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Celebrate St Patrick’s Day In Leeds!
There’s always lots to do in Leeds and this weekend is no different, with the annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations coming to town!
A celebration of the life and legacy of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s most famous saint, St. Patrick’s Day takes place all around the world every year on March 17th, even though it is only officially recognised as a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland!
In fact, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival, with people getting together to enjoy public parades, traditional Irish music, the wearing of green clothing and, if you’re old enough, a glass or two of Irish beer or whiskey.
There will be lots to do in Leeds City Centre this Sunday to mark the occasion, with a major St Patrick’s Day celebration planned that features lots of free entertainment, such as:
The St Patrick’s Day Parade. The procession will leave Great George Street before travelling through the centre via Headrow, Vicar Lane and Duncan Street.
Between 11am and 4pm, there will be live music and dancing in Millennium Square, with performances from Leeds Irish Choir, Tommy K the DK and lots more.
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How To Get a Bargain When Buying a Used Car.
According to the most recent statistics, almost 80% of households in England have a car, with people in the UK changing their cars, on average, every four to six years.
This adds up to a whole lot of cars being bought and sold every year and, with the cost of living continuing to cause financial headaches for many people, more and more are opting to pick up a used car, rather than a brand new one.
With new car number plates having been released at the start of March, now is the ideal time to pick up a quality used car for less, so we’ve compiled some advice on getting maximum value for money when delving into the second-hand market.
Timing is everything.
New number plates are released annually on March 1st and, as a result, the weeks around this date are the best times to buy a used car, for two reasons:
1) as soon as new plates are available, people rush to part-exchange their old cars in order to get their hands on one, leaving dealers with a surplus of used cars they can’t wait to sell on, and…
2) both before and after the new plates’ release, dealers start clearing out their old cars to make room for the new ones, meaning they’re more likely to accept a lower price in order to free up room on their forecourts.
If you’re not in a hurry to grab a new set of wheels, you could potentially save even more money by waiting until the end of car dealers’ sales quarters in March, June, September and December. In order to hit their sales targets and earn bonuses, dealers are often happier to negotiate, allowing you to pick up a quality ride for less.
It’s also a good idea to go to dealerships during the week as they tend to be much busier at weekends. This enables the dealers to focus their attention on you, increasing your chances of getting a better deal.
Know your trim levels.
Trim levels are essentially different variants of the same vehicle. While the names vary from car to car, what this basically means is how many optional extras do you want/need your car to have. The more you want, the higher the cost.
Only you know what’s right for your needs but it’s vital to find out about the different options before making a purchase. There’s no point paying more than you can afford for a model packed with features you’re unlikely to ever use.
MOT, tax and service history.
When buying a used car, the only way to know for sure that it’s reliable and not going to cost you a fortune later is to get your hands on its service book and go through the stamps that are in it – these will tell you the dates when the car was serviced and how many miles it had done between each service.
To be extra sure the car’s as good as it seems, you can also use the DVLA’s free Online Enquiry Service to check its current tax and MOT status by entering the registration number and vehicle make. Don’t be alarmed if the tax has been cancelled – that’s normal when a car is sold to a dealer – but remember to make a note of the date when it was cancelled or it expired.
Every car more than three years old must have its MOT renewed every year so you ideally want a car that has recently passed its MOT as this means you won’t have to pay to have it tested again for several months.
If the MOT isn’t current and/or the tax expired a long time ago, there’s a chance the car has been off the road for a significant period of time and, if so, it’s important to find out why. If the dealer can’t give you a good reason, it’s often a sign that the car’s not up to scratch and should be avoided at all costs.
Get help with an LCU Car Loan!
At Leeds Credit Union, you can borrow between £250 and £25,000 to help you buy the car of your dreams with one of our affordable car loans. To find out more, click here.
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How To Make Half Term More Affordable.
The February half term holiday comes at a tricky time for some households, with many still feeling the financial effects of an expensive Christmas, the ongoing cost of living crisis and, to top it all off, the weather is unreliable, making planning ahead difficult.
But by thinking outside the box and keeping an eye out for money saving offers and cheap days out, you can ensure your kids have a fun-filled half term without spending the earth.
Here’s how.
Movie magic.
With more cold and wet days on the horizon, there’s no better way to enjoy being indoors than with a film the whole family can enjoy.
But with adult cinema tickets often costing more than £10, the cost of a family trip to the multiplex can soon become too much to justify, especially if you have several children who all want their own snacks.
