As a woman myself, I was pretty pleased to see that in 2012, HSBC confirm women across the UK have saved nearly double what their male counterparts achieved in the same 12 month period.

Whilst these reports are useful, I think understanding a clearer breakdown of the statistics and demographics would be more interesting and thought provoking.

I suspect, women who run the household finances save more than those who don’t.

Women with children possibly save more than those without because they have to budget more accurately – though with that said, their outgoing costs would be higher. And so on.

You can read more about the findings here. Overall the report, for me, seems to raise more questions than it does in providing answers. We talk about recession little these days – as if it’s been going on for so many years now that the subject matter is a part of every day life.

But are things getting better, or are we, as previously tagged spendaholics, becoming more frugal about the distinction between what we need and what we want?

HSBC comment that 29% of participants in their survey confirm they didn’t save anything last year – but that means 71% did – a huge achievement in the current climate.

Saving for a rainy day?

In the years I have worked in this industry – the majority of articles released have offered words of encouragement to people in debt – pushing them to strive for survival, rather than saving for the future. So it seems somewhat impressive, that 71% of those surveyed have now not just survived but afforded to put funds away for a rainy day which is more or less guaranteed to arrive at their door some time in the future.

So, if HSBC analysts are reading this blog, we’d welcome more light on this report – and a lesson which can probably be learnt from so many of us about how the 71% of successful savers have made their positive dent in their income and expenditure.

Your little angels are soon to break up from school for a week or two and whilst you love them, it’s doubtful by the end of those welcomed holidays, that you’ll still be singing their praises. But whilst those of you out there who can afford the school camps or weeks in the sun enjoy the half term break, others who are on a budget might just be feeling the panic set in as they need to create 7-14 days worth of entertainment without breaking the bank.

Here’s our quick guide to things you can do which might give you a sense of sanity during this time.

Mini golf

Whilst it might cost you to take part, on a dry day, this is a great activity with kids. Getting them out in the fresh air and giving them some mental and physical exercise is always a great thing. Making it a budget day out, you can easily bring a picnic and make a little prize for the winning golfer. By the time you’ve got to the mini golf venue, had a picnic and played a game…they’ll be just enough time for some home made cup cakes and snacks before heading home. It’s an easy way to fill half a day out, bringing the troops home for tea!
A great site for finding out the mini golf  locations nearest you: http://www.miniaturegolfer.com/eng_courses.html

Farm days

Animals aren’t for everyone, but I have to admit, if we lived on a farm – my daughter would thank me every day! There are so many farms now which offer a petting experience without overcharging, this again can easily be stretched out to a half day event. Make sure you shop around to find the best places for the right price. A great farm in the North of England is Reddish Vale farm – it’s always worth asking friends for recommendations so you’re not disappointed when you get there.

http://reddishvalefarm.co.uk/
http://www.stockleyfarm.co.uk/
http://www.farmerteds.com/wp/

Picnic days and a good old fashioned park

Swings and roundabouts may be something we tire of, but our mini me’s could play on them all day. So far, in all my years, I’ve never heard of a park where you have to pay an entry fee – so even on the strictest of budgets – this is something everyone can afford to do.

http://www.highpeak.gov.uk/hp/park/manor-park-glossop
http://www.heatonpark.org.uk/HeatonPark/
http://parklover.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/bruntwood-park-cheadle/

Show days

If you kids are anything like my little one, then putting on a show with friends will keep them busy for hours. Why not invite some of your friends’ children over and let them all create their own show – with make-up and dress up clothes, paper hats and so forth. They can make props from household items and empty washing up bottles and within a few hours, you can sit back and enjoy the show – or at least try to ;) The kids will have a blast doing this – with plenty of giggles filling the house and some exhausted little people by the end of the day when final curtain falls.

Baking/Cooking

Whilst we might not all be budding Jamie Olivers, cooking or baking is something most kids love to do – and the cost of the ingredients is much more affordable than a day out! Together, you could cook a three course meal – a soup for starter, pizza for mains and then a nice cake for dessert. You’ll all have so much fun and even better – you get to enjoy the end result when it’s ready!

Painting

Now I know the majority of you will wince at the thought of the mess, and I’m not disagreeing with you – but crafts and painting often equals happy and quiet children! A few hours making a robot or painting a mural for the bedroom wall will create great fun for the kids and is easily achievable for just a few pounds. Be sure to get paints which come off walls and floors easily – as well as the kids’ clothes!

Kids club cinema

Finally, whilst we advocate lots of free events, it’s worth noting many cinemas offer a Kids Club screening where films are just £2 per person – these are a great treat and with normal cinema tickets costing around £8 each, it’s a significant £6 saving!

http://www.odeon.co.uk/fanatic/kids/
http://www.apollocinemas.com/films-showing-altrincham.aspx
http://www.amccinemas.co.uk
http://www.cineworld.co.uk/
http://www.myvue.com/

The key generally is to work together with other mums and share the time and cost of the half term fun; scour the internet to see what’s going on in your local area as there’s often special events at budget prices – particularly with national trust venues. And… most importantly, don’t be afraid of making a mess – it all clears up after everyone’s done – and that could be a game in itself for the kids to play!

The 14th February means different things to different people. For some it is a chance to declare their undying love or celebrate their togetherness and for others it’s a reminder that they don’t have love in their lives. But more and more people are now protesting that Valentines day is a manufactured money-making venture by the card companies. So which is it?

After New Year’s Day, Valentine’s is the most celebrated holiday around the world. Even though, technically, it’s not actually a public holiday.

The History of St. Valentine’s Day

It is widely believed that St. Valentine was imprisoned for performing Christian weddings for soldiers who weren’t permitted to marry under Roman rule in 270 A.D.  It is suggested that just before his execution St.Valentine sent a farewell letter to his sweetheart, signed off with ‘From Your Valentine’.

But this isn’t, as far as history can tell, where the tradition began.

St. Valentine was characterized by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 15th Century where by people would express their love with flowers, confectionery and greeting cards.

With this in mind, can we really argue that our 21st Century card companies manufactured a day that is proven to have been celebrated in the 15th Century?

Cashing in on love?

So can we blame the card companies for creating Valentines Day what it is today?

All hearts, chocolates and red roses?

People have been making Valentine’s Day cards since the 1400s and hearts, doves, flowers and chocolates have long been associated symbols of the 14 February.

So if companies are making more and more money out of Valentine’s Day, shouldn’t we be scrutinizing ourselves for perpetuating the commercial gain? After all, businesses run on demand for a product. Birthday cards wouldn’t be made if no-one bought them.

There is undoubtedly a certain amount of pressure to buy something on Valentines Day, especially in the early days of a relationship. But I think the shift in attitude to Valentine’s is more about a shift in the modern consumer. We are more savvy in the marketplace and because we’re so bombarded with products and adverts on a daily basis we’re now prone to distrusting anything that blatantly tries to get us to spend.

Consumers now have the confidence to step back and ask ‘Is this really worth £10?’ or ‘Would this single red rose cost me £5  in March?’ Probably not.

Many companies have picked up on people’s attitude to unnecessary spending on Valentine’s Day and are now selling cards that subverse tradition.

So heart-felt holiday or profitable ploy?

Whilst, yes, I agree that the card companies cash in on Valentine’s day, they don’t force us to go out and buy anything. Besides, I like the sentiment of Valentine’s Day, what could be wrong with showing someone that you care? Romance doesn’t have to, and shouldn’t, equate to how much money has been spent by your partner. There are other ways of  celebrating Valentine’s Day which don’t involve a dozen red roses and a gargantuan box of chocolates.

If we boycott Valentine’s Day because it’s turned into a commercial venture, what’s next? Christmas?