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Your family life and household are full of hidden, unpredictable and unavoidable expenses. Save and pinch pennies where it doesn’t hurt, to have for what you really want. We have 10 money saving ideas for families wanting to cut down on their costs with small changes.

Try to stay positive and set a goal for yourself and the family. Make thrifty living fun and give it a purpose, maybe you could all focus on a planned family outing in a few months’ time? Have something to look forward to or the penny pinching will easily become drudgery. Like dieting it is more about changing habits than only depriving yourselves.

1. Get quotes and shop around

It is time consuming, but once you force yourself to look at other alternatives you will see where the bargain is. Try to get quotes in person, asking as many questions as possible. Once you understand the product or service you are buying, you will have a better idea of what is worth paying for. Start by using comparison sites like Bonkers.ie

2. Present box

The older your children get, the more birthday parties they seem to attend. Have a gift box at home, which you fill randomly when you come across bargains in stores. You will always have presents in emergencies and it will cost you less. It’s also ok to give the same gift to different children.

3. Toy hospital

Broken toys are depressing and will often give parents a bad conscience when the money is tight. Have a toy hospital workshop with the whole family, using very basic DIY skills you can glue broken parts, give them a good scrub, sort out what your children like and what can be given away.

4. Family days out

The weather often makes us give up on outdoor activities, but once you start searching you will find plenty of free activities and choices for children and families. Start gathering ideas and do a bit of research of your local area and try to keep on top of free activities for children and families. Your local library, museums and internet is often having information, see Irish website Mykidstime.ie. Unplanned outings often end up in a meal at a restaurant, plan in advance bring a small picnic or go home for food.

5. Freeze for freedom

A freezer, when used properly, will not only save you money but time. Buy what you can fit and the size that suits your family. It is ideal for frozen vegetables, which are often frozen at their peak and retain many of their vitamins. Also freeze things like bread and milk, saving you running to the store every other day. Use the freezer to bulk up on meat offers in the store. Don’t stare yourself blind at the “before date” and trust your nose.

6. Cook once, eat twice

There are many foods that can be frozen or transformed into another dish. Leftovers from a grilled chicken can be used for a risotto or sandwiches, leftovers from spaghetti Bolognese is ideal for lasagne or chilli con carne. It saves both time and money, as you won’t have to cook every day and will have ready and homemade meals in the freezer. If you are all out of ideas, see the website Not Beans Again, write in the left over ingredients you have and get recipe ideas for them.

7. Food shopping

Shop with a list and a calculator, which will help you buy only what you need and figure out if the two for one really is cheaper. Make your list by doing a weekly menu and checking what you are missing. Don’t automatically take well-known brands, try cheaper ones and maybe even do a blind taste to find out which one your family prefers.

8. Cleaning the house

You can clean your home with basic household products. White vinegar, kills germs. Baking soda, deodoriser. Lemon Juice, antibacterial. Salt, multipurpose cleaner and deodoriser. If you prefer the modern products, make sure to buy bulk sizes or concentrate, but always using the recommended quantities. More will not clean better, just waste more.

9. House swap with friends

If hotel or B&B costs put you off going on a weekend break, why not plan a house swap with friends or family. It would give everyone a change of scenery and you would save money while leaving your home with people you trust. The more adventurous families can try a foreign house swap for a cheap holiday abroad.

10. Budget and plan

Most of us live apply one rule in our financial lives, if it’s in there we spend it. Calculate and know what your regular basic needs are, money that should not be touched and avoid spending for treats or to feel better. Keep focused on your joint family goal that you all are striving for.