Summer in the UK offers a plethora of opportunities for children to have fun and make lasting memories without breaking the bank. Engaging in low-cost activities not only keeps the little ones entertained but also helps them explore the wonders of nature and develop new skills. Here are six fantastic budget-friendly summer activities for kids in the UK.

Picnics and nature walks

Picnics in local parks or scenic spots can be a delightful way for kids to spend their summer days. Pack a homemade lunch, grab a blanket, and head to a nearby green space. Many parks offer playgrounds, which provide a great chance for children to socialise and enjoy outdoor games. Nature walks are also an excellent addition to picnics, where children can explore the wonders of the countryside, appreciate wildlife, and learn about the environment. Spending time outdoors encourages physical activity and fosters a love for nature.

Arts and crafts

Unleash your child’s creativity through arts and crafts projects. Craft supplies can be inexpensive, and you can often find great deals at discount stores or online. Engaging in DIY activities like making friendship bracelets, painting, or creating colorful collages not only enhances their artistic skills but also keeps them occupied for hours. You can find many crafting ideas online, making it easy to find projects that match your child’s interests.

Library visits and reading challenges

Local libraries are a treasure trove of free entertainment and learning opportunities. Many libraries host summer reading challenges, where children can participate in activities and win small rewards for completing books. Reading not only stimulates the imagination but also improves language skills and cognitive development. Encourage your child to explore various genres and discover the joy of books.
Local Community Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for free or low-cost community events and workshops organized during the summer. Many towns and cities host outdoor concerts, movie nights, art exhibits, and educational workshops for children. These events provide excellent opportunities for kids to socialise, discover new interests, and engage in community life.

Outdoor sports and games

Organise a day of outdoor sports and games with your child and their friends. Sports like football, basketball, or cricket require minimal equipment and can be played in local parks or open spaces. You can also introduce them to traditional British games like rounders or British Bulldog. These activities not only keep them physically active but also promote teamwork and friendly competition. Moreover, they’re a great way to encourage children to spend time outdoors, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.

Fruit picking and homemade treats

During the summer months, many farms across the UK offer fruit picking opportunities, where children can pick their own strawberries, raspberries, or other seasonal fruits. Fruit picking is an enjoyable and educational activity, teaching kids about agriculture and the origins of their food. After the fruit-picking adventure, bring the harvest home and involve your child in making homemade treats like fruit jams, smoothies, or fruit salads. It’s a delicious way to spend quality time together and savour the flavours of summer.

DIY science experiments

Foster your child’s curiosity and love for learning by conducting DIY science experiments at home. You can find numerous simple and safe experiments online using household items. From creating volcano eruptions with baking soda and vinegar to making colourful slime, these experiments are not only entertaining but also educational. Your child will be thrilled to discover the wonders of science while having a blast at the same time.

Summer in the UK doesn’t have to be expensive to be enjoyable for kids. With a little creativity and enthusiasm, you can provide your child with a summer filled with exciting adventures and valuable experiences. Engaging in outdoor activities like picnics, nature walks, and sports encourages them to stay active and explore the beauty of the world around them. Meanwhile, arts and crafts, library visits, and DIY science experiments stimulate their creativity and foster a love for learning. And let’s not forget about the joy of fruit picking and creating homemade treats. So, make the most of the sunny days, embark on new adventures, and create treasured memories with your kids without putting a strain on your budget. Happy summer!

A share account is a type of savings account offered by credit unions. It is the primary account that credit union members open to become part of the cooperative. When you open a share account, you become a member-owner of the credit union, holding a share of ownership in the institution.

The term “share” reflects the cooperative nature of credit unions, where members collectively own and govern the institution. Instead of being just a customer, you have a say in the credit union’s decisions, typically exercised through voting in board elections and participating in annual meetings.

Earnings in a share account are called “dividends,” emphasising the cooperative aspect of credit unions. These dividends represent your share of the credit union’s profits, which are shared among the member-owners.