Luckily, many cinemas offer special kids’ screenings, with tickets sometimes costing as little as £2.50, even for adults. Better still, those that do offer these screenings typically do so throughout school holidays, meaning you’ll have plenty of dates and times to choose between if you have a participating cinema nearby.
All of Cineworld, Vue and Odeon cinemas offer some form of reduced ticket scheme for kids/families, so have a hunt for the best option and bear in mind that some tickets are even cheaper if purchased online, with weekday screenings usually cheapest. Showings of older films can sometimes be cheaper than brand new releases too.
Tickets tend to sell quickly too so book ahead to avoid disappointment!
Movie magic II.
If you don’t have easy access to a cinema, you can recreate the fun of a trip to the big screen at home for a fraction of the cost.
Either curl up on the sofa, make a comfy sitting area on the floor using cushions, pillows and blankets or build an indoor den by draping sheets over a couple of chairs, then round up the family for some blockbuster action.
If you have a Netflix, Disney Plus or Sky account, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a film to watch; if not, simply sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime and you’re good to go (just remember to cancel your membership again before the trial runs out and you start incurring costs)!
Get cooking!
Two things kids love are getting messy and eating so why not combine the two and entertain your offspring by getting them to help make some half term meals? Not only is home cooking cheaper than eating out, it can also be lots of fun!
There are plenty of cheap and easy recipes available online but a couple of our favourites are pizzas and turkey burgers.
If you can’t face the prospect of letting your children loose in the kitchen with a bag of flour, try making pizzas using a wrap as a base instead. Kids can then decorate their own, making patterns or funny faces out of the usual toppings before popping them on a baking tray and cooking them in an oven set to 200 degrees/180 degrees fan for 8-10 minutes.
Turkey burgers are a great idea as they’re healthy – 99% fat-free turkey mince is easily available – and fun to make.
To make four turkey burgers, you’ll need:
500g turkey mince
One red onion
One garlic clove
One egg
Two gherkins
Lettuce
Vegetable oil
Four burger buns
Simply get your little ones to mix the turkey mince, egg, onion, garlic, chopped gherkins and a little salt and pepper in a large bowl. Combine well with their hands, then shape into four flat burger patties. With lots of different textures, this is the part kids will enjoy most.
The next step involves heating the oil in a frying pan and cooking the burgers for five minutes on either side, before serving on the buns, so it might be safest to do this part yourself while the children wash their hands and set the table!
They could even make it into a picnic or tea party by grabbing a picnic rug and eating on the floor or by making invitations, getting dressed up and bringing some favourite toys along as dinner guests!
Other ideas.
If you want to save on expensive days out this half term why not try:
Organising a treasure hunt. Just hide clues or riddles around your home and leave a reward like chocolate at the end.
Having a cardboard box challenge. Get some cardboard boxes and tubes out of the recycling box and let your children’s imaginations run wild. Equip them with some safe scissors, sticky tape and felt-tip pens and see what they can come up with. Submarines, dens, animals – anything is possible!
Visiting your local library. Whether you spend a few hours reading there, choose some books to take home or partake in any activities that are available, libraries have something for everyone and are free!
Check out local galleries or museums. Many offer free (or reduced) entry for children and put on adventure trails over school holidays so why not head over and enjoy some culture for an afternoon?
Happy half term!
Whatever you do this half term, you can’t put a price on spending quality time with your little ones.
But if you do need a hand bringing your plans to life, you could borrow as much as £1,250 with one of our affordable Family Loans. For more information, click here.
As we bid farewell to 2024 and say hello to 2025, there’s no better time to take stock of our finances. Whether your goal is to save for a long-awaited holiday, become debt-free or build towards a comfortable retirement, setting clear and realistic financial resolutions can help you on your way.
At Leeds Credit Union, we’re dedicated to helping our valued members make smart financial decisions. Here are five key financial resolutions you should consider making to help ensure a prosperous new year.
Assess your financial health.
It’s important to understand your financial situation before trying to determine your financial resolutions, so start by jotting down your income, debts, monthly expenses and savings. By evaluating your financial picture, you can identify both areas of improvement and those in which you’re already thriving.
Create a budget.
An essential tool for financial wellbeing, making a budget is one of the simplest ways to keep your spending in check, allowing you to earmark funds for necessary expenses while still saving for your goals.
There are many budgeting tools and apps available that can help streamline this process, making it easier to keep track of your income, outgoings and savings. Try this free budget planner for starters.
