Free McDonald’s and toys for £1 – how YOU can be a money-saving mum

GEMMA Bird loves treating her two children to new toys, stylish clothes and family days out - but she does all of this without breaking the bank. 

The 39-year-old super-saver, who has never earned more than £25,000 a year, reveals how YOU can save on parenting essentials in the second of her six-part exclusive series with Fabulous. 

Gemma, who lives in Billericay, Essex, with husband Adam and their kids, son Brody, eight, and two-year-old daughter Bronte, says: “You do not, I repeat DO NOT, have to spend a fortune or get into debt to treat your kids and enjoy family days out. 

“I live and breathe deals. I don’t care how much money you have, people always love a bargain. I hope my tips will inspire all the Fabulous mums out there.”

Gemma, who counts Stacey Solomon as a fan and shares tips on her , says her golden rule when it comes to parenting is knowing when to say “no”. 

I am always happy to say ‘no’

I give my kids what I can afford to give them - that is my number one rule. I am also more than happy to tell them “no” - and you should be too because it’ll save you money both now and in the long run.

I thoroughly believe that in life you aren’t  going to get everything you want - and it’s important to teach your children that from a young age.

Every time we go into a shop, Brody will ask me for something and I just have to be strict and remind him that he’s got his toys at home, and do you know what, he doesn’t ask any more.

Don’t get me wrong - I’m not a mean mum and I love treating my children but I am on a budget. 

Never leave the house without a packed lunch 

Whether you’re spending a day at the theme park or an afternoon at soft play, my top tip is to always take food and drink with you.  

Every time I leave the house with my two I have a bag full of packed lunches, snacks and bottles of water so I don’t spend money when I’m out. 

While small amounts of money may not seem significant at the time they add up to a lot. 

Spending £5 on snacks every Saturday for your child would add up to £260 a year - you could put that towards a holiday!