How to Save Money While Raising a Family: 10 Practical Tips

Updated 25th February 2026

Table of contents

1. Create a budget (and check it regularly)
2. Be strict about meals
3. Get savvy with sales
4. Rotate your subscriptions
5. Don’t pay extra for convenience
6. Cut transportation costs
7. Adjust your thermostat
8. Choose a savings strategy that works for your family
9. Learn basic DIY skills
10. Use discount codes where possible

Key Takeaways

• Build a budget first, then review it regularly. A clear budget shows what’s coming in and going out, so you can spot patterns and stay in control.
• Food costs add up quickly, so plan meals and cut waste. Meal planning, batch cooking, and fewer takeaways can reduce overspending without feeling restrictive.
• Rotate subscriptions and compare household bills. Cancelling what you do not use and shopping around for utilities can create easy monthly savings.
• Use discounts and loyalty schemes on purchases you already make. Voucher codes, rail discounts, and points schemes can lower everyday costs without changing your routine.

If you are wondering how to save money while raising a family, you are not alone. Family life comes with constant costs, from groceries and school uniforms to energy bills, transport, and activities…the list goes on.

At times, it can be stressful. It’s hard to save money. It’s something you always need to think about to make sure everyone in your family has everything they need.

But, with a few minor tweaks, you can make significant changes to your family’s finances that have a positive long-term impact and give you room to breathe. In this article, we’ll run through 10 money-saving tips for families that you can apply right now to ensure smarter spending and bigger savings.

Create a budget (and check it regularly)

If you want to save money while raising a family, budgeting is the foundation. A clear budget shows precisely what is coming in and what is going out. Once you see your spending laid out properly, patterns become easier to spot. You might discover, for example, that you are spending £200 a month on takeaways, which somebody can use for other expenses.

To make budgeting even easier, try the free MoneyHelper Budget Planner. It walks you through your income, bills, and everyday spending in a clear, step-by-step format. This makes it easier to see where your money is going and where you could cut back. It’s a simple way to build a realistic plan for your family finances.

Revisit your budget regularly. Income, bills, and priorities change, so reviewing them every few months helps you stay in control and know where your money is going.

“

Over the years, I’ve realised that saving money as a family isn’t about dramatic changes. It’s the small, consistent habits that quietly shape your finances. Once we started using a simple budgeting tool to track our spending, everything felt far more manageable."

— Emily Ambler
Savoo’s Family Spending Expert

Be strict about meals

Food is one of the biggest regular household expenses. According to Defra’s Family Food statistics, households spent an average of £35.94 per person per week on household food and drink. For a family of four, that is roughly £620 per month before meals out or extra treats. Planning meals can significantly reduce overspending. Batch cooking, using a slow cooker, and reducing food waste can all help stretch your weekly shop.

If you usually order takeaways every weekend, consider reducing it to every other week and keeping simple freezer options in for busy evenings. It still feels like a treat, but often costs far less.

Get savvy with sales

Carefully timing larger purchases can help families save money without sacrificing quality. Retailers hold sales throughout the year. If you can plan, waiting for mid-season or end-of-season discounts can significantly lower costs. Charity shops are also worth exploring. Many items are barely worn, and you can often find high-quality clothing and household goods at a fraction of the price.

Rotate your subscriptions

Streaming services and digital subscriptions are convenient, but they can quietly add up. Instead of paying for multiple services at once, rotate them. For example, use Netflix one month, Disney+ the next, then Apple TV. Watch what you want during that period, then cancel or pause before renewal. Review your package carefully. You might be paying for additional screens or higher-quality streaming than you actually use.

MoneyHelper’s guide on cancelling unused subscriptions recommends regularly reviewing subscriptions to avoid unnecessary spending. If you have not used a service for months, cancelling could be an easy way to save, with long-term benefits.

Don’t pay extra for convenience

Convenience often comes at a premium. Utilities are a common example. Many families stay on the same tariff for years without reviewing alternatives. Comparing energy, broadband, or insurance providers could reduce your monthly costs. Check your contract terms carefully, including any exit fees, and compare like-for-like options before switching. Even modest savings can add up over a year.

Cut transportation costs

Transport is another area where family spending can creep up. School runs, clubs, visiting relatives, and weekend activities all require fuel. Where possible, walking, cycling, or sharing lifts can reduce costs. For longer journeys, it may also be worth comparing public transport options. Checking for rail discounts through Savoo’s Trainline discount codes page can sometimes help lower the cost of train tickets.

Adjust your thermostat

Heating is one of the most significant household expenses for many families. As the great Ned Stark once said, ‘Winter is coming.’ Unless you’re reading this in spring, but it will be back soon enough.

Lowering your thermostat slightly can help reduce energy use. Even a small adjustment may make a noticeable difference over time. If possible, layer up or use blankets before turning the heating up further.

Choose a savings strategy that works for your family

There is no single best way to save money as a family. Some households prefer the 50/30/20 method, while others find “pay yourself first" easier to manage. The key is choosing something realistic and sustainable.

Our guide on how to save money explains different strategies so you can find one that fits your circumstances: how to save money

Learn basic DIY skills

You do not need to become Bob the Builder, but basic DIY knowledge can prevent unnecessary expenses. Handling small repairs, decorating, or minor maintenance yourself can reduce the need to hire tradespeople. You can also make simple cleaning products using items such as bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, which are inexpensive and widely available. Keep it inexpensive, widely available ingredients with minor fixes can extend the life of the long term.

Use discount codes where possible

Even with careful budgeting, families still need to spend money regularly. From food and travel to technology, clothing, and motoring, everyday purchases are unavoidable. Using discount codes when shopping online can reduce costs on items you already planned to buy.

You can also boost everyday savings through loyalty schemes. Our guides on how to get a Nectar Card and surprising ways you can use a surprising ways you can use a Tesco Clubcard provide more details on the two loyalty schemes and how you can maximise your savings with them.

Why is saving money so hard for families?

Raising a family often means limited income streams alongside growing and unpredictable expenses.

Common pressures include:

• Rising living costs
• Social expectations
• Existing debts
• Irregular income
• Unexpected expenses
• A lack of emergency savings

While some factors are outside your control, consistent small changes can still improve your financial position.

You may also find inspiration in our guides to free and cheap days out for families and affordable summer holiday activities for kids for kids both packed with budget-friendly ideas to help you keep children entertained without overspending.

FAQs

How can I save money while raising a family?

Start by tracking where your money goes each month. Cut back on food waste, review subscriptions, and compare household bills regularly. Small changes made consistently usually work better than drastic cuts.

What is the best way to budget for a family?

Keep your budget simple and realistic. Cover essentials first, then set limits for spending and savings. Review it every few months so it reflects your current income and costs.

What expenses are easiest for families to reduce?

Food, subscriptions, and utility bills are often the quickest wins. Meal planning lowers grocery costs, and cancelling unused services prevents wasted spending. Switching tariffs can reduce monthly outgoings.

How much should a family aim to save each month?

There is no fixed amount that works for everyone. Save what feels manageable based on your income and expenses. Building the habit matters more than the exact figure.