Saving for your family’s future
Barclays and the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) have come together to provide parents with some helpful tips when they have a new baby. As the NCT’s bank of choice, Barclays has created an impartial guide which highlights great money saving tips that can really make a difference.
Becoming a parent is a life-enhancing experience, but it can also be challenging and sometimes stressful. We’ve spoken to real parents, who have experienced the
financial pressure children can bring, and asked them to share their top savings tips. Read our summary below or take another look at our video.
Barclays top 10 savings tips for families
Tip 1 - Do it yourself
When your child's ready to eat solids, you can save money by giving them homemade meals rather than buying ready meals. You'll get the added benefit of knowing exactly what they're eating. Try food that they can hold, like cut up carrots or apples.
Tip 2 - Find out about benefits
It's worth finding out what benefits you're entitled to before and after you give birth. Your local Citizen's Advice Bureau can help. How much you'll get will depend on your circumstances but, whether you work or not, you will get something - so don't miss out.
Tip 3 - Stick to a budget
It can help to write down your incomings and outgoings, honestly, every week. You can then see where you might be overspending before things get out of hand. You might find our Little Extras Calculator helpful.
Tip 4 - Special offers
Keep your eyes out for vouchers and special offers. Some supermarkets target parents with money-off deals and extra loyalty points. You can start stocking up before your baby's born to ease your financial burdens after the birth.
Tip 5 - Keep fit for free
If you want to shift some of your baby weight, or just want to tone up, forget the gym. Power walking in the park with your baby will give you free exercise and you'll also get to meet other mums. Plus, your child will get a healthy dose of fresh air.
Tip 6 - Teach your child the value of money
It makes sense to encourage your child to develop a savings habit rather than a spending one. Children love to see pennies turning into pounds so you might want to get them a piggy bank and make them responsible for their own money.
Tip 7 - Recycle clothes
Babies grow so fast that they often only wear their clothes once or twice. Second hand clothes - from friends and family or the NCT's Nearly New sales - make great sense. Not only will you be saving money, you'll be doing your bit for the environment too.
Tip 8 - Open a savings account
If you want to start saving for your child's future, look for a savings account that will give you interest and possibly tax benefits. Barclays has a range of accounts and our advisers can help you find the one that suits you best.
Tip 9 - Use your local library
Not only can you borrow great books for free, but many libraries have music and DVDs too. Look out for events taking place at your local library - such as sing-a-long sessions - where you can meet other mums and babies. Some libraries offer free starter packs for mums too.
Tip 10 - Make the most of your dentist
If you're a registered NHS patient and you have your maternity exemption certificate you're entitled to free routine dental treatment until your baby's first birthday. This can save you an absolute fortune.
Are you wasting valuable cash?
- The little extras in life can soon add up. See where you could save.
Saving for your children
- A range of accounts for adults who want to save for their children.
Save for children
- There’s plenty of choice so find out which one’s right for you.
- See our range of savings
account
Other money matters
- Manage your account how and when it suits you.
- Browse our current accounts
- Protect your family against life’s little hiccups.
- View our insurance options
Related links
- The Citizens Advice Bureau’s
website is - www.citizensadvice.org.uk
- You can get your Maternity Exemption Certificate at:
- www.ppa.org.uk/ppa/matex.htm
Refresh your memory - our parents’ guide to saving money
National Childbirth Trust
- Get involved
Local NCT branches organise a wide range of events to bring together members, parents and parents-to-be. - Find your local branch
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