IT’S 25 WEEKS UNTIL THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS: HERE’S MY SIMPLE PLAN TO HELP SAVE £1,000 & ENJOY A SUNSHINE BREAK

0
259
Image by Yuri from Pixabay
THE cold days and dark nights might make it feel as if the Summer holidays are a million miles away.
In fact it’s just 25 weeks until the schools break up and millions of us head off for some sun and rest and relaxation.
The cost of living crisis means many will be left thinking a break-away is out of reach.
But one of the country’s leading consumer experts, Jane Hawkes, has created a roadmap to making a Summer holiday a reality.
Jane said: “With around 25 weeks until the summer holidays, you could save £1,000 for your dream trip by setting aside just £40 per week. Here are four simple strategies to reduce your monthly expenses and make it happen.By using my tips, you can look forward to a well deserved summer break – without breaking the bank.”
1.  Change your shopping habits (£20 per Week)
Save on your weekly grocery bill without compromising on taste, quality or quantity.
  • Go Frozen: Replace fresh vegetables, fish, and fruit with frozen alternatives. They’re cheaper, reduce waste, and last longer. Did you know the average household wastes up to £50 worth of food monthly—that’s £600 a year.
  • Shop Smart: Use coupons, discount vouchers, and take advantage of promotions on store cupboard essentials.
  • Batch Cook: Plan meals ahead, cook in bulk, and repurpose leftovers. For example, Sunday’s roast chicken could become a stir-fry, pasta bake, or curry later in the week.
  • Stretch Ingredients: Bulk up meat dishes with chickpeas, lentils, or beans, and choose budget-friendly cuts (e.g., chicken legs instead of breasts).
  • Store Properly: Keep food fresh longer by using optimal storage techniques and organising your fridge and freezer.
2. Audit Subscriptions (£10 per Month, £2.50 per Week)
Subscriptions can be an unnecessary drain on your budget and you might not even realise how much so until you take a good look at what you have – and what you actually use.
  • Review and Cancel: Audit all subscriptions to identify services you don’t use.
  • Downgrade Plans: Many streaming platforms offer cheaper tiers—switch to one that fits your needs.
  • Share Accounts: Split the cost with family or friends where permitted.
  • Annual Payments: Opt for annual billing to save money in the long run.
  • Explore Free Alternatives: Many paid services have free versions or trials—give them a try.
3. Switch to a SIM-Only Mobile Plan (£30 per Month, £7.50 per Week)
Switching to a SIM-only deal could save you £352 a year (source: Uswitch). Here’s how you can lower your mobile phone bill:
  • Negotiate with Your Provider: Contact your current provider, and use the “thinking of leaving” option to reach their retentions team for the best deals.
  • Shop Around: Compare providers for better rates and plans that suit your usage.
  • Family Plans: Combine multiple devices under one family plan to save more.
  • Tailor Plans: Adjust allowances for data, minutes, and texts to avoid paying for what you don’t use.
4. Skip the Takeaway Coffees (£10 per Week)
DIY coffees are often swiftly dismissed as a simple and trivial idea. However, skipping the takeaways can actually represent a larger shift in your financial habits
  • Intentional Spending: Even minor expenses add up. Paying attention to them reflects a mindful approach to your finances.
  • Cultivate Good Habits: Small changes, like making your own coffee for work at home, can pave the way towards bigger financial wins and better lifestyle choices.
  • Perspective Shift: It’s not just about saving a few pounds—it’s about embracing a mindset that can help you become better at budgeting and save even more money..

Help keep news FREE for our readers

Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle