A mum who has set aside just £200 for the entire six-week school holidays says she’s not ashamed of her budget – and doesn’t care if other parents judge her.
Mercedes Smithson hit rock bottom earlier this year – borrowing money from her mum, using credit cards and cashing out her wages early just to get by.
The mum from Norfolk balances a full-time job and soaring bills with looking after her two children, a 12-year-old son and an eight-year-old daughter.
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The wake-up call pushed Mercedes and her husband, Joel, 35, to take control of their finances – starting with the summer holidays.
With money tighter than ever, the parents set a strict budget to cover all activities, days out and treats for their children.
“I knew something had to change – we couldn’t keep living in our overdrafts every month,” she told What’s The Jam.
“Setting a £200 budget for the holidays felt scary at first, but it’s actually taken a lot of pressure off.
“The kids don’t need expensive trips – they just want time with us [my husband and me] and a bit of fun.”
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The NHS assistant practitioner says, although £200 doesn’t sound like much, there’s actually a lot to do for free or cheap if you’re creative.
So far, she’s ticked off swimming at the local leisure centre for £16, beach days with homemade picnics and a bargain £1 kids’ meal at Pizza Hut.
She’s also taken the kids paddling in the river, visited the library for the summer reading challenge and met up with friends in local parks.
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She said: “I’ve had to get a lot more creative, but it’s actually been fun finding cheap ways to keep the kids busy.
“They’ve not once complained or asked for anything expensive – they’re just happy we’re spending time together.
“It’s easy to feel guilty as a parent, like you’re not doing enough, but I’ve realised memories don’t have to cost money.
“So far, I’ve had nothing but lovely messages from other parents saying they’re doing the same or thinking of trying it.
“And if anyone is secretly judging me, I honestly don’t care – this is the smartest thing to do right now with how expensive everything’s got.”
Mercedes says living just 30 minutes from the coast helps keep the kids entertained, and the family have been making the most of local splash pads.
They’ve also been baking with what’s in the cupboards, doing treasure hunts with a free geocaching app and joining council events.
She said: “The kids love the simple things – even just baking cakes or hunting for treasures nearby.
“Local events have been a lifesaver; they’re often free and give the kids a chance to meet others.
“It really brings the community together.
“We’ve had days full of laughter without any big price tags, and that’s what counts.”
Mercedes has promised the kids one big day out at a theme park, using £40 in Tesco Clubcard vouchers and her Blue Light Card discount.
She plans for one paid activity a week, sometimes none, and says the kids are just as happy with free, simple fun.
She said: “It’s a bit of work to plan everything, but I actually enjoy the hunt for bargains and free fun.
“It’s like a little game for me now.
“The satisfaction of making the budget stretch and still seeing the kids happy is worth every minute.
“It’s taught me a lot about what really matters, and that’s priceless.”
And while social media is often full of extravagant holidays and flashy outings, Mercedes says she’s found huge support online after sharing her real-life approach to parenting on a budget.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with people thanking her for her tips and saying they’re in the same boat.
She added, “I wasn’t expecting so many messages from parents saying they feel the same way. It’s comforting to know we’re not alone.
“People have been really kind, sharing their own tips and encouragement – it’s a reminder that we’re all doing our best.
“Being honest about money struggles can be hard, but it’s helped me connect with others and feel proud of what I’m doing.”
READ MORE: ‘People called me selfish for having kids but I’m taking ENTIRE summer holidays off to be with them’
