This year the term 'credit crunch' was added to the latest edition of The Oxford English Dictionary which just goes to show how much the current financial climate is affecting everyone.

But luckily for cash strapped mums everywhere there are plenty of ways that you can save some serious cash without having to give up the things you love.

Here are 7 of our best money saving tips:

Buy in Bulk
Buy those basic things, like nappies and baby food, or other regular purchases in bulk. It will save you time and money. You can save over 30% on buying the things individually each time you need them, and you won't have to make as many trips to the shops either.

Be Clever with Clothes
When it comes to the kids, it's a good idea to buy tough, long wearing items. Save clothes which have become too small and hand them down to other children. Don't be shy about offering them to friends or accepting clothes from other parents for your own kids; after all, at the rate children grow it can cost a fortune to keep them looking smart. Mending clothes, instead of buying new ones also saves money and if you can't mend it why not cut it up and clean with it, instead?

"Buy those basic things, like nappies and baby food, or other regular purchases in bulk. It will save you time and money."

Exercise Portion Control
We often get told not to do things in halves, but recent studies have shown that food portion sizes can be three times bigger than they ought to be. Before you feed your family, think about how much food you are giving them.

Government Healthy Guidelines say a serving of mash or rice should be around the same size as a computer mouse and that a serving of cheese should be golf ball sized. Meanwhile, vegetables should fill half the plate. If you think vegetables are expensive, why not buy frozen ones? They're cheaper and taste just as good.

Turn off the lights
We all remember our parents saying it but turning off the lights when you leave a room, keeping electrical items unplugged and boiling pans of water with a lid on really does save money in the long term. It's kinder to the environment too.

Eat out
Just because you're watching the pennies doesn't mean you can't eat out. Websites such as Top Table offer money off when you dine in selected restaurants while chains like Wagamama have a special section for members on their website where you can grab great deals.

"Keeping electrical items unplugged and boiling pans of water with a lid on really does save money in the long term. It's kinder to the environment too."

Drink Tap Water
Drinking tap water at restaurants instead of buying over-priced drinks is another great way to save money and there's no shame in asking for it either. Recent studies have shown that most people can't tell the difference in taste tests between tap water and mineral water. Bottled water is also bad for the environment because of its packaging production. The sugar in soft drinks is also bad for children's teeth, so get them on to the water habit early.

Have fun for free
Take advantage of the free services offered locally such as the town library, local art galleries, parks and any special events organised by your council. You'll find loads of information on fun things to see and do on your local council's website; in London for example it is free to go to The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and to visit Tate Modern. Your kids will learn new things and you won't have to spend a penny. Going to museums and art galleries with free entry and taking a packed lunch is a great way to spend the day with your family and could even get the kids thinking about science, history or nature.

November 2008

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