A share account serves as a foundational step for accessing various financial services and benefits offered by the credit union. Additionally, it provides a secure place to save money, and deposits in share accounts are often insured up to a certain limit by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

Overall, a share account in a credit union is not just a savings account; it symbolises membership and ownership in a cooperative financial institution where members work together for their mutual benefit and financial well-being.

Teaching children the importance of saving money is a valuable life lesson that will benefit them for years to come. While the concept of saving may seem dull or complex to young minds, it doesn’t have to be! In this article, we’ll explore four fun and creative ways to introduce the idea of saving money to children. These activities will not only make learning about money engaging but also help instil good financial habits early on.

The saving jar challenge:
Transform the act of saving money into an exciting game by introducing the Saving Jar Challenge. Provide your child with a transparent jar and colourful stickers or markers. Set a specific goal together, such as saving for a new toy, a family outing, or even a future vacation. Encourage your child to save spare change or small amounts of money regularly and celebrate their progress by adding stickers or colouring the jar each time they reach a milestone. This visual representation of their savings will motivate them to continue saving and watch their money grow.

Reward-based savings:

Create a reward system that encourages saving by offering small incentives for reaching specific savings milestones. For instance, you could offer to match a percentage of the amount they save or provide rewards for achieving certain targets. Let your child be involved in setting their goals and selecting the rewards they desire. This approach helps them understand the value of delayed gratification and instills the habit of saving for something they truly want.

Entrepreneurial ventures:

Spark your child’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit by encouraging them to start a small business or offer services to earn money. Depending on their age and interests, they could set up a lemonade stand, offer pet-sitting services, or even create handmade crafts to sell. This hands-on experience will teach them the value of hard work, money management, and the satisfaction of earning their own income. Encourage them to allocate a portion of their earnings towards savings, emphasizing the importance of setting aside money for the future.

Interactive budgeting:

Introduce your child to the concept of budgeting through interactive activities. Create a mock budget with different categories such as savings, spending, and giving. Use play money or an online budgeting tool specifically designed for children to allocate funds to each category. Engage them in discussions about prioritizing needs over wants and making thoughtful financial decisions. As they get older, involve them in real-life budgeting discussions, such as planning for a family vacation or managing monthly household expenses. This practical approach will empower them with essential money management skills.

Teaching children about saving money doesn’t have to be a boring or overwhelming task. By using creative and interactive methods, parents and educators can make financial education enjoyable and memorable. The four ideas mentioned above – the Saving Jar Challenge, reward-based savings, entrepreneurial ventures, and interactive budgeting – provide children with practical experiences that foster a positive attitude towards money and saving. By instilling these skills early on, we can empower our children to become financially responsible adults in the future.

Additionally, consider opening a Junior Savings Account to help them develop good financial habits from an early age.

Teaching children about money management from a young age sets them up for a lifetime of financial success. By instilling good habits early on, you can help them develop the skills they need to make smart financial decisions. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips to help your children become financially savvy.

Start with the basics:
Introduce the concept of money: Teach children about the different coins and bills, their values, and what they can purchase with them.

Saving: Encourage them to save money by providing a piggy bank or a savings jar. Teach them to set goals and allocate a portion of their allowance or gifts to savings.

Money Management:

Budgeting: Teach your children about budgeting by involving them in household budget discussions. Show them how to allocate money for different expenses, such as groceries, bills, and savings.

Needs vs. wants: Help children understand the difference between needs and wants. Encourage them to prioritise their spending on essentials and save for items they desire.

Earning and entrepreneurship:

Allowance: Consider giving your children an age-appropriate allowance tied to chores or tasks. This helps them learn the value of work and earning money.

Entrepreneurial skills: Encourage children to explore their entrepreneurial side by helping them start small businesses, such as a lemonade stand or a handmade crafts store. This teaches them about money, customer service, and responsibility.

