Strategies to arrange your back-to-school financials efficiently
Struggling to afford expensive school trips or other hidden costs? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many families face similar financial strains during the back-to-school season. Here are some practical tips to help you save money and reduce stress.
Firstly, it's worth checking with your child's school to see if any financial support is available for school trips or other activities. Many schools have funds set aside to help families in need.
When it comes to school supplies, labeling items with names or a marker pen can prevent them from going missing. For smaller items, a dot of nail varnish can make them easy to identify. And don't forget to check what you already have before heading out for a shopping spree.
If you're in the market for a hot air brush, consider the Ambiano 5 in 1 Hair Styler from Aldi, which is a more affordable alternative to the Drybar The Double Shot blow dryer brush, priced at £100 at Boots. The Aldi model is currently unavailable online, but you can find it in-store for £12.99, resulting in a saving of £87.01.
Similarly, the Sistema Quaddie lunch box is currently on sale at Asda, reduced from £6.50 to £3.24, resulting in a saving of £3.26. Half-price paint-by-numbers sets are also available at Hobbycraft, reducing the Mediterranean View kit from £10.50 to £5.25, resulting in a saving of £5.25.
Planning the contents of lunch boxes can help to cut costs. Pre-packaged food is usually more expensive, but buying larger packs and dividing them into smaller portions can save cash. Reusing lunch boxes and water bottles from the previous year can also help to save money.
Batch cooking energy boosters such as cereal bars, flapjacks, or mini egg muffins can give a head start. These can be made in advance and stored in the freezer for quick and easy snacks throughout the week.
Starting a savings pot to cover hidden school costs like school trips and sponsored walks can prevent last-minute financial strain. The Sun Raffle is another way to win some extra cash, with £100 being given away to 250 lucky readers each month. Each Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes entered, the more chances of winning.
Lastly, if you're planning a family holiday, the Jet2.com bank holiday sale offers 45,000 seats in September and October for no more than £45. So, start planning your getaway now and enjoy some well-deserved time off with the family.
By following these tips, you can save money, reduce stress, and enjoy a smooth transition back to school. Good luck!
