Families For Life | Living large while spending small!
Raising a large family comes with countless joys, but also plenty of expenses! Groceries, utilities, and other necessities can quickly add up, so parents are always looking for smart ways to stretch every dollar.
Here’s a guide to help you explore practical tips on budgeting so you can save while enjoying the occasional treat and fun family days!
#1 Take advantage of memberships
You can find annual passes for attractions like the Singapore Zoo or Universal Studios Singapore. The Friends of Mandai membership offers access to all 5 of their parks, including the new Rainforest Wild ASIA! The programme covers 2 adults and up to 5 children.
Another membership that’s great for families is the 2-year HomeTeamNS Membership. Eligible past and present Home Team NSmen or staff serving in any Home Team Agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs can sign up and access exclusive events and member perks islandwide!
With discounts from memberships, family outings are more affordable. That means more opportunities for family bonding!
#2 Choose cheaper alternatives
Packing lunch for your child? Get a reusable lunch box and save on disposable bags. Need arts and crafts supplies? Head over to Daiso to find cheap paint or colour pencil sets that let your children express their creativity.
What’s important here is ensuring your child’s needs are met and finding items that can meet these needs at a lower cost!
#3 Know where to shop
Clothes, shoes, or bags are all necessities that need to be replaced due to wear and tear. With multiple kids, this can come up to quite a sum! For more affordable shopping, you can…
Hunt for bargains outside Singapore!
If you can afford the time and the trip, try bargain shopping in Johor Bahru. You can find anything from high-street fashion to hyper-marts and grab essentials at a fraction of the cost! The trip to Malaysia can also double as a fun family outing – two birds, one stone!
Embrace pre-loved items and go second-hand shopping!
Tap into Singapore’s thriving second-hand market, and you might find some good items at great prices! You can check out physical thrift stores, but Carousell is the go-to for finding exactly what you need at a bargain.
Join the Shopee Mum’s Club!
Sign up for free and stock up on necessities with bundle deals up to 75% off! From diapers and formula to toys, you can get everything you need here without breaking the bank.
#4 More family bonding with freebies
You don’t need a trip to Europe to make lifelong memories! There are plenty of activities in Singapore, and some are completely free! Try these activities and get inspired to plan for a family day out:
Go for a swim together at your nearest public pool or spend a day at a water park
Explore some of Singapore’s unique playgrounds
Go to the ArtScience Museum on Fridays when kids can enter for free!
Head over to the library and sign up for their free programmes and workshops
Find restaurants where kids eat free and enjoy a big family dinner out!
Raising a large family is no easy feat, but it can be done! Make the most of the Large Family Deals and free activities around Singapore, and savour every moment with your family!