Tips on getting the best winter holiday deal now

I know we are in the height of summer but if your hoping to hit up the slopes this coming winter season now is the time to start thinking ahead and looking at what deals are about now because before you know it things will start to book up and prices will be on the increase. Planning in advance can have some serious positives when it comes to getting a good deal as we all know how expensive an alpine adventure can be and for many it's a once in a lifetime kind of trip. Whether you are planning to snowboard or ski on a solo adventure, as a couple or as a family now is the time to start looking as travel companies are already starting to advertise deals with many offering great deals such as free lift passes, discounts and low deposits. I've been lucky to go on a ski holiday with my parents when I was younger to Austria and then again on a snowboarding trip during my University days to Tignes in France and it's something I would love to share with my kids but it's ......

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Tips on saving for the school summer holidays

Promotional feature Can you believe the summer holidays are nearly upon us, while it's a time that both my kids and I look forward to all year but in all honesty I am also guilty of having that feeling of slight dread, not because I find having the kids at home all day hard (I love having them at home) but because of the financial implications it has, as like many I work, freelance and from home and on top of losing any day time working hours during the summer holidays it also happens to be one of the most expensive times of the year - not a great combo when your earning the least but spending the most. No matter what your situation whether you work full time, are a single parents, a freelancer or a stay at home mom, I thought I would share a few tips on how to have a little bit more in the pot when it comes to the summer holidays, even with only a few weeks to go. Empty the penny Jar We have a big penny jar where we pop our 1p, 2p and 5p coins and we empty it twice ......

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You don't need deep pockets to buy designer or ethical goods

It feels like everything is costing more and more and the idea of buying a nice outfit for summer is enough to cause me to break out in a sweat. I don't want to compromise on quality, style or ethics but having kids means I am like most people on a tight budget. There are however plenty of options that allow you to purchase those wanted threads but at an affordable price which means less compromise. Here are my top tips on being able to dress with style as half the price. 1. Charity Shop Finds There is absolutely nothing wrong with shopping at charity shops in the run-up to the seasons changing, in fact it;s incredibly ethical way to purchase clothes as you can find lots of never worn or hardly worn clothes for a massively discounted price as well as stop them going to landfill and give them a new lease of life. I come across some amazing finds over the years from high street and designer brands that would otherwise be out of my price range and I, in fact, have a jacket f......

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7 Simple Ways to Celebrate Autumn as a Family

Autumn is such a wonderful time of the year and offers up a lot of fun activities to do with children and as a family. However it's very easy to get caught up in the commercialisation of every seasonal holiday and also with Christmas on the horizon it can feel very manic as well as expensive but it really needn't be. In fact Autumn is the perfect time to slow down, recalibrate and reconnect with the people that mean the most to you as well as move forward towards Christmas feeling more balanced.  So I thought I would share a few easy ways to celebrate Autumn with kids for free, or very little as some of the suggestions do require basic ingredients but none of what I have shared should cost more than £2. 1. Head out on a Hike or Walk in the Woods Don't underestimate the power of fresh air and Autumn is the perfect time get outside as much as possible before it gets too cold so head to your local country park or woodlands and take in all those beautiful autumnal c......

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How to save a little extra before Christmas

I cannot believe that I am already mentioning Christmas but when it comes to saving thinking ahead is key and it will be upon us in no time and it always ends up costing more than you think and can end up being a rather stressful time if your not prepared. Christmas is meant to be a happy and joyful time but if your facing money problems or just finding it very hard to juggle everything and it shouldn't be overshadow by that but rather enjoyed. It's still not too late to create a little money pot with these simple tips. 1. Start a weekly savings fund Do you grab a coffee on the go when your out? Can you go without those extra treats you may pick up in your weekly food shop? Instead why not rather put a few pounds into a saving fund each week, even something small like £10 a week would give you an extra £100+ which could make a real difference. 2. Go through your monthly out-goings It's really easy to let little payments slip, such as online subscriptions, gym......

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Summer budgeting tips to ease family financial stress

The summer holidays are without a doubt a welcomed break but can also quickly become a very expensive time for most families. It often feels like we cannot leave the front door without spending money and even "free days" can add up when you factor in petrol, parking and any snacks you may need to pick up on the go. What should be a fun time making memories together can quickly become a stressful one especially if you work freelance and are having to take time off to look after your kids which can cause even more of a pinch on the finances. We all know that money itself cannot buy happiness or true fulfilment but on the flip side it does ease stress and financial worry which can way heavy on families. No matter how we get around money can affect relationships but by working together, planning for the future and having good communication means you can often avoid any major issues and create a real sense of stability. I always find the summer holidays come really quickl......

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What I've learnt from being a homeowner

John and I are finally coming to the end of our second home improvement project and aim to sell before the end of the year. This will be the second time we have done this although our current home is the first one I have also been on the mortgage and deeds. Like many I spent years renting both in the UK, Europe and in South Africa and while renting can be exhausting in many different ways there are certain things you are not responsible for such as major repairs or mortgage payments and there are certainly some differences you notice when becoming a homeowner and knowing the buck stops with you should something go wrong. Owning a home can be expensive so you need to be on top of things While our mortgage is a lot lower than rent the general upkeep of a home can really add up. You have to become savvy when it comes to bills and providers and I know a lot of people mention this but do shop around for the best deal, especially when you come to the end of a contract. We have......

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Enjoying the Good life on a Budget

Life is without a doubt becoming increasingly more expensive and in most cases wages are just not going up at the same rate as inflation, meaning many households are having to tighten their belt. The thing is we only live once and life shouldn't have to be a struggle all the time or be shrouded by constant missing out because of financial constraints. If you work hard it's only fair to be able to treat yourself every now and then and this is also important for one's mental and physical wellbeing. The one positive though is the internet and with a little research, it's possible to make some sustainable savings which it comes to eating, shopping and traveling so it's always worthwhile checking beforehand. I truly believe we can all lead full and exciting lives that don't have to cost a fortune or cause us strain or financial stress and I thought I would share a few tips on saving money on the fun stuff as I am all about frugality, especially since having......

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5 Ways to Save Money for a Family Holiday

Are you long overdue a family holiday? Even if it's just a weekend camping trip, staycation or you have dreams of long haul destinations it can be hard if you don't have some kind of budgeting plan in place especially if you have children. Life in general can be so busy, hectic and draining finically but it's also really important to step away from it all every now and then so having a travel kitty you can contribute towards to during the year is key and really will add up over a period of time and take the stress off planning a trip away. I thought I would share 5 easy ways to help save for that family holiday so do check it out even if you have already paid for most of it in advance it's always good to have some extra spending money. If you already know where your going check out my other post about how preparation and booking at the right time can save you loads. 1. Declutter and Ebay what you don't need I often do this before we are going away somew......

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