Build an emergency fund.
Life is unpredictable so having an emergency fund that can act as your financial safety net, mitigating the impact of unexpected expenses or sudden unemployment, is an excellent idea. If you’re able to, saving 3-6 months’ worth of expenses in a separate savings account will help keep you on a stable financial footing in even the worst circumstances.
At LCU, we aim to pay regular dividends to our qualifying members, helping them grow their emergency funds with the minimum of fuss.
Pay off debts.
Having large debts to your name can incur heavy interest charges and increase your stress levels, so try to tackle any lingering debts head-on.
There’s no denying that clearing debts almost always takes time and discipline, but even making small strides toward debt elimination can provide a great sense of accomplishment and will help ensure a debt-free future.
Boost your rainy day savings.
Your ‘golden years’ might seem a long way away but it’s never too early to start planning for them!
Increasing your contribution to your pension plan – or starting one if you haven’t already – will provide long-term benefits and help ensure a comfortable, secure retirement.
How Leeds Credit Union can help.
Setting and adhering to financial resolutions can seem daunting at first. But remember, big leaps start with small steps, so try to envisage your long-term financial goals, then break them down into attainable, short-term objectives.
Here at LCU, we’re committed to helping you on your financial journey. Our Money and Budgeting Service (MABS) team works with tenants of certain housing associations to help create realistic budgets that ensure their bills are paid on time and their money goes as far as possible – you can contact them here.
Here’s to a happy and healthy financial new year for all!
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Our Top Five Money-Saving Offers This Black Friday!
Black Friday is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to snag some incredible deals and save big. To help you make the most of this shopping extravaganza, we’ve compiled a list of five money-saving offers you won’t want to miss this Black Friday.
1. Electronics.
Upgrade your gadgets and tech gear with big discounts on electronics this Black Friday. From TVs to smartphones, laptops to smart home devices, retailers across the UK are offering significant tech discounts – like this Blink Outdoor Smart Security Camera, now 60% off!
2. Fashion and Apparel Sales.
With sites like ASOS offering up to 70% off, you can revamp your wardrobe for less this Black Friday with fantastic deals on fashion and apparel. Many popular clothing brands and retailers are slashing prices on everything from cosy winter essentials to stylish party wear.
3. Home and Kitchen Essentials.
Upgrade your living space without breaking the bank by taking advantage of Black Friday deals on home and kitchen essentials. Whether you need new furniture, kitchen gadgets or home decor items, you’ll find great discounts on a wide range of products – like this MisterChef Pro Standing Mixer.
4. Beauty and Wellness Products.
Treat yourself to some self-care this Black Friday with discounts on beauty and wellness products. This No7 The Skincare Discovery Collection 5 Piece Gift Set is the perfect gift for anyone looking to refresh their skincare routine!
5. Travel and Experiences.
Plan your next adventure at a fraction of the cost with Black Friday discounts on travel and experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend getaway, a luxury spa retreat or some thrilling outdoor activities, many travel companies are offering unbeatable deals that will make your travel aspirations a reality.
This Black Friday, make the most of these money-saving offers to stretch your budget further and enjoy incredible savings on a variety of products and experiences. Remember to shop wisely, compare prices and consider your purchases carefully to make the most of this shopping event!
Stay tuned for more savings tips and financial insights from Leeds Credit Union in the run-up to Christmas!
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Talk Money Week: Tips for Financial Responsibility to Improve Your Financial Wellbeing.
At Leeds Credit Union, we believe that talking openly about money is a critical step towards financial wellbeing. Taking place this week, Talk Money Week is the perfect opportunity to start those vital conversations that can lead to better financial responsibility and stability. Here are some practical tips to help you take control of your finances and improve your overall financial health:
1. Create a Budget
One of the most fundamental steps to financial responsibility is creating a budget. A budget helps you understand where your money goes and ensures you live within your means.
Tips for creating a budget:
Track your income and expenses.
Categorise your spending (e.g., housing, transportation, groceries).
Identify areas where you can cut back.
Allocate funds for savings and emergencies.
If you could do with a hand creating your budget, check out our budget calculator.
2. Build an Emergency Fund
Unexpected expenses can derail your financial plans. An emergency fund is a financial safety net you can rely on during unforeseen circumstances.
How to build an emergency fund:
Aim to save at least three to six months’ of living expenses.
Start small and gradually increase your savings.
