How I’m Sticking to a Budget This Summer Holidays

Hi, I’m Soph. Mum to Albie (6) and Jesse (1). I share all things family budgeting life over here, so if summer spending is stressing you out too, you’re in the right place.

Six weeks off school. More days out. More snacks. More “can we just get an ice cream.” It adds up fast. So this year I’ve actually sat down and planned how we’re doing summer without wrecking the budget. Here’s what we’re doing.

Why Summer Wrecks Your Budget

It’s never one big expense. It’s the little things. No school lunches means more food to buy. More time at home means more “let’s do something.” Before you know it you’ve spent way more than planned and there’s no single thing to point at and blame.

Set a Weekly Budget and Check It Daily

This is the big one. I’ve set a weekly budget and I’m tracking it every single day, not just checking my balance when I remember.

If I don’t check in daily, I convince myself I’ve spent less than I have. It’s so easy to tap, tap, tap your card without noticing how fast it’s adding up. Daily tracking keeps me honest even when I really don’t want to look.

Take Your Own Food and Drink

Sounds obvious but it’s saved us a fortune. A bit of pasta in a pot, some snacks packed the night before, and you skip the “we’re out, everyone’s starving, let’s just buy something” trap.

Don’t forget the drinks though. I always do, and end up spending £5+ just getting everyone hydrated. Pack the bottles.

Use the Garden Instead of Days Out

Not everything needs to cost money. Paddling pool out, slide out, done. We’re having friends over for garden play dates too. Same fun, same social time, none of the spend.

Check Parking Before You Go

Learned this one the hard way. A free day out sounds great until it costs a fortune just to park. Now I check parking before we leave, not after we’ve already got there.

Kids Value Time, Not Money

Looking at the boys surrounded by a pile of toys, it’s obvious. It was never the expensive stuff. It was just being there. Worth remembering when the budget feels tight.

Quick Recap

• Set a weekly budget, track it daily

• Pack your own food and drink (don’t forget the drinks)

• Use the garden for playdates instead of paid days out

• Check for free parking before you leave

• Kids care about your time more than what you spend

Summer on a budget is doable. Just needs a plan instead of winging it. Let me know if you try any of these.

Soph x