Let’s face it, being a single mum means you’re basically a superhero. You’ve got one hand whipping up dinner, the other sorting out school uniforms, and your mind running on the treadmill of life, thinking about how on earth you’re going to stretch that budget until the end of the month.
Well, I’ve got some good news. You don’t need to wear your undies on the outside of your trousers to pull off some serious savings. Whether you’re a seasoned budgeting pro or just trying to figure out where the heck all your money goes (seriously, kids have some secret money-sucking powers), here are some handy hacks to help you save a bit more and stress a bit less.
Contents
1. Meal Planning Like a Boss (Without the Stress)
We all know the drill. You pop into the supermarket for “just a few bits,” and before you know it, you’re staring at your trolley wondering how you ended up with a week’s worth of fancy cheeses and snacks. Enter meal planning: the superhero cape of budget-conscious single mums.
Start by picking a couple of easy, crowd-pleasing meals that you can batch cook and stretch across a few days. Things like pasta bakes, casseroles, and soups are great because they make loads and freeze well. And if your kids complain about having spaghetti bolognese for the third time this week, remind them that it’s character-building!
2. The Magical Mystery of Discount Shopping
Did you know that some supermarkets reduce their prices later in the evening? If you can swing a late-night shop, you might just score some heavily discounted goodies. Plus, you can feel extra smug about being the clever mum who snagged dinner for tomorrow at half the price.
Also, keep an eye out for local food-sharing apps where people give away food they can’t use. Because who says free food doesn’t taste better? It totally does.
3. Cashback Apps: Free Money? Yes, Please!
Who doesn’t love the idea of getting paid to shop? Okay, it’s not exactly getting paid—more like getting a small chunk of your money back—but still, it’s a win. Apps like TopCashback and Quidco give you cashback on everyday purchases. Just remember to check them before you buy online, because nothing feels better than earning a little back from things you had to buy anyway.
It’s like the universe saying, “Good job, Mum, you’ve got this.”
4. Secondhand Shopping: The Hidden Treasure Hunt
Kids grow faster than weeds after a rainy spell, and keeping up with their wardrobe changes is like trying to fill a never-ending pit. Enter secondhand shopping! Sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and charity shops are pure goldmines for finding nearly new (sometimes actually new) clothes and toys at a fraction of the price.
Plus, there’s something kind of thrilling about scoring a cute winter coat for your little one for £5 when it originally cost £50. It’s like you’ve cracked some kind of parental code.
5. Ditch the Expensive Gym Membership
Who has time for the gym when you’re already doing squats to pick up toys, sprinting after your toddler, and deadlifting bags of groceries? Save that monthly gym fee and turn your daily mum duties into a workout routine. Carrying kids, vacuuming, and even pushing the pram counts as exercise, right? (Right?!)
If you really want to get your sweat on, YouTube is packed with free workout videos you can do from home while the kids nap (or at least pretend to nap while building a fort out of your laundry).
6. DIY Entertainment for the Kids
Entertainment for the kids doesn’t have to involve expensive days out. Sometimes the best fun can be had right at home. Turn your living room into a cinema with homemade popcorn, blankets, and a “ticket booth.” Or channel your inner craft queen and turn cardboard boxes into spaceships, castles, or secret hideouts.
Bonus: while they’re distracted, you might actually get five minutes to enjoy a hot cup of tea. Miracles happen.
7. The Art of Saying ‘No’ (to Yourself)
I get it—sometimes the temptation to treat yourself is strong. You’re cruising through Amazon, and that pair of shoes is calling your name. But before you click “Add to Cart,” give yourself the “mum speech” you’d give your kids. Do you really need it?
Instead of impulse buying, try a 30-day waiting period. If you still want it after a month, then maybe it’s worth it. But most of the time, you’ll probably forget about it, and that’s money saved!
8. Sell, Sell, Sell!
Got a house full of stuff you don’t use anymore? (Spoiler alert: we all do.) Whether it’s outgrown baby clothes, toys, or that exercise bike that’s just gathering dust in the corner, try selling it on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Not only will you make some extra cash, but you’ll also clear out some space for the new stuff your kids will inevitably bring home.
9. Learn to Love the Library
Libraries are an absolute godsend when it comes to free entertainment. Not only can you borrow books for free, but many libraries also have free or cheap events for kids, like storytime sessions or craft mornings. Plus, it’s an excuse to get out of the house (and we all need those).
10. Embrace Hand-Me-Downs
If you’ve got friends or family with kids a bit older than yours, don’t be afraid to ask about hand-me-downs. Clothes, toys, books—hand-me-downs are a single mum’s secret weapon. It’s like shopping, but for free!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, being a single mum means you’re already doing the hard stuff. These money-saving hacks are just the icing on the cake to help you stress less about finances and maybe even enjoy a cheeky takeaway now and again without the guilt.
Remember, you’re doing an amazing job—budget or no budget. And hey, if anyone can stretch a pound further than it should possibly go, it’s you, supermum!
Leave a Reply