Banking and Saving:

Open a Junior Savings Account: When your child is ready, open a Hertsavers Junior Savings Account. Teach them how to deposit money, track their balance, and the benefits of earning interest.

Saving goals: Help your children set savings goals for short-term and long-term purchases. This can teach them patience and delayed gratification.

Smart spending:

Comparison shopping: Teach children to compare prices and quality before making a purchase. Show them how to research and make informed decisions.

Needs before wants: Encourage children to think critically before making impulse purchases. Help them distinguish between essential needs and unnecessary wants.

Giving back:

Philanthropy: Teach children the importance of giving back to their community. Encourage them to donate a portion of their money or volunteer for charitable causes they care about.

By following these tips, you can help your children become financially savvy individuals. Remember, financial education is an ongoing process, so continue to reinforce these principles and provide opportunities for your children to practice their money management skills. Empowering them with financial knowledge at a young age will set them up for a brighter future.

In today’s fast-paced world, managing our finances can often feel overwhelming and stressful. However, by adopting a mindful approach to money management, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with our finances and achieve long-term financial well-being. As a credit union, we understand the importance of empowering our members to make informed financial decisions. In this article, we will explore the concept of mindful money management and provide practical tips from a credit union perspective to help you achieve financial stability and peace of mind.

Understanding mindful money management

Mindful money management involves being conscious and intentional about how we earn, spend, save, and invest our money. It requires us to develop awareness of our financial goals, values, and behaviors. By practicing mindfulness, we can make informed decisions and align our financial choices with our long-term aspirations.

From a credit union perspective, we believe that financial well-being extends beyond the numbers. It encompasses a holistic approach that considers both the short-term financial goals and the long-term financial security of our members. By fostering mindfulness in money management, we aim to empower individuals to make sound financial decisions and build a solid foundation for their future.

Cultivating mindful spending habits

One key aspect of mindful money management is developing mindful spending habits. It involves consciously evaluating our needs versus wants and making thoughtful spending choices that align with our values and goals. As a credit union, we encourage our members to track their expenses, create budgets, and regularly review their spending patterns.

By practicing mindful spending, we can avoid impulsive purchases and focus on what truly matters to us. This approach helps us prioritize savings, reduce unnecessary debt, and build financial resilience. Additionally, we encourage our members to consider the environmental and social impact of their spending decisions, supporting sustainable businesses and ethical practices.

Building a strong savings culture

Mindful money management also emphasizes the importance of cultivating a strong savings culture. Saving money provides a sense of security and allows us to achieve our financial goals. As a credit union, we offer a range of savings accounts and tools to assist our members in developing healthy saving habits.
By setting realistic savings goals, automating savings contributions, and regularly reviewing progress, individuals can develop a disciplined savings routine. We advocate for building emergency funds to handle unexpected expenses and encourage our members to save for long-term goals such as education, homeownership, or retirement. By adopting a mindful approach to saving, we can develop financial resilience and reduce financial stress.

Seeking knowledge and guidance

Mindful money management involves continuously seeking knowledge and guidance to make informed financial decisions. As a credit union, we provide educational resources, workshops, and personalized financial advice to our members. We believe in empowering individuals with the tools and information needed to navigate complex financial landscapes confidently.

By expanding our financial literacy, we can understand concepts such as investing, debt management, and retirement planning. Seeking professional guidance from financial advisors can provide valuable insights tailored to our unique circumstances. Additionally, being mindful of our credit scores and maintaining good financial health enables us to access better loan rates and financial opportunities.

Conclusion
Adopting a mindful approach to money management allows us to cultivate a healthy relationship with our finances. By being intentional, informed, and disciplined in our financial decisions, we can achieve long-term financial stability and peace of mind. As a credit union, we are committed to supporting our members on their financial journeys, providing the resources and guidance necessary for their success. Remember, mindful money management is a continuous practice that can transform your relationship with money and pave the way for a brighter financial future.