How to enjoy Easter on a budget

2019 has been incredibly fast-paced, and perhaps you haven’t taken the time to take a deeper peep into your ‘Easter-cation’ holiday.

You want to have some peace for your soul, possibly spend quality time with your flock and not break the egg (bank) in the process, right? It is, therefore, important to make sure you are financially prepared to be able to enjoy the Easter holidays, warned DebtSafe.

“You and other South Africans can add your own personal, yet thrifty, touch to Easter this April. And, if you are going to enjoy some ‘home time’ or take the kids and family out of the nest for a few days, you have to make sure that you won’t crack your budget during this period,” said Matthys Potgieter, debt expert at DebtSafe.

Here are a few frugal tips and ideas for you, the Easter stay-at-home, or you, the Easter traveller:

• Budget-friendly meal options

Ever hosted a potluck or picnic? It is great for your budget and easier than you think since you give your loved ones the chance to chip in.

Decide whether you want to do a brunch, lunch or dinner and make a list of who is bringing what dish. This will surely not only make the meal ‘homey’, but also budget-friendly. Plus, Easter’s picnic nibbles or potluck leftovers can become Tuesday’s yummy snacks.

• Thanks for the homemade memories

Easter is a time for reflection and making memories. So, say “Yes” to a bake-off or messy cooking class and “No” to store-bought chocolate and candy versions. They’re way too overpriced and expensive for your usual monthly budget anyway.

If you decide to use the homemade treats for an Easter hunt, for example, limit the treats to one or two per adult or child. Remember: it is the memory or idea that counts.

Alternative it-doesn’t-cost-you-an-arm-or-a-leg ideas for your ‘Easter-cation’

• Sit down and plan (together) what you want to do during the short holiday period.

• Remember to keep the weather in mind and consider board games or a ‘movie marathon’ and ‘family film fest’ to make those rainy days worthwhile.

• What about building an indoor fort with the kids or consider old-fashioned outdoor camping (at home or at a camp site)

• And lastly, take photos – life is short. If you have a mobile phone available, what is stopping you from taking a few pics?

Specific things to keep in mind when travelling:

Try not to make your trip to your ‘Easter-cation’ destination a distasteful affair and keep these pointers in mind:

• Take your list of road-trippin’ games with you to keep the kids busy during the trip. Think about games like ‘I spy’ or create a playlist for some sing-alongs.

• Traffic volumes – if you can, try to travel in advance (before the official public holiday dates) and avoid late-night driving.

• Budget-planning – Remember to include toll fees and fuel fill-ups in your ‘Easter-cation’ budget. And avoid buying expensive snacks at the shop. Rather take pocket-friendly, family favourite snacks for those pit-stops.

• Safety first – Be sure to do a car inspection before you travel. Are the wipers working? Is the battery still fine? Are the tyres in a good condition (like the tread depth that should be more than 1mm)? This can save you quite a (financial) hassle when you don’t have to find an expert or need to buy a vehicular product during the peak Easter holiday period in a town away from home. Also, be fuel efficient and try to stick to travelling at 100km per hour wherever you can. Finally, make sure your insurance is sorted out beforehand, take regular breaks during your trip and be careful when driving in rainy or misty weather.