and set out felt tips, pens and crayons in easy reach. Give them inspiration with your own designs and see if they can copy; pick a theme such as under the sea, cars, planes or monsters.” 

“You can easily use household items to create crafting activities, without shelling out for an expensive kit. For example, grab some playdough and use everyday objects to mark the dough to make people, animals or print patterns.” 

“Create an imaginative vets clinic using soft toys. Get your kids to give all the animals a check-up, write down their ailments and what they need to get better.” 

“Use Lego or blocks to see who can build the tallest tower or build a bridge from the table to the chairs. An indoor scavenger hunt is always a hit with kids – set a task to see who can find something pink, or round, or smelly.” 

4. DIY creativity  

“Keep any cardboard toilet rolls and make your own bird feeders. Use nut butter to spread over the loo rolls and then cover them in mixed birdseed (you may find an old packet of nuts or seeds that are past their best buy date which would be perfect). Then run some string through the tube and hang on a branch outside.” 

“Pizza night always goes down well with the kids. Buy plain pizza bases or pre-made pizza dough and let the kids create their own from a selection of ingredients: pizza sauce, cheese, ham, sweetcorn, peppers and mushrooms. Involve them in the whole process of grating, chopping, spreading and timing the pizzas whilst they cook.” 

“For older kids, encourage them to document their week in a holiday journal including stories, pictures, keepsakes and collages.” 

5.  Get outdoors 

“Now that the warmer weather is slowly creeping in, use your garden or outdoor space as a tool of entertainment. Use a mud kitchen or water play to encourage outdoor activities. Building a den or fort and planting bulbs will also allow kids to enjoy the fresh air and exploration.” 

“When you’re out and about, do a scavenger hunt by making a list of seasonal things to find or spot. Collect leaves, twigs, unusual stones or shells from a beach.” 

“Take a walk to your local play area, parks or open spaces and play with a ball, frisbee or kite. Better still, give Geocaching a try in your local area by downloading the app on your phone.” 

“Get the ‘Park and Ride’ into a local city and visit free museums, parks and attractions but always try to remember to take a packed lunch!” 

6. Research childcare 

“Consider the choices in your area when it comes to childcare. Nurseries, childminders and nannies all have their pro’s and con’s. Figuring out how many hours a day you need, which days, your budget, logistics of drop off and pick up and your child’s interests and behaviour first can help you decide.” 

“There are always tax-free childcare, tax credits, universal credits and free childcare hours (for aged 2) and 15 hours free (aged 3 and over).” 

“Your local council may also run activities for children during the school holidays. It’s worth checking their website to see what’s on offer.” 

The influencer savings tips have been created in partnership with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorised and regulated credit broker CashLady.com, an unsecured loan broker that matches customers to a loan provider from over 40 lenders.