5 Ways To Save On Childcare Costs

5 money saving tips to reduce childcare cost

1. Make sure you register for childcare vouchers

If your employer offers childcare vouchers, make sure you’re a member of the scheme they provide, so that you get the best value from your claim.

These vouchers can be used on numerous types of care, including nursery, after-school activities and boarding school.

2. Check the added extras to your childcare voucher scheme

Many providers for childcare vouchers also offer employees who use the vouchers the opportunity to save more money when it comes to High Street and supermarket shopping.

3. Don’t miss out in an emergency

Don’t forgo a day’s wages or your attendance record if your childcare plans fall through.

Find out if your employer offers an employee assistance programme, or a childcare advice line that can offer alternative solutions.

4. Find out about free childcare for those aged 3 and 4

Three and four-year-olds in England are entitled to free learning for a minimum of 12.5 hours per week for 38 weeks of the year. This can take place in nurseries, playgroups, preschools or at child minders.

5. Check to see you’re eligible to receive tax credits

Verify if you’re eligible for the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit. If you are you could receive help towards the costs of a number of childcare services.

Payplan

If you are struggling to manage your monthly outgoings then contact Payplan for free debt advice online or simply call 0800 280 2816.

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Figures On Childcare Costs Are Released

Childcare costs are rising

Daycare Trust has published a report on the typical childcare costs for 2010. The findings show that:

The Average cost for 25 hours a week childcare in England is £88; this is more than 50% of the average part time earnings which are £153 per week
Parents in London can pay up to £11,050 per year for 25 hours of childcare per week, the highest cost in England
Average yearly expenditure on childcare for parents in England is over £200 more per year than for those parents in Scotland and Wales for 25 hours of nursery care per week for a child under the age of 2
All types of childcare has risen as a result of inflation
The cost of a nursery place for children aged 2 and above has risen by 5.1% in England, nearly double inflation
Over half of Family Information Services across Britain has revealed a lack of childcare
50% of local authorities in Britain have reported a lack of sufficient childcare for older children and disabled children
A local authority-run summer play scheme typically costs £82.60 for one child per week in England. Whereas in Wales, a similar scheme would cost £58.89 and £104.28 in Scotland
Private, voluntary and independent-run schemes usually cost around £104.55 per week in England, £101.60 in Wales and £96.47 in Scotland

Payplan

If you’re struggling to pay your bills and are behind with debts due to increased living costs, then contact Payplan for free debt advice online or telephone 0800 280 2816.

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Further Costs Of Living Rising

This time it’s the cost of healthy living

Although food generally only accounts for 12% of household spending, the increase in the price of vegetables and mineral water is going to put a strain on living healthily on a budget. This is in stark contrast from the market a year ago when vegetables were dropping in price.

The Office for National Statistics said:

The month-on month rise of 1% in food and non-alcoholic drink prices was a record rise for June to July.

With both essential costs of living rising and the UK economy set to grow gradually in the next two years, consumers may have trouble paying for their essentials.

Payplan

If you are worried about your finances contact Payplan today on 0800 280 2816, for free and helpful debt advice.

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5 Ways To Save On Your Fuel Consumption

5 tips to cut the costs of your fuel bill

With fuel prices set to increase, why not follow Payplan’s money saving tips to help reduce your petrol or diesel costs.

1. Find the cheapest petrol near you

You can find the cheapest petrol and diesel prices nearest to where you live by visiting www.petrolprices.com.

2. Use a customer loyalty card

Many supermarkets offer the lowest prices in petrol and diesel. In the last couple of days ASDA has vowed to keep it’s petrol price at 111.9p until the bank holiday.

Some supermarkets allow you to save even more if you own one of their customer loyalty cards, which are free to open. The more you spend, and the more points you collect, the more you can save. The points can be claimed back in a number of ways, with money-off vouchers to savings on a family day out – you would need to check each store’s terms!

3. Make your car more efficient

Any access weight adds to your fuel price, so remove any excess clutter you have been storing. For example, remove bike racks if they are not going to be used.

Additionally, if your tyres are not correctly inflated, up to 2% can be added to your fuel bill.

4. Want to cool off?

Before you turn the air conditioning on, think about opening a window or two. Turning off the air conditioning can improve your car’s fuel efficiency by up to 8%.

5. At a stand still?

If you are going to be stopped for 2 to 3 minutes in either a traffic jam or at traffic lights, turn your engine off, this will help cut the costs of your fuel bill.

Payplan

If you are struggling to manage your monthly outgoings then contact Payplan for free debt advice online or simply call 0800 280 2816.

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