From quirky celebration days to cultural festivals and autumn adventures, here are some brilliant ways to make memories this September.

Special Days & Celebrations

25h September – Ananta Chaturdashi

Craft paper elephants or lotus flowers.

• What it represents: The last day of Ganesh Chaturthi, when idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in water, symbolising renewal and protection.

11th September – Coptic New Year (Nayrouz)

Design colourful greeting cards.

• What it represents: The Coptic Orthodox New Year, remembering martyrs and celebrating new beginnings.

16th September – World Ozone Day

Make posters about protecting the planet.

• What it represents: A UN day raising awareness about safeguarding the ozone layer and tackling climate change.

21st September – International Day of Peace & World Alzheimer’s Day

Write “peace pledges” on leaves and hang them on a tree; talk about kindness and empathy.

• What they represent: A UN day for ceasefire and non-violence, plus a chance to raise awareness and support people affected by dementia.

11-13th September – Rosh Hashanah

Dip apple slices in honey as a sweet family treat.

• What it represents: The Jewish New Year, a time of reflection, renewal, and hope.

22nd September – Autumn Equinox / Mabon

Collect leaves, balance an egg on its end, and watch the sunset.

• What it represents: A Pagan harvest festival marking balance between day and night, giving thanks for nature’s bounty.

29th September – World Heart Day

Go for a family bike ride or obstacle course.

• What it represents: Raising awareness about heart health and encouraging active lifestyles

Festivals, Events & Adventures

Heritage Open Days (12–21 September)

Across England, thousands of historic buildings and gardens open their doors for free. A brilliant way to explore hidden gems.

Great North Run (13 September, Newcastle to South Shields)

The world’s biggest half marathon – watch on TV or cheer on the day if you’re in the North East.

British Science Festival (16-20 September, Liverpool)

Hands-on shows, talks and family activities celebrating science and discovery.

London Design Festival (12–20 September, London)

Exhibitions and installations celebrating innovation and creativity in design.

London Fashion Week (17–21 September, London)

Catch the buzz of fashion showcases – or create your own “runway” dress-up game at home.

York Food & Drink Festival (18–27 September, York)

One of the biggest UK food festivals, with tastings, workshops and cookery demos.

Literary Festivals (throughout September, UK)

From Henley to Wigtown, September is prime time for book festivals – check your nearest one for children’s author events.

Local Harvest & Food Festivals (UK-wide)

Look out for county shows, apple days and harvest festivals at local churches, farms and gardens – great for sampling seasonal produce.

Things to Try This September

• Press autumn leaves to start a seasonal scrapbook.
• Make apple crisps or pies with local fruit.
• Host a family film night with autumn snacks.
• Go on a conker or acorn hunt.
• Try stargazing on a clear night and spot early autumn constellations.
• Organise a no-tech evening with board games and candles.
• Visit a pick-your-own farm for apples or pumpkins.
• Plant bulbs ready for spring.
• Write a family gratitude list as the new season begins.

Crafts to Match the Month

• Apple Print Cards or Bags– perfect for Rosh Hashanah.
• Leaf Lanterns – cosy for autumn nights.
• Flower Rangoli – a colourful nod to Onam.
• Peace Doves – cut from paper for International Peace Day.
• Heart Collage – tie in with World Heart Day.

September doesn’t have to be packed to be meaningful. Whether you do one activity or many, let this Could Do List offer gentle inspiration for sunny days, rainy afternoons, and everything in between.

 Don’t forget to download your free printable tick list below and keep it on the fridge or in your planner.

My bestie absolutely loves Halloween, so I decided to create a Boo Basket just for her, featuring some fabulous finds from Very. Rather than filling it with sweets, I wanted to choose presents she could enjoy throughout autumn and bring out again in future years.

Whether you are making a small Halloween gift for a friend or planning a spectacular seasonal surprise, here are plenty of ideas for what to include in a Boo Basket.

What is a Boo Basket?

A Boo Basket is a Halloween-themed gift hamper. It is usually presented in a basket or reusable container and filled with a mixture of treats, decorations and cosy autumn essentials.

There are no strict rules about what you need to include. You can tailor the contents to the recipient, your budget and the type of Halloween they enjoy. Someone who loves scary films might appreciate movie-night snacks and a cosy blanket, while a keen decorator may prefer pumpkins, ghosts and light-up accessories.

The best Boo Baskets feel personal. Start with one or two larger gifts, add a few smaller treats and finish everything with tissue paper, ribbon or a handwritten note.

One of the loveliest things about a Boo Basket is that it can be personalised for almost anyone. Think about the recipient’s age, interests, and favourite ways to relax, then combine a few seasonal pieces with gifts they can use year-round.

Boo Basket ideas for every age

Boo Baskets for younger children

Keep their basket playful, colourful and age-appropriate. Ideas include:

• A Halloween picture book
• Pumpkin or ghost pyjamas
• A soft Halloween toy
• Cosy socks
• Stickers and colouring supplies
• An age-appropriate LEGO set
• A reusable Halloween cup
• Individually wrapped treats
• A small pumpkin decoration

Check the recommended age and safety information for every toy, craft item and edible treat. Avoid candles, glass decorations and small items when creating a basket for a young child.

