Oh God. It's that time again. The Easter holidays are upon us, and if you're anything like me, you're probably already googling "how to maintain sanity with children at home for two weeks." Last year, I spent nearly £200 on activities before realizing my 7-year-old was happiest playing with the cardboard box the expensive science kit came in. Lesson learned.
Let's be honest - nobody needs to blow their budget entertaining kids who will inevitably declare they're "sooooo bored" regardless of what you plan. Trust me on this one.
Flower Power (Without the Power Bill)
My daughter came home from school last spring absolutely obsessed with cherry blossoms after her teacher showed teh class some photos of Japan. Rather than booking flights to Tokyo (tempting), we went blossom hunting in our local park.
Here's what worked for us: collect fallen petals from the ground (free!), then dry them out on parchment paper in your oven. Set it really low - like 50°C - for just a few minutes. My first batch burned because I got distracted by a work email. Typical.
Once they're dry, grab some glue and paper and let your kids go wild. My daughter made what she called a "blossom explosion" that looked nothing like a tree but made her ridiculously happy for about 45 minutes. Worth it.
If you're feeling fancy, the National Trust website has free origami blossom instructions. All you need is colored paper and patience (the second part is harder to come by).
Easter Bonnets That Won't Make You Cry
Listen. I'm not crafty. My sister-in-law creates Pinterest-worthy masterpieces while I struggle with stick figures. But even I managed this one.
Hobbycraft sells basic Easter hats for a quid. ONE POUND! Then just raid your junk drawer for anything that could possibly stick to a hat. We found old birthday card scraps, some weird pipe cleaners from Christmas crackers, and an alarming amount of glitter that I'm still finding in my carpet.
My son spent almost two hours decorating his hat last year. Then wore it for approximately 4 minutes before declaring it "itchy" and abandoning it forever.
When All Else Fails, Feed Them Sugar
Sometimes you just need to embrace chaos.
Easter nest cakes are basically melted chocolate mixed with cornflakes, and they're stupidly easy. Even my husband managed to make these without setting anything on fire, which is saying something.
Melt about 225g of whatever chocolate was on offer (we used those leftover Christmas selection box bars that nobody wants), add 2 tablespoons of golden syrup adn 50g of butter in a bowl over simmering water. Dump in 75g of cornflakes, stir it up, and plop the mixture into cupcake cases. Add mini eggs on top.
The recipe should make 12, but we ended up with 9 because... well, spoon licking happened. No regrets.
Stuff That's Actually Worth Buying
Since we're saving money on activities, I treated myself to Jimmy Choo Flash perfume from lookfantastic.com - £27.50 instead of £55. My 13-year-old niece said it smells "not terrible for an old person," which I'm taking as high praise.
Also spotted: cat-eye sunglasses at H&M for £9.99. Bought them immediately after trying them on and deciding I looked like a 1950s movie star (reality: more like someone's quirky aunt, but whatever).
Random Food Thing You Didn't Know You Needed
Ginsters and Heinz created a Beanz & Cheese Slice that's available at Morrisons for £1.95. My teenager said "that sounds disgusting" then ate two in one sitting. Teenagers, am I right?
Beauty Hack That Saved Me £21
Instead of spending £24.50 on Clinique's Almost lipstick, I grabbed 17's lip butter from Boots for £3.50. Is it exactly the same? Of course not. But after spending approximately £4K on Easter eggs and activities this month, I'll take the savings.
BTW, Matalan has striped cardis down from £20 to a tenner right now. I bought one in a panic yesterday when I realized I had a video call and was still wearing my pajama top at 2pm. Working from home during school holidays is... challenging.
Win Some Cash (You'll Need It)
HOAR Raffle is giving away £100 to 250 readers every month. I've entered three times and won exactly nothing, but my neighbor's cousin apparently won last summer, so maybe it's not completely impossible? Worth a shot when you're broke from buying craft supplies that your kids will use for approximately 7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a budget deficit?
A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.
How does inflation affect the value of money?
Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.
What is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
What is the difference between saving and investing?
Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.
What is the definition of money?
Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.
What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?
An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.
How can I budget my money effectively?
To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.
Statistics
- A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
- According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
External Links
How To
How To Create a Personal Budget That Works
Creating a personal budget involves several key steps. First, assess your income by totaling all sources of revenue, including salary, bonuses, and side hustles. Next, categorize your expenses into fixed (rent, utilities) and variable (groceries, entertainment). Track your spending for at least a month to gather accurate data. Once you have this information, allocate a specific amount for each category while ensuring your total expenses do not exceed your income. Remember to include savings as a line item in your budget. Review and adjust your budget regularly to reflect changes in income or expenses, which will help you stay on track financially.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://hellofaread.com/money/i-spent-3-days-hunting-for-rare-50p-coins-what-i-found-will-make-your-wallet-weep
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