A savvy woman has revealed she won’t buy her daughter an Easter egg because it’s a “waste of money”.
Charlotte Deering, 27, from Manchester, is a self-proclaimed ‘cheap’ mum, often sharing her thrifty tips and tricks to help people get the most out of their money via her Instagram page. @themoneyferret.
The mother of one, who has previously shared details about herself £2,000 wedding partyincluding a £10 dress from Tesco, has now revealed how she made Easter so cheap.
In a bid to keep the spring celebration under £10, she won’t buy her daughter a chocolate egg and will make a roast using frozen meat she bought at the year’s sale last.
Charlotte’s thrift is inspired by her mother, who struggled financially – and insists her family will remember Easter memories more than the elaborate festivities.
Pictured above is frugal mum Charlotte, 27, from near Manchester.
Charlotte Deering bought this reusable drink bottle that she plans to use next year as well to save money
“I bought a reusable egg carton a few years ago for £1.99 and I refill it every year,” she said.
“It’s much cheaper and more cost-effective than buying a chocolate egg, which is a waste of money.”
“And I feel like they’ve been gouged this year and their prices will continue to rise.”
“I collect individually wrapped chocolate eggs from the pound and hide them in the yard for her to collect from the box.
“For our roast, as lamb is very expensive, I usually wait for the supermarkets to come up with their deals.
“Often I check after Easter, as the meat is heavily reduced by then, and I freeze it, ready to take and serve the following year.”
Charlotte, who also asks family members to contribute to the roast, advises also checking for reduced portions just after Christmas, to make the meal even more convivial.
She even has a few clever tips up her sleeve to make vacations enjoyable, without spending a fortune.
Charlotte has an adorable way of presenting these mini supermarket pizzas by shaping them with a rabbit cookie cutter
“I’m making a bunny-themed lunch for my little girl. I get a bunny cookie cutter and use it on pizza, scones and sandwiches.
“Then I pair it with cheap items from Home Bargains, like a reusable milk bottle – and it costs less than £4.”
During the two-week school vacation, the stay-at-home mom says finding free activities is the key to tiring out the kids.
She said: “We are busy planting seeds as it is very affordable and involves everyone.
“I organize competitions between children to see which plant grows the fastest.
“It’s so rewarding and sometimes we use these fruits and vegetables with our roast dinner.
“We also try to have picnics and ask everyone to bring something to help us with the costs.
“But there are also many free or low-cost events. I check my local Facebook page and several pop up.
Pictured: Charlotte’s daughter’s Easter lunch, all put together for less than ten dollars
She used to spend £60 at Easter, but now it costs her less than £10 overall.
His biggest inspiration? Family.
She added: “I grew up watching my mother struggle for money and worry to the point that it made her sick.
“The most important thing to me is food and memories with family, because that’s what I will remember.
“I know my daughter wouldn’t miss having a chocolate egg from the Easter Bunny and chances are she wouldn’t eat it anyway, leading to more waste.”
“That’s all for one day and you can still make fun of it without spending a fortune.”