Having children can bring a lot of joy, but it can also be expensive. The cost of raising a child in the UK from birth to age 18 is estimated at £150k for couples and £200k for single parents. However, there are ways to reduce these costs without sacrificing quality of care or making your kids miserable. Here are some tips for minimizing the cost of raising children in the UK.
Check if there are Benefits and Allowances You’re Entitled To
Always make sure you are claiming for any benefits or allowances you’re entitled to. All families can claim Child Benefit. Once you earn more than £60k per year, there are tax charges, but it’s still a worthwhile claim. There are other allowances too, even for foster carers. For example, a foster parents allowance can help cover the costs of raising foster children, such as clothing and school supplies.
Speak to a Benefits Advisor if you need assistance with any time of benefits claim.
Buy Secondhand and Accept Hand-Me-Downs
One of the biggest expenses when having a baby is buying all the necessary gear like prams, cots, clothes, etc. Buying secondhand can save you a lot of money. Check local ads, charity shops and online selling platforms. Let friends and family know you’re happy to receive hand-me-downs of good quality items. You can also pass items along when you’re done with them.
Take Advantage of Free or Discounted Services
There are lots of free or discounted services for families such as free nursery hours, leisure centre discounts and more. Research what’s available in your area.
Cook at Home and Pack Lunches
Eating out with kids can blow the budget quickly. Save money by cooking nutritious meals at home and packing lunches for school and day trips. Involve kids in cooking and meal prep to make it fun. Shop seasonally and freeze extra portions for quick future meals.
Limit Expensive Extracurricular Activities
Music lessons, sports clubs and tutoring can be costly. Consider more affordable community or school-based activities first. Split costs with other parents by sharing transportation for activities. And remember kids don’t need to be overscheduled to thrive. Focus on free outdoor activities like hiking, swimming and parks.
Shop Smartly for the Essentials
When buying necessities like clothes, toys and baby items, look for bargains, use vouchers and loyalty schemes. Shop end-of-season sales and secondhand when possible. Buy eco-friendly nappies and cleaning supplies in bulk. Resist overspending on trendy toys – toys from charity shops keep kids just as entertained.
Use Free and Low-Cost Entertainment
Having fun as a family doesn’t have to be expensive. Take advantage of free museums, parks, libraries, festivals and other community events. Nature walks, baking, crafts and board games are fun free activities too. Limit paid activities to a few special occasions. A family movie night at home beats an expensive cinema trip.
With some smart planning and resourcefulness, it’s possible to raise children on a budget. Shopping secondhand, making the most of free services, cooking at home, and choosing affordable activities allows parents to reduce costs and still enjoy this special time with their families.
