July

It's been far from a normal school year for most, but now it's the summer hols – so you might need some new ways to entertain the kids. We've come up with fun tips to create unforgettable summer magic for free (or very cheap), from writing to a celeb to 'painted rocks' treasure hunts.

Don't think muddy canvas, lumpy groundsheets and communal washrooms, these days European holiday park accommodation (such as Eurocamp's) is often well-equipped mobile homes with your own bathroom. What's more, these types of holidays can smash hotels on price.

Whenever my family and I go anywhere on holiday these days, as soon as we get to the airport and get out the car we have a bit of a kerbside ritual. My wife grabs a large roll of Sellotape, my six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter lay two giant sheets of bubble wrap down on the pavement, and we get to work. It sounds a bit Blue Peter – and gets us a few odd stares. But over the past few years it’s saved us £100s...

"Being a mortgage prisoner has been hell to me, you worry about losing your home, you can't plan on starting a family and moving forward with your life. The whole experience affects your mental wellbeing and this has now got to stop." – MSE user.

The summer break is looming, and if you want to get your kids doing something fun and productive, Sainsbury's runs holiday clubs for children aged 5-15 in 70 locations across England and Wales.