Hi, I’m Simone Riches, a single mum, lifelong bargain-hunter and the creator of Family Budget Ideas.
After years of stretching every pound, testing what actually saves money and helping friends do the same, I built this site to share practical money-saving tips that fit real family life.
I don’t do scare tactics or quick-rich nonsense. You’ll get clear steps, realistic numbers and ideas you can use today.

Why listen to me?
- Established blogger with a long track record of helpful, well-researched content.
- Real-world experience: I’ve lived the “make it work” life as a single mum and learned what genuinely cuts costs.
- Tried + tested: I only share tips I’ve used myself or carefully verified (with links to official sources).
- Straight-talking: No fluff, no guilt — just simple, doable actions.
What you’ll find at Family Budget Ideas
- Bills & Benefits: cut household costs, spot discounts, and know what you can claim.
- Household & Groceries: supermarket savings, yellow-sticker tactics, unit-price wins.
- Frugal Shopping: charity shops, car boots, Marketplace/Vinted without the drama.
- Earn More: realistic side-income ideas that slot around school and work.
- Discount Codes: genuine vouchers and clever stacking so deals actually save you money.
How I create content (trust matters)
- Who: Written by me, Simone Riches and occasionally reviewed by subject-matter contacts when needed.
- How: I test tips in real life, compare prices and reference credible sources (e.g., official guidance and provider pages).
- Why: To help families make confident decisions – not to chase algorithms.
- Updates: Pages are reviewed regularly; you’ll see a “Last updated” note when anything changes.
Important: Everything here is educational, not personal financial advice. Always check eligibility and official terms before applying or switching.
My other sites
I also run:
- Sim’s Life — Simslife.co.uk (family & lifestyle)
- Manchester Mummy — ManchesterMummy.com (city guides, things to do in Manchester)
- Touring Duo — TouringDuo.com (travel tips with a family feel)
Work with me / Say hello
Have a tip to share, a question, or a brand you think fits? I’m always up for useful collaborations and reader ideas.
Email: team@familybudgetideas.com
Thanks for being here, I’m glad you are. Let’s save smarter, earn a little extra and make room in the budget for the good stuff.