By PETER KAMURI
Eunice Muthoni, a mother of two has mixed feelings. She is ecstatic her three sons are joining her at home after almost four months in boarding schools. On the other hand, she is worried of keeping vacation expenses low with additional family members.
Muthoni’s concerns are not isolated. Although most parents look forward to being reunited with children during vacations, they are constantly worried of the domestic budget shooting up.
Lizzy Cherono, a mother of three in high school shares her experiences, "Every time the schools close, the home budget shoots up. I spend almost three times more."
She adds, "During the school holidays, I do not only spend more on food but also on other areas. For example, the utility bills – water and electricity – shoot up in an unprecedented way."
Fridah Mwikali, a mother of two high school teens explains, "During school holidays, my children expect me to buy them new clothes and allow them visit relatives. Meeting these expenses is not easy."
"As if this is not enough, during school holidays, I have to contend with the high cost of holiday tuition classes. Good tutors charge an average of Sh1, 000 per subject. The pressure from kids to sponsor them for remedial classes is irresistible," laments Mwikali.
However, school holidays should not present an insurmountable challenge to you if you plan well. Indeed, the reunion with your school-going children should not be a nightmare but rather a period to expect and celebrate.
According to Dorcas Arasa, a financial advisor in private practice in Nairobi, the basic starting point to ensure a hassle free school holiday with kids is to ensure you work with a budget.
"When you work with a budget, you will be sure that you operate within your means and avoid unnecessary expenses. A budget will provide you with a detailed plan that will guide and tell whether you are on the right track," advises Arasa.
"Most people who buy things impulsively hardly work with budgets. Yet, impulsive buying has been known to be one of the main reasons why people overshoot their budgets," notes Arasa.
"To cut down on food expenses, plan your menu well in advance. Know what meals to be taken to avoid last minute rush that may make you buy some food items exorbitantly," advises Arasa.
Buying in bulk
Mary Mwangi, a teacher, has innovative ways of keeping food costs low when her children are at home for holidays. "I ensure that I buy food in bulk during this time. Although the initial financial outlay is high, there is big saving since I normally get good bargains."
She adds, "Most outlets give huge discounts for large purchases. So, I usually pool resources with my colleagues and buy foodstuffs at wholesale prices.
They are not only cheaper but we also save on transport since one person can do the shopping."
"When children are at home for holidays, there is tendency for there to be a lot of wastage. I usually prepare food that is just enough for the family to cut down on wastage. When there are leftovers, I preserved them well for later use," Mwangi tells Shillings&Sense.
"I again buy foodstuffs cheaply when they are in season. This way, I get a good bargain and consequently, cut down on cost. Even for the perishables like fresh fruits and vegetables, I freeze them for future use," notes Mwangi.
To tame high utility bills during school holidays, Arasa advises, "It is important to let every family member know the need of using water and electricity sparingly. Without restricting their usage, you just need to encourage them use them prudently."
"To cut water bills down, I usually allow shallow baths only as they take less water. I also discourage use of running water while one is brushing teeth or washing hands, face or clothes," says Mwangi.
Utility bills
"When it comes to electricity usage, let your children learn to put out the lights during day time. Gadgets that consume more power should only be used when there is no other alternative. In addition, TVs should be switched off when no one is watching," Arasa advises.
"As you do your shopping, it pays to compare prices and know which outlets gives you value for your money. You can do this by reviewing your previous purchases or being on the lookout for prices reviews on TV and newspapers," Arasa tells Shillings&Sense.
She adds, "During school holidays, a number of outlets give holiday offers and promotions. Keep an eye on those items whose prices have gone down and take advantage of these offers. However, you must be wary of those promotional gimmicks that want to hook you and then you pay more for other items."
"During holidays, ensure you plan well for family outings. Avoid unnecessary travels and always choose the most appropriate means of transport. You may at times opt for public transport as less driving spares a tank of petrol," she advises.
Arasa says people should look for innovative ways to occupy children during vacations. This way, you will keep them busy and you never know, some of the activities can generate income that can help supplement the domestic budget," concludes Arasa.
