If you’re looking to cut corners and save money as a family, it’s really not as difficult as you might think. It may take a few small changes to become a more frugal household, but the long-term rewards are well worth it.
Whether you’re saving for a family holiday, some home renovations, or just want a bit more breathing room at the end of the month, it all starts with knowing where your money is actually going. You can’t build a budget until that’s clear.
Saving money doesn’t have to mean giving everything up — it’s about small, sensible changes that add up to something meaningful for the whole family. As you get started, set yourself a goal and check in on your progress every so often so you can see what’s working.
Here are 18 tried-and-tested tips to help you budget and save as a family.
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#1. Be Savvy
If you need something specific, check sites like eBay, Gumtree, DoneDeal and Adverts.ie to see if you can pick it up second-hand at a much lower cost.
You can even sell the kids’ old toys to help fund new ones. Car boot sales are a great way of decluttering the house — and making a bit of extra cash is a nice bonus.
#2. Collect Rewards
Sign up to free customer rewards programmes and collect points throughout the year, then use them when money is tighter — over Christmas, for example.
Many supermarket loyalty schemes let you exchange points for discounted days out, so it’s worth checking what your regular shop’s scheme currently offers before you book anything.
#3. Meal Plan
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Meal planning makes a real difference when it comes to cutting food waste and only buying what you need.
Sit down as a family and choose your meals together — when the kids help plan, they’re far more likely to actually eat what’s cooked.
Download our free weekly meal planner to help you get started. If you’ve never tried meal planning before, it’s worth a go — there’s real satisfaction in knowing exactly what you need is in the fridge and ready to go.
#4. Unsubscribe
Take a look at streaming subscriptions, beauty boxes, magazine subscriptions and online gaming sites, and ask yourself honestly: do we really need this?
It’s also worth scanning your bank statements for small subscriptions or charges you may have forgotten about.
TIP: Look out for free subscriptions such as LEGO Life magazine. Kids love it when their own magazine arrives every couple of months, packed with comics, quizzes and competitions.
#5. Put a Limit on Gifts
Set a spending limit for Christmas and consider one main gift per person over the holidays. It often means more thoughtful presents that get more use and appreciation.
#6. Introduce Fiver Birthdays
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If your kids are invited to parties most weekends, this one’s a winner. Have a chat with the other parents involved. Instead of spending on gifts that might not even get used, everyone pops a fiver into a card instead.
The birthday child can then save up the money for one bigger toy, or put it towards something even better. It takes the pressure off parents and cuts down on unwanted toys — and unnecessary plastic — going from house to house.
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#7. Always Bring Lunch or Snacks
Whether it’s school, work or a day out, being prepared with a packed lunch or some snacks makes a real difference.
For days out, bring a flask and some drinks for the kids rather than buying on the go. You’ll be surprised how much this saves over just a couple of months.
#8. Track Your Spending
If money seems to disappear faster than it comes in, it’s time to dig into why. Track your spending day by day and see what can be trimmed.
Small purchases add up quickly — takeaway coffees, a Friday night takeaway, little weekend treats. Sticking to your meal plan and weekly food budget helps avoid unplanned top-up shops.
#9. Choose Frugal Fun
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Days out don’t have to cost a lot. Make a list of free or low-cost things to do as a family — a bucket list you can work through together.
Check which museums or local heritage sites have free entry days, look out for local festivals and markets, join your local library for the books and the activities, try geocaching, or head out to discover a new playground, forest walk or beach.
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#10. Ask About Generic Alternatives
Next time you’re collecting a prescription, ask your pharmacist whether a lower-cost generic version is available for any regular medications. Over time, switching where suitable can make a noticeable difference to the household budget.
(Always follow your GP’s or pharmacist’s advice on what’s appropriate for your family’s specific medications.)
#11. Book Online
When planning to spend on a day out, check online in advance. Some venues offer discounted rates for booking ahead, so it’s always worth a quick check before you go.
TIP: Many cinemas run kids’ clubs at a discount on weekends — these tend to book up fast, so plan ahead where you can.
#12. Switch Suppliers
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Make it a habit to review your energy supplier, broadband, current account, insurance and TV package each year. It can feel like a hassle, but shopping around and switching where it makes sense can add up to real savings.
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#13. Cash in Old Phones
If you’ve old phones lying around the house, check phone recycling sites like Envirofone to see what they’re worth. It might not be a huge amount, but every bit helps — and it’s a nice way to declutter too.
#14. Hold a Family Meeting
Bring the kids together and talk openly about budgeting and saving. Get them involved and ask where they think costs could be cut — you might be surprised by what they come up with.
#15. Walk to School
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Rather than a once-a-week walk, get up a little earlier and walk to school every day where you can (weather permitting).
Not only does it save on fuel and wear on the car, it’s good for everyone’s fitness — and those walks are often when kids open up most about what’s going on in their world.
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#16. Avoid Phantom Energy Use
Unplug chargers, switch off the TV standby and turn off lights that aren’t in use. A quick sweep of the house every so often helps make sure electricity isn’t quietly going to waste — good for the planet and for your bill.
#17. Set Up Savings Accounts
Whether it’s with the Credit Union, An Post or your local bank, consider setting up a savings account for every member of the family. If the kids earn pocket money for chores or get money throughout the year, encourage them to put a little aside for a rainy day.
#18. Shop Around for Your Mobile Phone Bill
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Take a look at whether a cheaper plan is available with your current provider or elsewhere. It’s also worth asking your existing provider about loyalty discounts — you could end up cutting your bill significantly just by shopping around.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need a strict budget to start saving as a family?
Not at all. Start small — tracking your spending for a couple of weeks and picking two or three tips from this list is often enough to see a real difference before you build a more detailed budget.
How do I get kids interested in saving money?
Involve them directly. A family meeting, a savings account of their own, and simple choices like meal planning together all help kids feel part of the process rather than having it happen to them.
What’s the easiest place to start?
Tracking your spending for a week or two usually gives the clearest picture of where small, everyday costs are adding up — and that makes it much easier to decide which changes will make the biggest difference for your family.
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- How to Decide on Pocket Money For Your Child
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