Staying on Top of Your Summer Budget

The summer holidays are almost upon us, and now is a great time to start planning how you’ll make the most of those summer days with the family. To make the most of everything summer has to offer, it’s a good idea to stay on top of your budget so no unexpected financial worries arise while you’re trying to relax and have fun with the family. We’ve outlined some ways you can better keep track of your money, and we’ve kept an eye on who is offering the best deals to give you more bang for your buck this summer.

1. Online Budget Planners – Stay On Track with Your Spending

Keeping track of your finances doesn’t have to be a chore. With free and easy-to-use tools like MoneyHelper, you can plan your budget and manage your spending. Whether you’re saving for a summer holiday or just want to make sure your monthly expenses stay under control, these tools help you stay organised. Plus, if you’re wondering about your eligibility for government benefits or support, tools like Turn2Us and EntitledTo can help you find out if you qualify for extra financial help. Setting a budget before the summer rush starts will give you peace of mind, knowing you’re not overspending while still making memories with your family.

2. Take Advantage of the Great British Summer Savings Initiative

The Government Summer Savings initiative cuts VAT rates to reduce the cost of children’s meals, children’s theatre tickets, and tickets to attractions and museums. The initiative is now in place and will continue until 1 September. Below is a list of just some of the participating businesses:

Theatre and Cinema

  • ODEON: Reduced price child and family tickets
  • Vue: Reduced price kids’ tickets

 

Attractions

  • Alton Towers: 15% off, tickets from £29.75, plus free entry to a second Theme Park of your choice (Thorpe Park, Legoland Windsor Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, or revisit Alton Towers Resort)
  • Legoland: 15% off, tickets from £29.75
  • Chessington World of Adventures: 15% off, tickets from £29.75
  • Thorpe Park: 15% off, tickets from £29.75
  • Cadbury World: 15% off, tickets from £15.75
  • Harry Potter Studios Tour: 15% off, kids’ tickets from £41.13 & adults from £51.19
  • Madame Tussauds: 15% off, tickets from £23.63
  • Sea Life Aquariums: 15% off, tickets from £24.50

 

Castles and Heritage Sites

  • English Heritage: 15% off tickets for English Heritage sites
  • Historic Environment Scotland: 20% off tickets for a range of Scottish Heritage sites
  • Hever Castle: About 13% off, kids’ tickets from £12.30 & adults from £22.35
  • Warwick Castle: 15% off, tickets from £25.38
  • Bamburgh Castle: About 14% off, save £7.31 on a family ticket
  • Cadw: 15% off Cadw sites, plus 2-for-1 entry when you travel by train and present a valid TfW train ticket when purchasing your entry ticket

3. Kids Eat Free

During the summer holidays, many restaurants provide discounts for children’s dining, allowing families a tasty way to spend quality time together without breaking the bank. Restaurants offering free or discounted children’s dining include:

  • Bella Italia: Kids eat for £1 from 4-6 pm Monday to Thursday
  • Bill’s: Kids eat free Monday to Friday (up to two kids)
  • Franco Manca: Free kids’ pizza Monday to Thursday
  • Prezzo: Kids eat free every day with Club Prezzo
  • Zizzi: Kids eat free for Zillionaires’ Club members
  • Las Iguanas: Kids eat free through Las Iguanas app when an adult main is ordered
  • Gordon Ramsay Restaurants: Kids eat free all day
  • JD Wetherspoon: Kids’ meals from £4.99
  • YO! Sushi: Kids eat free Monday to Friday all school holidays

 

Bonus Tips for Extra Savings This Summer:

  • Take Advantage of Free Days Out: Keep an eye out for free entry days at museums, galleries, and national parks. Many attractions offer free days or discounted family tickets during the summer.

  • Plan a Picnic in the Park: Instead of splurging on expensive lunches, pack a picnic with all your favourite snacks and enjoy a relaxing day at the park. It’s an affordable way to have a delicious meal and spend quality time outdoors.

  • Use Discounted Voucher Sites: Websites like Groupon and VoucherCodes offer exclusive deals and discounts on activities, restaurants, and even family days out. It’s worth checking before you make any purchases!

  • Consider a Staycation: Instead of spending money on travel, explore your local area. A staycation can be just as fun as a holiday abroad—and it saves a lot of money! From exploring nearby hiking trails to visiting local attractions, you might be surprised at how much your hometown has to offer.

Ready for a budget-friendly Summer?

With these money-saving tips, you can create a summer full of fun, family activities, and holidays without the financial stress. By using the right tools, finding great deals, and exploring local options, you can enjoy all that the summer has to offer without going over your budget. Get ready to make the most of the sunny days ahead without worrying about the cost!

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