A mother of two shared her strategy for enjoying the summer break with her children on a budget of £50 per week. Kelly Miles, 33, aimed to create lasting memories for her 12 and 10-year-old kids without overspending. Over the past two years, she has adhered to a strict £200 budget, focusing on cost-effective local activities such as free swimming for under 12s, library visits, and days at the beach. Kelly uses Monzo pots to save up for pricier outings.
In response to increasing costs, Kelly raised her budget to £300 this year, translating to £50 per week. She emphasizes the often underestimated expense of food and ensures she is well-prepared by packing meals and snacks in an insulated backpack. Reflecting on her journey, Kelly, a manager from Portsmouth, Hampshire, recalled her challenges as a single mother on benefits and her determination to avoid debt.
Kelly’s approach involves exploring local and free options, including beaches and country parks, where families can enjoy a full day out without significant expenses apart from parking fees. By meticulous planning and setting aside money in advance for higher-cost activities, Kelly estimates saving between £400 and £500 annually. Her summer plans this year include visits to a mud trail, aquapark, Legoland, and theme parks using Merlin annual passes.
She gradually builds up her savings pot over the year, allocating funds after covering essential expenses and savings. Kelly encourages others to adopt this method, adjusting contributions as needed throughout the year. As her children grow older, she acknowledges the evolving demands for spending and allocates more funds for teenage activities. While pre-planning may reduce spontaneity, Kelly finds it to be a key factor in saving money.
Recognizing food expenses as a significant outlay, Kelly emphasizes the importance of bringing packed meals to avoid high costs at attractions like country parks or amusement parks. She opts for versatile ingredients like flour, eggs, and biscuits to create homemade snacks, adding variety and reducing expenses. Additionally, she advises carrying water bottles to avoid overpriced drinks at venues.
Kelly also highlights the value of essential items like an insulated backpack, which keeps food and drinks cool, and recommends purchasing beach essentials from discount stores to save money. By adopting a proactive mindset and planning ahead, families can enjoy summer activities without overspending.