Gemma Bird's Top Money Tips for Families

Gemma Bird's Top Money Tips for Families

From sneaky supermarket tricks to making the most of loyalty schemes, Gemma Bird is sharing her expert finance tips to help make your money go further as a family. 

Let’s face it – the cost of living isn’t getting any easier, especially for busy families trying to juggle everything from food shops to family days out. But Gemma Bird, a financial expert who is a Sunday Times Bestselling Author and regular on ITV Lorraine's Saver Squad , is here to show us that with a few clever tweaks, saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. From sneaky supermarket tricks to making the most of loyalty schemes, these tips are all about making your money go further without feeling like you're missing out. Ready to get savvy?

 

Don’t Just Look at the Price, Look at the Price Per 100g
Don’t be fooled by flashy “offers.” That family-sized box might look like a bargain, but the price-per-100g (or ml) on the shelf label tells the truth. Compare those before you throw it in the trolley, you might find the smaller or own-brand version gives you more for less.


Loyalty Cards & Cashback = Free Money
If a shop’s offering a loyalty card, grab it. Tesco Clubcard, Lidl Plus, Nectar, Boots Advantage... they’re free and can save you a fortune. You get discounts, surprise vouchers and the odd freebie. I once saved a fiver on Bronte’s nappies with a Boots voucher, it all adds up!

Before I check out online, I always pop onto a cashback site like Quidco. We've earned money back on everything from broadband to takeaways. It’s basically free cash for clicking one extra button.

And never just auto-renew your insurance! Whether it's a car, home, or even the dog's cover, Compare the Market has saved us loads. Plus, the Meerkat perks? Obsessed!

 

Affordable Doesn’t Mean Low Quality
A big price tag and shiny branding doesn’t guarantee better quality, especially with baby products. Affordable brands like Bonya offer high-quality, safe formula without the inflated cost. Challenge the myth. Budget buys can be brilliant, let's bin the stigma! 

Make the Most of £1 Kids’ Meals and Use Trusted Charities & Support Hubs
Loads of places do kids meals for £1 or less; Asda, Morrisons, Hungry Horse and more, especially in the school holidays. We often plan days out around the deals, it saves loads!

Charities like In Kind Direct help families get essentials through trusted local groups, and Bonya’s Formula Fog Hub (coming soon!) will be a safe space for honest, no-judgement parent advice. Remember, asking for support isn’t weakness, it’s smart.

I’m also always checking Facebook Marketplace for bargains or selling things we no longer need, it’s great for the kids' bits!

Use a ‘No-Spend Day’ to Reset the Budget Each Week
This is a little tradition we’ve started at home, usually on a Wednesday. No spending, no top-ups, no online orders. We turn it into a bit of a family challenge: what can we cook from the freezer? What games can we play without spending a penny? Adam gets competitive (obviously), and Brody just loves helping stir stuff! One no-spend day a week can save £30-£50 a month easily.

 

Small changes can make a big difference, and Gemma’s tips prove that budgeting isn’t about cutting back – it’s about getting smart. Whether it’s comparing prices properly, making the most of cashback, or embracing no-spend days, there are so many ways to take control of your finances without the stress. So why not try one or two this week and see how much you save? Your future self (and your bank balance) will thank you.

related articles

08 May 2025

Choosing Cheap Baby Formula Doesn’t Mean Bad Parenting: Debunking the 'Expensive = Quality' Myth

Let’s clear something up: choosing a cheap baby formula doesn’t mean you’re cutting corners, and it absolutely doesn’t make you a bad parent. The idea...

read now

28 Apr 2025

How to Prepare Baby Formula Like a Pro: Your Step-By-Step Guide

We’re here to make your baby feeding journey feel a little easier (and a lot less overwhelming). Whether you’re combi-feeding, switching to follow-on milk, or...

read now

23 Apr 2025

17 Fascinating Baby Facts Every New Parent Should Know

From reflexes to taste buds – here’s what makes your newborn amazing. When it comes to baby development, your little one is a full-on...

read now

11 Apr 2025

10 Money-Saving Hacks For New Parents

Let’s be real — having a baby is equal parts joy and “where did all my money go?” From nappies to nightlights, it all adds...

read now

08 Apr 2025

How To Switch Baby Formula To Bonya

Thinking about switching your baby's follow-on formula? We're here to help. In this guide, we'll answer your most common questions, share our best tips for...

read now

03 Apr 2025

De-influencing Your Baby Wish List

Babies may be small, but they come with a lot of stuff! As you put together your baby wish list, the costs can quickly add...

read now

03 Mar 2025

Maternity Pay & Work Rights – What You Need to Know When You’re Pregnant

read now

25 Feb 2025

Healthy Start Vouchers & Other Financial Help for New Parents

If you’re pregnant or have a baby under 12 months old, you’re probably feeling the financial squeeze. Nappies, clothes, baby gear—not to mention trying to...

read now

18 Feb 2025

Free & Low-Cost Baby Essentials – Where to Find Nappies, Clothes, and More

Having a baby is expensive, but you don’t have to buy everything brand new! There are plenty of ways to get free or low-cost baby...

read now