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Planning a theatre trip on a budget

From musicals to Shakespearean plays, there's no better way to brighten up an evening than with a trip to the theatre. We've looked at ways to enjoy a little comedy or culture without breaking the bank.

Discount ticket outlets

If you're flexible about the seating – or a particular show you wish to see – it's worth leaving the ticket purchases to the last minute. Many ticket sellers will be offering half-price or discounted tickets to the top shows on the day itself, or up to seven days beforehand. Online dealers such as Last Minute and Today Tix have discounts on theatre tickets for theatre goers to enjoy.

Fri, Oct 18, 2019

How to have an affordable date night

When it comes to matters of the heart, sometimes we need to balance our romantic dreams with financial realities. We'll help you keep the romance alive without breaking the bank.

Dine al-fresco

While childhood picnics conjure up images of jam sandwiches, orange juice and crumb-filled Tupperware, grown-up picnics for two can be romantic occasions. As the location is likely to be free – woodlands or a local beauty spot – you may be able to afford to splash out on your favourite foods. Pâté, a posh cheese selection and a cheeky glass of bubbly won't set you back a fortune, but will send the message that you're keen to treat your other half.

Mon, Oct 14, 2019

Home cold and flu remedies

It is virtually impossible to see winter through without catching a cold here in the UK, but there are tons of effective treatments to stop the sniffles in their tracks and save money in the process. Read on for great cold-busting cures…

Adapt your diet

Eating and drinking healthily is essential for fighting off a cold. The NHS says it's best to eat a low-fat, high-fibre diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables - think fruit smoothies and wholesome meals. They also point to evidence that links zinc supplements to a faster recovery, so try eating more zinc-rich food like meat, shellfish, cheese or bread. Your parents were right about good old chicken soup! Hot honey and lemon is also a lovely, soothing drink for a sore throat.

Fri, Oct 11, 2019

Healthy meals on a budget

With the price of the grocery shopping hitting record highs, it can be hard to see where savings can be made. But with a little planning, research and inventiveness, you can create cheap family meals without compromising on quality.

Buy for less

When trying to save, it's important to consider when and how you shop. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda reduce the price of goods significantly when they're close to their sell-by date, often towards the end of the day. By finding out the time your local store tends to price down its produce and where they put the discounted food, you could make a big saving.

Mon, Oct 7, 2019

Free things to do outside

The seasons may be changing and the Great British outdoors beckons. It's a beautiful time of year to explore your local area, with plenty of free activities to keep both adults and children entertained. Here's our handy guide to getting out and about this season:

Walk and explore

Walking is a wonderful way to see your local scenery and get fit at the same time. While you could attend an outdoor gym, you could also download a walking guide app such as iFootpath which is a helpful aid on your phone, packed with great walks, reviews and a GPS. For urban walks, some cities such as Manchester, Oxford and London offer free two-hour walking tours – just google your city for times and meeting points.

Fri, Oct 4, 2019

The budget birthday party for savvy savers

Cheap Kid's Party Ideas

Party at home

Go for a home-based birthday party to keep venue costs down. Invite a small group of your child's besties and choose a fun theme like a pirate tea party, Lego building workshop or a sleepover (weekend only!)

Mon, Sep 30, 2019

Fun, cheap things to do with the kids

Check out our budget-beating, sanity-preserving tips on keeping the children entertained.

Free coaching

There's plenty of places that offer free sessions from Apple's workshops for eight to twelve-year-olds to demonstrations from Hobbycraft, while Pets at Home offer workshops for animal lovers. Those with energy to burn should investigate their local 2k park runs, free tennis coaching or next-to-nothing football coaching through the FA. The National Trust also produces a list of child-friendly walks and cycle paths. Finally, check out galleries and museums for freebies.

Fri, Sep 27, 2019

Budgeting on concert and gig tickets

Experiencing live music doesn't have to cost the earth. Find the best ways to save money when booking tickets to your next gig with our discount tips and tricks.

Stay ahead of the curve

To be in with a shout of good value gig tickets, you need to know well in advance when your favourite bands are playing. Join their mailing lists for reliable info and special offers. Liking their Facebook page and following them on Twitter and Instagram will also help if you want to find out first when they're heading out on the road. You can also sign up to mailing lists for specific venues and ticket selling sites which will keep you up to date.

