I’m a money-saving mum – 4 easy budgeting plans to start now whatever your salary so you can go on holiday this summer
WHILE the summer holidays may seem like a long way away, they will soon creep up.
Many of us are struggling with the cost of inflation and the prices of holidays have shot up because of it, but one money-saving mum has revealed four easy budgeting goals so you and your family can still get away during the summer holidays.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, mum-of-two and money expert Maddy Alexander-Grout, 39, shared the best holidays up for grabs whatever salary you’re on if you start budgeting now.
£10 a week
The money-saving expert who runs Mad About Money says: “If you are planning a holiday away this summer there is still time to get a budget sorted for a cheap getaway.”
Saving £10 a week from now until the beginning of June gives you £180 to play with, but what can it get you?
Butlins is a great spot for families looking for a cheap staycation for a couple of nights.
Maddy says: “Butlins have family breaks in the summer holidays from £63 per person and showtime big weekend breaks from £54 per person.”
Parkdeana resorts have over 66 spots in the UK, and can cost a family of four just £149 for three nights away in a caravan.
But the money expert urges people to book soon as spots fill up fast.
For those looking for a longer break camping may be your best option this year.
She explains: “You can get camping pitches from £10-25 per night, or up to £45 per night in the summer.
“You can check out places where you can rock up with a camper or a tent at pitchup.com, you can also find glamping and holiday parks here too.”
£15 a week
Saving £15 a week for the next 18 (taking you to mid-July) will give you a little bit more money to play with, £270 to be exact.
The money-saving whizz reveals: “For that, you could get a weekend break for a family of four to Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World) which includes an overnight stay at a family-friendly resort, With two days entry to the theme park.”
Perfect if you have little ones that you want to keep entertained.
£20 a week
If your salary allows you to save £20 a week for the next 18 weeks, you could take your family away for just £360.
The budgeting mum says: “In 18 weeks you will have enough money for two nights at the Penny Farthing hotel in Lyndhurst for a family of four with breakfast included for £317 or the Woodland Lodge Hotel in Bartley for £330.”
The getaway will prove to be a hit with all ages of the family as both hotels are located near the New Forest, perfect for family hikes and picnics.
£30 a week
Finally, if you can save £30 a week you’ll be able to take the kids for a long weekend trip they won’t forget.
Maddy adds: “If you manage to put away £30 a week before June you could upgrade your stay to something a little more luxurious with £390 to play with.
“A three-night stay in a deluxe motorhome in June at Freshwater Beach holiday park is £510 for a family of four.”
Maddy's top tips for a cheap holiday
Lastminute.com – It’s great for finding a great deal if you are not too bothered about where you want to go, as destinations will really vary.
The Sun Holidays – You can get holidays from £9.50 per person by collecting 10 codes or coupons.
Employee benefits – benefit schemes such as Niftiee or Perkbox make sure you check discounts on flights, hotel parking and holidays.
Cashback apps – look at Topcashback and Quidco to see if you can get any cashback deals when booking.
Check Groupon – it has lots of last-minute deals and is always adding new offers.