Keep your emergency fund in a separate, easily accessible savings account.
3. Manage Debt Wisely
Debt can be a significant burden on your financial wellbeing. It’s essential to manage it wisely and take steps to reduce it over time.
Strategies for managing debt:
Make a list of all your debts and their interest rates.
Prioritise paying off high-interest debts first.
Consider consolidating your debts if it lowers your interest rates and simplifies payments.
Avoid taking on new debt whenever possible.
4. Save for the Future
Saving for the future is a crucial aspect of financial responsibility. Whether for retirement, education or a major purchase, having a savings plan can provide financial security and peace of mind.
Saving tips:
Set specific financial goals (e.g, save £5,000 for a down payment on a house).
Automate your savings by setting up a direct deposit to your savings account.
Take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans and other savings incentives.
5. Improve Financial Literacy
Understanding personal finance concepts can significantly affect your financial decisions and wellbeing. Take the time to educate yourself about financial matters.
Resources for improving financial literacy:
Attend financial literacy workshops or seminars.
Read books and articles on personal finance.
Use online resources and tools, such as budgeting apps and financial calculators.
Talk to a financial advisor for personalised advice.
6. Talk About Money
Talking openly about money can de-stigmatize financial discussions and provide you with new perspectives and ideas.
Ways to talk about money:
Have regular financial discussions with your family or partner.
Join a financial support group or community.
Seek advice from trusted friends or mentors.
Feel free to ask for help if you’re struggling with your finances.
At Leeds Credit Union, we’re here to support you on your journey to financial wellbeing. By taking these steps towards financial responsibility, you can build a secure and prosperous future for yourself and your loved ones.
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Celebrating International Credit Union Day!
International Credit Union Day 2024 takes place next week and we’re looking forward to joining in with the global celebrations! This special day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the rich history of credit unions, their purpose and the many benefits of being a member of Leeds Credit Union.
A Brief History of Credit Unions.
Credit unions have a long and storied history that dates back to the 19th century. The first modern credit union was established in Germany in 1852 by Hermann Schulze-Delitzsch and Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen, who were pioneers of cooperative banking. These visionary leaders sought to provide affordable financial services to those underserved by traditional banking institutions. The movement quickly spread globally, reaching our shores and paving the way for the formation of LCU.
The Purpose of Credit Unions.
At their core, credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned and operated by their members. Our mission is to promote financial well-being by:
Providing Access to Affordable Financial Services: We offer a range of products and services, from savings accounts to loans, designed to meet your needs.
Fostering Community Development: We are committed to supporting our local communities and helping to build a strong, financially resilient society.
Encouraging Financial Education: We provide resources and educational programmes to help you make informed financial decisions.
Benefits of Being a Member of Leeds Credit Union.
When you become an LCU member, you are not just a customer but an owner of a financial institution that prioritises your needs. Here are some of the unique benefits you can enjoy:
Competitive Rates and Low Fees: We strive to offer competitive rates on loans and savings, ensuring you get the best value.
Personalised Service: As a member, you receive attentive, personalised service from a team that genuinely cares about your financial well-being.
Community Engagement: We actively participate in community initiatives, supporting local causes and fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual aid.
Financial Education and Resources: Access to workshops, seminars, and online resources to help you manage your finances effectively.
As we prepare to celebrate International Credit Union Day, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for our members’ continued support and trust. Together, we are not just building better financial futures for ourselves but also strengthening our community.
If you’re interested in becoming our newest member, you can find more details or start your application here!
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Enjoy a Stress-Free Festive Season With Our Christmas Club Accounts!
As the holidays approach, many of us may start to feel the pressure of managing the associated expenses, like buying gifts, arranging celebrations and planning journeys to visit family and friends.
Luckily, our Christmas Club savings accounts are here to help you enjoy a stress-free holiday by enabling you to start saving early!
Why Choose the Christmas Club?
Dedicated Savings for the Festive Season.
The Christmas Club is a special savings account that encourages you to save for the holiday period well in advance. You can contribute throughout the year, with the funds only accessible in November, just in time for the Christmas rush. This system keeps your savings secure and prevents the temptation of dipping into them early, ensuring you have enough money set aside for when the festive expenses begin.
Avoid Credit Card Debt and High-Interest Loans.
Christmas Club accounts also stop you from relying on credit cards or high-interest loans to cover your Christmas costs. By saving regularly, you’ll have a dedicated pot of money for gifts, food and any other holiday expenses, helping you avoid the debt trap many fall into around the holidays.
