AS the new term dawns, it pays to get your back-to-school finances in order.
Having a child at secondary school costs families an average of £39 a week, according to the Child Poverty Action Group. For kids at primary school, it’s £19.
Five savvy ways to get your back-to-school finances in order this autumn[/caption]
So try to make savings where you can. Here’s how to make sure the maths adds up.
DON’T BUY TWICE: Save an expensive back-to-school shopping spree by checking what you already have.
Kids may clamour for new pens and pencils, but you probably have them at home.
The same goes for lunch boxes and water bottles. Check for leaks and then use them for another year.
NAME EVERYTHING: Without a label, school stuff will soon go walkabout, costing you extra.
Use name tags or a marker pen to put their name on anything they take to school.
Mark smaller items, like pens and colouring pencils, with a dot of nail varnish to make them easy to identify.
MAP YOUR ROUTE: Just getting to school comes with a cost.
If public transport is the only choice, check the cheapest route in advance and find out what travel passes give the best deals.
FILL YOUR FREEZER: Planning what you’re going to put in lunch boxes will help to cut costs.
Pre-packaged food will usually cost more. But buying larger packs and dividing them into smaller portions will save cash.
Batch cooking energy boosters such as simple cereal bars, flapjacks or mini egg muffins will give you a head start.
You can freeze them and defrost the night before you need them.
BUILD UP A SAVINGS POT: The school term comes with lots of hidden costs, from school trips to sponsored walks.
Start a savings pot, putting a few pounds in each week.
That way, you won’t have to dig deep at the last minute.
Your bank account may offer savings pots. If not, put aside the cash at home.
If you’re going to struggle to afford expensive trips, ask the school if any financial support is available.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
EARN some parent points with the pirate swing, single swing and climber from direct.asda.com, down from £79.97 to £55.98.
SAVE: £23.99
Cheap treat
ENJOY half-price paint-by-numbers sets at Hobbycraft, taking this Mediterranean View kit from £10.50 to £5.25.
SAVE: £5.25
What’s new?
PICK up a pack of two supersized versions of bourbon or custard cream biscuits for £2, part of the new range at Morrisons bakery.
Top swap
Or tackle your tresses with Aldi’s hot air brush for £12.99[/caption]
ENJOY salon style at home with the Drybar The Double Shot blow dryer brush, £100 at Boots.
Or tackle your tresses with Aldi’s hot air brush, for £12.99.
SAVE: £87.01
Little helper
CLEAN up with the Bosch Readyy’y cordless vacuum cleaner on sale in the middle of Lidl from today for £99.99.
Shop and save
THERE will be no more squished sandwiches with the Sistema Quaddie lunch box, down from £6.50 to £3.24 at Asda.
SAVE: £3.26
Hot right now
THE Jet2.com bank holiday sale, until midnight on Tuesday, has 45,000 seats in September and October for no more than £45.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!