Having children is expensive – just ask any parent you know, or stop one in the street, and they will tell you.
And one of the big areas of expense can be childcare, particularly childcare for kids under three, which is generally highest - because more hours of care are needed, and it is more expensive to provide quality childcare for very young children.
So, while we prepare to heave a sigh of relief as the summer approaches and older children finish their school days; for many of us, our thoughts could be already turning to September.
Before you know it, thoughts of paying off the family sun holiday will turn to childcare and after-school, or affording new books and uniforms for the kids in school - and it’s at this point that every little truly helps.
If you’re already thinking ahead and planning for the September savings fund, here are some tips to help you along.
1. Avail of the new affordable childcare provisions
Earlier this month, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone unveiled details of the Government’s Campaign for More Affordable Childcare. The campaign aims to ease the burden of childcare costs for families around the country.
The new supports available under the scheme will give a welcome boost to families as follows;
For all parents of children aged six months to three years:
A universal subsidy of up to €80 will be made available to all parents with children aged between six months and three years in registered childcare. This is a non-means tested subsidy, available whether your child is in full or part-time registered childcare.
Follow this link for more information about how you can avail of this new subsidy and make your childcare more affordable this September.
For many parents of children aged up to 15 years:
For those registered under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme and Training and Employment Schemes, there will be increases of up to 50 percent in targeted childcare subsidies for families of children up to the age of 15.
Under this new provision, the cost of full-time registered childcare for eligible families will be subsidised by up to €145 per week.
You can find out more information, here.
2. Set a budget
It’s so important to get into the habit of planning a budget and, more importantly, sticking to it. Budgets aren’t just great for an overview of your annual spending – they can prove really helpful for smaller ‘events’ like back-to-school and back-to-childcare. Sit down with a pen and paper, make a list of everything your child/children will need for the year ahead, then set a realistic budget. Get out your calculator, and work out a reasonable strategy to make it happen.
3. Carry out an inventory
You’d be amazed by what a good spring clean would turn up around the house! Every little helps, and small savings can make all the difference – so, finding that bag of clothes you put away safely, a fresh packaged shirt that was never worn, or a forgotten packet of exercise copies will prove really helpful. You will be amazed by how many items you can cross off your list!
4. Do your research
Once you have a list of all the items you need, the next step is to do your research – and this is one area where you can really make a saving. Shop around, compare your prices, and see where you can bag the best bargain. Be smart, carefully considering quality – you can find some near-perfect books in second-hand stores, while many supermarkets stock an excellent range of uniforms.
While it’s helpful to keep one eye on back-to-school, for now, mums – focus on the glorious few weeks of family time ahead.
