A MUM-of-two has revealed how she spends just £20 a day by planning her kids' summer activities months ahead of schedule.
Katy Meaney, 38, from Wolverhampton, has cracked the code to a budget-friendly summer packed with fun for her family-of-four.
These summer saving hacks have meant she's spent £2,485 less than what most Brits fork out during the holidays.
A freelance writer and mum-of-two, Katy plans every summer adventure well in advance to dodge sky-high costs.
"My kids are always eager to be out and about, and let’s face it, outings can bleed your wallet dry," she admits.
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"But with a bit of savvy, we manage to enjoy everything from zoo trips to theme parks without breaking the bank."
Her secret- Katy harnesses the power of discounts and deals. "Sites like MoneySuperMarket’s SuperSaveClub and Sun Super Days are goldmines for savings," she reveals.
"Last year, we snagged Alton Towers tickets for less than £20 each – a steal compared to the usual £68!"
But it’s not just big-name attractions. Katy’s a fan of local gems too.
"Places like the Black Country Living Museum offer unique experiences worth every penny," she said.
MoneySuperMarket expert Kara Gammel also says to "make the most of free activities"
She said her family enjoy walks and recommends "downloading an app for a digital treasure hunt", where you can explore your local area with the kids.
She also recommends cashback apps where you can get cash back on parking, and looking out for bonuses when signing up for insurance packages.
For Katy, planning early is key.
"By mapping out our summer months in January, we can say 'yes' to family weddings and outings without worrying about the bank balance," she explained.
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Katy said: “My kids always want to be out and about so I get the “mum guilt” if I see them sitting in front of the console.
"But if you’re a family of four looking for a day out, you’re already spending close to £100 to get through the door of most places. I’d end up bankrupt by September!”.
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Kate also shares her struggle to keep up with childcare costs.
“The school charges £58 a day for childcare per child, so it would cost more than I earn in a day to send both of mine. This means I have to work less in the summer, with our income taking a hit".
“On top of all this, summer is always jam-packed with invitations, which can add a significant strain on the wallet.
“But by meticulously planning all of our activities months in advance, we’re able to do something together as a family every second day of the summer holidays, like visits to the zoo, theme parks and bowling, all for around £20 per day."
As prices shoot up, Brits are tightening their belts, with many using clever finance management to enjoy their summers guilt-free.
The monthly cost of 31 household bills and expenses has risen to £1,525.30 – £50.84 per day – up 9.58% from £1,392.00 in February, according to MoneySuperMarket's Household Money index.
It means the average person is £20 worse off per month.
Websites like Groupon and Wowcher are also a must-check for deals, while Quidco offers cashback on summer purchases.
"These deal sites offer great savings on everything from zoo tickets to family passes - we recently got a fantastic offer for Gulliver’s Kingdom”
When it comes to budget-friendly days out, Katy suggests Movies for Juniors.
"Most cinemas have discounted showings for kids during the summer. Adults get in for cheap too, so it’s a perfect way to beat the heat and enjoy a movie."
Bowling is another fun option, especially if you go early. "If you bowl before 11 am, many places offer half-price games. It’s a great way to keep the kids active without spending a lot." she said.
Finally, Katy emphasises the value of local, free activities.
"We love exploring parks and free museums in the West Midlands. There’s so much to do if you know where to look."
So, whether it's ninja courses or nature trails, Katy's tips prove that a little planning goes a long way when it comes to summer fun.
Elsewhere, we share the little-known way Universal Credit households can get a one-off payment of up to £812 to help pay the bills.
Meanwhile, it's not just the kids you can keep happy this summer, The Sun shares five cheap date ideas so you can get the sparks flying this summer - without the hefty price tag.