Manageable, Consistent Savings.
Instead of facing large, last-minute holiday costs, the Christmas Club allows you to spread your savings across the year. Whether it’s weekly or monthly, contributing smaller amounts over time makes it easier to manage your budget and reduces the strain on your finances in the lead-up to Christmas.
Security and Peace of Mind.
We ensure that your money is safe and protected. Unlike informal savings methods, such as putting money aside at home, your Christmas savings with LCU are secured in a proper account with full access to your balance once November arrives. You can trust that your holiday funds will be there when you need them.
Simple, Hassle-Free Setup.
Opening a Christmas Club account is easy and hassle-free!
We offer flexible deposit options, allowing you to save at your own pace. The account is specifically designed for members to build savings without the complexity of a typical high-street bank account.
Start Early, Enjoy More.
Saving early with the Christmas Club not only helps you manage your finances better, it also brings peace of mind knowing you are prepared for the festive season. Imagine enjoying your holidays without the stress of bills looming over you in January! By planning now, you can focus on the important things: time with loved ones, celebrations and creating joyful memories.
If you’re looking for a smart, reliable way to handle your winter expenses, join Leeds Credit Union’s Christmas Club today and make this Christmas one to remember!
For more information or to apply for a Christmas Club account, click here.
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Get Ahead Of The Holidays With A Christmas Club Account.
UK Savings Week may be coming to an end but that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop saving, especially with the festive season closer than some of us would care to admit!
Christmas has a way of sneaking up on us, often in an enjoyable, magical way. However, the excitement of holiday lights, festive meals and gift-giving can also bring financial stress.
Whether you’re buying presents, stocking up on food or planning holiday trips, December expenses can quickly add up, which is why it pays to start saving early.
Thankfully, with one of our Christmas Club Accounts, spreading the cost and enjoying a stress-free holiday season has never been easier!
What is the Christmas Club Account?
Our Christmas Club Account is a special savings account designed to help you prepare for the festive season by putting away a little money each month throughout the year. It allows you to build up a Christmas fund gradually, ensuring you have the money you need when the holidays arrive, without relying on last-minute loans or credit cards.
The best part? You can’t access your Christmas savings until November, helping you resist the temptation to dip into your funds early. By the time the holidays roll around, you’ll have a nice cushion to cover all your holiday expenses.
How Does the Christmas Club Account Work?
Opening a Christmas Club Account is simple:
Set Up Regular Deposits: Whether you want to save a little each week or make monthly contributions, you can set up a standing order or deposit when it suits you. The flexibility means you can save at your own pace.
Lock Your Savings: Funds in your Christmas Club Account are kept safe until November 1st, ensuring they are available when you need them most. This feature helps you stay on track with your savings goal without the temptation to withdraw early.
Enjoy a Stress-Free Christmas: When the holiday season approaches, you can withdraw your savings and start spending on gifts, decorations, food and all the festive trimmings without worrying about overspending or going into debt.
Why Start Saving for Christmas Now?
While it’s easy to think, “I’ll start saving later,” the earlier you begin, the easier it will be to meet your holiday goals. Here are a few reasons why starting now makes a big difference:
Avoid the Last-Minute Scramble: The run-up to Christmas is a busy time for everyone and finding extra cash in December can be tough. By spreading your savings out, you’ll be ready when the festive season hits, avoiding the last-minute rush to cover costs.
Budget Better: With regular, small deposits into your Christmas Club Account, you’ll spread the cost of Christmas over several months, making it easier to manage your household budget throughout the year.
No January Debt Hangover: Many people rely on credit cards to cover holiday expenses, leading to a financial hangover in January. With a Christmas Club Account, you can pay for your holiday needs upfront, avoiding the stress of post-holiday debt.
Make Your Christmas More Enjoyable
The festive season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration with family and friends, not stress over how to pay for everything. By using the Christmas Club Account, you can focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with loved ones, making memories and enjoying the magic of the season.
Maximise Your Savings: Tips for Getting the Most from Your Christmas Club Account
Set a Goal: Estimate your holiday expenses – presents, food, travel etc – and set a realistic savings goal. Knowing how much you need will help you stay motivated in the run-up to Christmas.
Automate Your Savings: Set up a standing order to automatically transfer money into your Christmas Club Account each payday. This way, you’ll consistently save without thinking about it and your balance will grow effortlessly.
