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Mummy on a budget


Anyone who knows me knows that I am very cautious with what I buy. I love a bargain and seem to manage my money pretty well. I’ve listed a few pointers on how I save money but making sure the kids have smiles on their faces!
1) Freecycle/Freegle! These websites are amazing. At first I was sceptical because why would someone give away something that’s in decent condition for free? Turns out there’s lots of reasons; moving house, upgrading items, children outgrown items, people have moved into houses where tenants have left furniture. Although sometimes you get the odd broken items which still work out cheaper to fix than buying brand new (I stay away from broken items, I don’t like the risk). I have got so many amazing conditions items from freecycle! Kids toys, cot, toddler bed, chest of drawers, solid wood toy box, filing cabinet, baby swing chair, even wheel trims. I tend to only ask for items that I’ve already seen a picture off first. A lot of the time when things are put up that are really good they tend to go quickly, a top tip is to ask how you would like to be approached as people will more likely give it to the person who say I would like this please rather than I want this. It also works good the other way if you have an item that you don’t want and you need to get rid quick then instead of paying money to dump it you could just put it on freecycle.

2) Shpock is a pretty good site to declutter and make some money at the same time without having to leave your house! You could even pick up a few bargains on the site too! All you need to do is download the app and you’re ready to go.

3) Money saving expert: It’s worth signing up to his emails, as he is always showing new ways to save and great deals in your area.

4) Discount codes: 80% of the time when doing online shopping I search into google ‘*the shop* discount codes’ and I find one. It is definitely worth it and has saved me quiet a lot of money. Even sometimes when the shop has a discount code on site there is sometimes better codes and deals available. Try it for yourself!

5) Petrol price check: It’s worth searching up the cheapest petrol in your area or on your journey. The cheapest petrol station near me isnt a journey I would take. It’s an Asda but not one I shop at. So I go for the next cheapest which is a Tesco I go to regularly and I try to make sure I get enough to last me till my next Tesco shop. So it’s worth having a look.

6) Own brand items: Sometimes cheaper doesn’t always mean less quality. Infact many items have actually been better quality. This has also been proven on shows like eat well for less and spend well for less. I have saved a lot of money over time by buying cheaper versions. Although this isn’t the case for everything but it’s worth a try. Every shop try switch a couple items for own branded items and see how you get on. You never know, it might surprise you. Also some own brand products are nicer from different shops. I love Tesco own brand nappies and digestive biscuits but I’ve tried Asda ones and in my opinion they’re not as nice. Switch it up and let me know how you get on!

7) Groupon and WOWcher: if you are going to eat out or want to go on a trip/mini holiday then it’s worth checking these sites first. They always have amazing deals!

8) Last but not least SUN savers: All year round you can go on a caravan break across Europe from £9.50 per person including babies. Some places available aren’t too nice but on the flip side I’ve been to lovely places. You can’t go wrong paying £40 for a family holiday. It’s great for the kids! I would recommend Haven. Every year I go to legoland with Connor and Ryker using our Free Sun tickets, costing just £5 (paper costs). They also do many other deals that are perfect for families!

Thank you for reading, I hope some of my tips help. Let me know how you get on or if you have any more advice.


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