It’s the most expensive time of the year.
We’re all familiar with the struggle of making ends meet, and if you’re a parent, it’s even more difficult.
Children are the light of our lives, but they don’t come cheap, and especially not at Christmas, where costs rack up quickly for this special season.
With that in mind, these are just five finance hacks for parents, whether you’re looking for ways to save in your everyday life or seeking a money-making venture to bring in a little extra income on the side.
- Keep the receipts
Budgeting is easier said than done, and modern life seems to get more expensive by the day.
Not to mention, spending money is easier than ever before thanks to our mobile phones, which allow us to spend at the tap of a button, instantly reducing the time it takes us to contemplate a purchase.
It’s easy, then, to spend without noticing, and be left wondered how the pounds have dwindled away between paydays. By requesting receipts and keeping track, you’ll keep a closer eye on your expenditures and be able to spot those non-essential expenses, helping you keep a tighter hold on the purse strings.
- Bargain hunting
Everyone loves a bargain, right?
And before making any purchase online, you should always do a little research to find out if you could save.
Sites like Wowcher are a great way to get your hands on exclusive discounts, whilst signing up to mailing lists for your favourite brands gives you access to money-off deals and codes.
Similarly, never turn down an opportunity for a loyalty card – Tesco’s Clubcard programme is one of the best saving deals out there.
- Clear it out
Is your spare room filled with charity shop-bound junk?
No matter how valueless you think your second-hand stuff may be, it’s always worth advertising on sites like eBay.
Speaking of charity shops…
- Second-hand
It’s something that many people avoid.
But buying second-hand is an effective way of saving money, and doesn’t always mean compromising on quality. Keep an eye on charity shops, as well as selling sites like Depop to find hidden gems
Facebook Marketplace is another popular resource for savvy seekers of second-hand goods, particularly for household items like furniture and appliances, as people will list these for very cheap prices (and even occasionally for free) to get rid quickly.
- Start your own small business
Have you got an in-demand skill that could be transformed into a freelance venture?
Or a gift for handmade arts and crafts that can capture imaginations?
Whether it’s a full-time venture or a part-time effort, marketing your talents online, whatever they may be, is a great way to earn a little extra on the side, and can be as simple as launching your own site with a web development expert like Maratopia Digital Marketing.
This is not simply an opportunity to earn a little extra cash, but a chance to turn your passion into a career.
These are just five saving hacks and money-making ventures for parents.
Got any tips of your own? Share them with us in the comments below.
