{"id":6156,"date":"2019-04-30T11:55:58","date_gmt":"2019-04-30T01:55:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nimble.com.au\/?p=6156"},"modified":"2026-01-27T13:11:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T03:11:49","slug":"how-to-budget-for-the-school-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nimble.com.au\/blog\/how-to-budget-for-the-school-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Budget for the School Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

School holidays can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you look at it. From your perspective as a loving parent, what could be better than spending some quality time with your amazing kids?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

From a financial perspective\u2026 well, the outlook isn\u2019t quite as good.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It\u2019s no secret that kids are expensive, and it seems like they\u2019re only getting more expensive as they grow up! That little girl who once was content with a pool noodle and a plate of oranges is now begging for a new fibreglass board and surf camp in Noosa. And the little boy content with a sandpit and a toy truck simply can\u2019t live without the latest computer game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Learning to budget effectively for your family is a key element to getting the most out of your school holidays \u2013 making unforgettable memories, without breaking the bank. And, if you need a loan for a holiday package<\/a>, we’re here to help you out.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Before the holidays<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The lead up to the school holidays is probably the most important period for ensuring that the vacation period doesn\u2019t wreak havoc on your bank balance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

With more time to yourself while the kids are at school, this is a great opportunity to lay a solid foundation for your family budget<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

ASIC\u2019s Moneysmart provides the perfect framework<\/a> for any household budget, based on dividing your expenses into three categories:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    \r\n
  1. Fixed expenses such as rent, mortgage, netflix and insurance<\/li>\r\n
  2. Variable essential expenses that vary month to month, such as electricity, food, phone bills and vehicle costs<\/li>\r\n
  3. Variable expenses which are not essential – eating out, holidays, and so forth.

    <\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Using this basic budget planner, you\u2019ll be able to allocate some money from each pay cycle to set aside for expenses for the school holiday period. Try and forecast the sort of expenses that you\u2019re likely to incur over the holidays – travel, rentals and holiday care are all obvious expenses, but there are also some other less obvious costs to consider.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    During the school holiday period it is likely that your food costs will go up a little bit, as well as the costs involved in transport and even your utility bills. Taking as many possible factors into account will prevent you being blindsided by unexpected costs – we all know how frustrating that can be!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    When are the school holidays?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    While every Australian state and territory is slightly different<\/a>, school holidays generally occur at four intervals throughout the year, corresponding to the four teaching periods of Australian schools. Generally speaking, the four holiday periods are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n