How to save money on maternity leave

I was lucky enough to receive excellent maternity pay for all three of my children. I was paid full pay for 6 months and then the statutory pay which allowed me a full 12 months off which each child.

As soon as I stopped working I saved money because I wasn’t paying for travel or buying expensive coffees and lunches, I also had less opportunity to shop ( my old office was above an amazing shopping centre ) although of course babies come with their own costs.

Generally my mindset changed when I wasn’t working, I was determined to have a full 12 months off and knew that to do this I needed to make my maternity pay last. I bought less clothes for me and more for the children, spent less on hair cuts and going out was harder anyway so not something I really missed. Meeting for coffee out turned into meeting a friends houses with the children so also saved me money.

I had a bit more time ( with the first baby at least ) to carefully monitor our household finances and make sure I was getting the best deals on gas, electric and insurance. I also took the time to register for and use loyalty cards and search for special offers in the supermarkets.