Mon, Sep 23, 2019

Holidaying with a baby

Flying with a baby can be a nightmare. Luckily for you, we have all your questions answered to make your trip as close to child's play as possible.

At what age can I fly with my baby?

There's no overall rule, though most airlines require babies to be at least 14 days old to fly.

Fri, Sep 20, 2019

365 day money management challenge

Imagine ending this year with an extra £667.95 to spend on anything you like – whether it's a dream holiday abroad, new TV or simply as a cash buffer to deal with any much-needed house or car repairs! Sound impossible?

The 365 1p Money Saving Challenge can help you be quids in by saving pennies every day. #moneygoals achieved.

Mon, Sep 16, 2019

How to keep fit for free

Exercise is for the whole year, not just to get trim for the beach - and getting fit for free isn't as big of a workout as it may seem. Make 2019 your ultimate year to get fit, feel great and save while you're doing it!

Get video fit

YouTube is packed with fitness tutorials and workout videos – and they're all free to access. For a vigorous calorie burn, Danielle Peazer's eight-minute dance workout is intense but fun. For a more sedate solution, work on your balance with Tara Stiles's beginner yoga.

Fri, Sep 6, 2019

New baby essentials on a budget

Considering the average family spends around £3,000 a year on a new baby, it's not surprising that expecting parents panic! Don't worry – if you're a savvy spender, you can get everything you need for under £300. Here's how:

What you don't need

Don't waste money on things that aren't essential. Babies don't need a bouncer, designer clothing, wet wipe warmers or a musical toy, which plays Mozart's Serenade in G major.

Tue, Sep 3, 2019

Money matters.

We can all manage our money better, it's just knowing how.

Planning a theatre trip on a budget

From musicals to Shakespearean plays, there's no better way to brighten up an evening than with a trip to the theatre. We've looked at ways to enjoy a little comedy or culture without breaking the bank.

Discount ticket outlets

How to have an affordable date night

When it comes to matters of the heart, sometimes we need to balance our romantic dreams with financial realities. We'll help you keep the romance alive without breaking the bank.

Dine al-fresco

Home cold and flu remedies

It is virtually impossible to see winter through without catching a cold here in the UK, but there are tons of effective treatments to stop the sniffles in their tracks and save money in the process. Read on for great cold-busting cures…

Adapt your diet

Healthy meals on a budget

With the price of the grocery shopping hitting record highs, it can be hard to see where savings can be made. But with a little planning, research and inventiveness, you can create cheap family meals without compromising on quality.

Buy for less

Free things to do outside

The seasons may be changing and the Great British outdoors beckons. It's a beautiful time of year to explore your local area, with plenty of free activities to keep both adults and children entertained. Here's our handy guide to getting out and about this season:

Walk and explore

The budget birthday party for savvy savers

Cheap Kid's Party Ideas

Party at home

Fun, cheap things to do with the kids

Check out our budget-beating, sanity-preserving tips on keeping the children entertained.

Free coaching

Budgeting on concert and gig tickets

Experiencing live music doesn't have to cost the earth. Find the best ways to save money when booking tickets to your next gig with our discount tips and tricks.

Stay ahead of the curve

Holidaying with a baby

Flying with a baby can be a nightmare. Luckily for you, we have all your questions answered to make your trip as close to child's play as possible.

At what age can I fly with my baby?

365 day money management challenge

Imagine ending this year with an extra £667.95 to spend on anything you like – whether it's a dream holiday abroad, new TV or simply as a cash buffer to deal with any much-needed house or car repairs! Sound impossible?

How to keep fit for free

Exercise is for the whole year, not just to get trim for the beach - and getting fit for free isn't as big of a workout as it may seem. Make 2019 your ultimate year to get fit, feel great and save while you're doing it!

Get video fit

New baby essentials on a budget

Considering the average family spends around £3,000 a year on a new baby, it's not surprising that expecting parents panic! Don't worry – if you're a savvy spender, you can get everything you need for under £300. Here's how:

What you don't need