Review Your Savings Regularly: While you can’t withdraw your funds until November, it’s a good idea to check in on your progress periodically. Adjust your contributions if necessary to ensure you meet your savings target in time for the festive season.
Top It Up: If you come across extra cash – whether from birthday money, a tax refund or selling unwanted items – consider putting it into your Christmas Club Account for a holiday boost.
Why Save With Leeds Credit Union?
At Leeds Credit Union, we’re here to help you prepare for Christmas the smart way. Our Christmas Club Account is designed with your needs in mind, offering flexibility and peace of mind. By saving a little at a time, you’ll avoid holiday debt and reduce your financial stress.
Ready to Get Started?
There’s no better time than now to start saving for the festive season. Open your Christmas Club Account today and get ahead of the holiday rush! Visit ourChristmas Club page or stop by your nearest branch to learn more.
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Get Ready For The New School Year With LCU.
With the new school year just around the corner, parents across the UK are beginning the annual task of ensuring their little ones are fully equipped.
But with the nation still in the throes of a cost-of-living crisis, the prospect of forking out hundreds of pounds for school uniforms and new equipment is likely to be giving many parents sleepless nights.
And that figure is no exaggeration; according to the Schoolwear Association, the average cost of compulsory secondary school uniform in England in 2024 is £92.35 per pupil. While slightly less than 2023’s figure of £96.24, this still represents a significant outlay, especially for households with multiple school-aged children.
While new laws around schools helping parents clothe their kids for less should help cut some of the cost, there are other ways to keep the expense of buying uniforms manageable. These include:
Shopping at supermarkets.
Most supermarkets have good-sized clothing sections these days and many of them do an excellent line in school uniforms. So long as your child’s school allows generic clothing, plain coloured items with no badges or branding can be picked up at massively reduced prices.
If your child does require clothing with a logo, it may be possible to buy a generic item of clothing and iron or sew a badge on yourself.
Hit the sales.
Retailers like Sainsburys and Marks & Spencer offer clothing discounts across their entire ranges a few times a year. Check out what offers are currently available online and, if you get your timing right, you could get as much as 25% off the cost of a school uniform.
Buy second-hand uniforms from your child’s school.
If you’re lucky, your child’s school will host second-hand uniform sales a few times a year, enabling you to pick up everything they’ll need for the next 12 months at a fraction of the first-hand price.
School or council support.
Some councils and schools offer financial support, so use the Government’s postcode checker tool to see if your local council can help, or contact your children’s school directly.
Look for a bargain online.
eBay and Facebook Marketplace often throw up offers that look too good to be true, so remember to check their websites regularly. And don’t dawdle if you do see something useful – good deals usually get snapped up in no time at all.
When it comes to equipment, your little one’s needs will vary depending on whether they attend primary or secondary school but the items of equipment most commonly required are:
Stationery.
Although plenty of schoolwork is done on computers and laptops these days, schoolchildren are still expected to carry an extensive list of stationery items with them. The essentials include:
Pens
Pencils
Rubber
Pencil sharpener
Pencil case
Ruler
Compass
Protractor
Set square
Calculator
Glue stick
Scissors
Notebooks
Folders
The good news is that stationery is both relatively inexpensive and long-lasting. Retailers like WHSmiths and Rymans currently have sales or multi-buy offers on back-to-school essentials so keep an eye on their websites and take advantage of any bargains to keep your costs down.
It’s also worth asking family and friends with kids who have left school if they have any kit left over that you could buy used or just take off their hands. Similarly, charity shops often have plenty of equipment to choose from, as do pound shops and online marketplaces.
The cheapest way to pick up specialist maths equipment is to buy it as a set, while basic calculators can be picked up from most supermarkets from as little as £10.
Electronics and accessories.
If you need to buy your child a laptop, you’ll want to get one that’s light enough for them to carry around, small enough to be easily transportable and that holds enough charge to get them through a school day.
If the cost of buying a new laptop is prohibitive, don’t worry – refurbished laptops are easily available in shops and online and offer an affordable way to purchase a high specification laptop at a reduced price. Check out Refurbished Laptops for high quality devices that have been tested to guarantee they’re as good as new and wiped clean of previous data.
Back to school September 2024.
If you’re a parent, the fact that the new school year also means a new set of costs is something you’re probably all too familiar with.
If you’re concerned about how you’ll pay for new uniforms and equipment this year, our Family Loans allow you to borrow as much as £1,250 to help cover the cost. For more information, click here.
