The Easter holidays can be an expensive time of year with most of us having at least two weeks to fill with fun family activities. Here are our six top tips from My Debt Plan to help you save money while still enjoying the celebrations
1. Set a budget
It all starts with a budget. The easiest way to lose control of your spending during the Easter holidays is to go into the break without a clear plan in place. Instead, take some time to look at your finances and work out how much you can afford to put towards fun activities, visiting friends and family, or heading abroad. If you already have a dedicated Easter savings pot, you’ll probably have a good idea where you stand but if you’re trying to find room in your existing budget, you might need to make some tough choices.
2. Prioritise free activities
One way to make your budget go further during Easter is to make the most of the free activities available. No matter whether you’re staying local or jetting off to chase the sun, there are a wide range of options available to help you keep the kids entertained without spending a penny.
If the weather is on your side, spend time outdoors. If you’ve escaped abroad, you could hang out by the pool, spend a day on the beach, or wander around the local towns and villages. At home, you can visit your local park, play games in the garden, or explore a new walking route.
When the sun isn’t shining, look out for museums and art galleries with free entry. Many institutions in the UK and abroad offer free entry for all (or at least under 18s) and many will have special activities on offer for the kids during the Easter holiday. On a rainy day, why not plan a games afternoon with your favourite boardgames or have a movie night with homemade popcorn?
3. Look for money saving promos
Sometimes spending money on food or activities to keep the kids entertained is unavoidable. The good news is that many companies in the UK have special offers available over the Easter holiday to help families have fun without breaking the bank.
Many restaurants offer free or discounted meals, especially when an adult is buying a meal, while Asda, Ikea, and Morrisons all offer either free kid’s meals or only charge £1. Don’t ignore your local independent cafes and restaurants either as they often have special deals available at this time of year.
It’s not just food that’s discounted during Easter; many cinemas offer junior or kids’ screenings at lower prices and National Rail reward train ticket purchases with 2 for 1 entry to some of the UK’s most popular attractions.
4. Make treats at home
Easter snacks are tempting, but they can be costly. You can save money on things like Easter eggs by making the switch from big brands to supermarket own versions (and the chocolate if often just as good, if not better!).
But if you’re looking to cut costs even further, consider making your own Easter treats at home. Recipes like chocolate nests with mini eggs are quick and easy to make with just a few key ingredients, basic hot cross buns can be upgraded by adding flavoured jam or a layer of chocolate or caramel spread, and traditional simnel cake with marzipan tastes even better homemade.
5. Get creative with crafting
Crafts are a great way to keep the whole family entertained, especially when the weather is more April showers than sunshine. A quick Google will present hundreds of low-cost ideas, but there’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple: colouring, making paper chain garlands, card making, and decorating hard boiled eggs can all be quick and easy activities for Easter. If you’re feeling more ambitious, you could try making a DIY Easter wreath or basket, decorate a headband with bunny ears and other accessories, or learn to knit or crochet together.
6. Plan for next year
One of the best ways to save money during the Easter holidays, especially if you plan to go abroad or book a staycation, is to plan in advance. Booking early can often help you secure the best possible deals on accommodation, flights, and train fares and give you plenty of time to start saving. You may also be able to take advantage of payment plans to spread the cost (look out for interest-free plans to avoid paying a premium!)
No matter what you decide to do next year, you could start saving money now too. Consider setting up a savings pot with your online banking or use the envelope system to start cash stuffing. By the time next April rolls around, you can make the most of the holidays knowing you’re not at risk of going into debt.
Ready to tackle your debt this Easter? Our friendly team of experts is here to help. Give us a call on 0161 8260 585 or send a message here