Boo Baskets for older children and teenagers

Teenagers may appreciate a basket that feels seasonal without being too childish. Consider including:

• A cosy hoodie or pair of pyjamas
• Fluffy socks or slippers
• A reusable mug
• Hot-chocolate sachets
• Skincare or beauty treats
• A journal or stationery
• Headphones or a small tech accessory
• A Halloween craft or LEGO project
• A cushion or fleece throw
• Popcorn and snacks for a film night

Choosing items in their favourite colours is an easy way to make the basket feel more personal.

Boo Baskets for young adults

For an older teen or young adult, combine cosy autumn essentials with practical treats they can enjoy at university, at home or in their first flat. Ideas include:

• A travel mug or pumpkin mug
• A soft throw
• An electric hot water bottle
• Jewellery and a jewellery box
• Beauty and self-care products
• A candle or LED decoration
• Chocolate, coffee or tea
• A book or creative activity
• Seasonal decorations for their room

Very has plenty of Gifts for Her that can add a thoughtful, year-round present to an autumn-themed basket.

Boo Baskets for adults

An adult Boo Basket can be shaped around the recipient’s personality. Create a relaxing self-care hamper, a Halloween film-night basket or a stylish collection of autumn home accessories. You could include:

• A scented candle
• A cosy cushion and throw
• A favourite mug
• Luxury hot chocolate or coffee
• Jewellery or accessories
• Skincare and bath products
• An electric hot water bottle
• A bottle of their favourite drink
• Chocolates or savoury snacks
• Autumnal home accessories

Boo Baskets for parents and grandparents

For parents or grandparents, focus on comfort, quality time and thoughtful keepsakes. Suitable ideas include:

• A soft blanket
• Tea, coffee or hot chocolate
• A seasonal mug
• Biscuits or chocolates
• A framed family photograph
• A puzzle, book or craft project
• Hand cream and other self-care treats
• An autumn plant or artificial arrangement
• A handwritten note from the family
• Decorations they can reuse each year

You can make any of these baskets feel more seasonal by adding a few carefully chosen Halloween decorations, from soft pumpkins and friendly ghosts to lights that create a cosy autumn glow.

The age ranges are only a starting point. The best Boo Basket will always reflect the recipient’s interests, tastes, dietary needs and personal style.

How to arrange a Boo Basket

Start by placing tissue paper or shredded paper in the bottom of the basket. This raises the gifts and stops smaller items from disappearing.

Put larger items towards the back and arrange medium-sized presents in front. Use smaller treats to fill the gaps. Keep fragile products secure and avoid placing anything heavy on top of mugs, glass decorations or bottles.

If you are including a ghost cushion or pumpkin throw, use them as part of the presentation. The throw could sit underneath the basket, while the cushion and light-up stacked ghosts can form part of a larger Halloween display around it.

Finish with ribbon and a gift tag. If the basket needs to travel, wrap it carefully and transport breakable or spillable products upright and securely.

A Halloween surprise made for my bestie

I had so much fun choosing everything for my bestie’s Boo Basket. I wanted it to feel unmistakably Halloween-themed while still containing thoughtful gifts she could enjoy long after October was over.

The pumpkins, mugs and ghost light bring the seasonal fun; the hot water bottle, throw, and cushion create a cosy evening; and the bracelet and jewellery box add a more personal touch. The chocolate drink and LEGO wreath complete the experience with a treat to enjoy and something fun to do.

That is what makes a Boo Basket such a lovely present: it can be completely tailored to the person receiving it. Whether you make a small basket with a mug, sweets and fluffy socks or create an extravagant surprise filled with decorations and keepsakes, it is the thought behind it that makes it special.

Would you make a Boo Basket for your bestie—or would you prefer someone to make one for you?

A screen-free bike adventure does not have to be long, intense, or formal. It can be a ride from home to a nearby park, a loop around the neighborhood, a trip to the library, or a slow ride along a greenway. What matters most is that kids get to take part: reading the route, spotting landmarks, choosing rest stops, and turning the ride into a drawing, story, or craft activity afterward.

For parents, the best part is that this kind of activity has a low barrier to entry. With the right route, a relaxed pace, and a few simple supplies, an ordinary ride can become outdoor time that feels fun, doable, and easy to repeat.

Why Biking Works Well as a Screen-Free Activity

Many screen-free activities can feel like assignments. The moment kids hear, “Let’s do an activity,” they may already expect to be bored. A bike ride feels different. It has movement, a destination, and a little bit of freedom built in.

While riding, kids and teens naturally pay attention to their surroundings. They notice intersections, shady spots, windy stretches, places to slow down, and areas that might be worth stopping at next time. Those details pull their focus away from screens without turning the moment into a lecture.

Biking also works across ages. Younger kids can focus on observation games, colors, sounds, and landmarks. Teens may care more about the route, the pace, the destination, and the feeling of independence. As long as the ride does not feel like a training session, a short bike outing can become an easy family outdoor activity.

Just as important, kids do not have to be cheerful every minute for the activity to count. Sometimes they may simply ride quietly, stop for water, look around, and take in the day. That is still meaningful screen-free time.

Start With a Route That Does Not Feel Rushed

A good ride usually starts with the route, not the destination. If the route is too long, too traffic-heavy, or full of tricky intersections, the whole outing can start to feel stressful. For kids and teens, the best routes are usually familiar, clear, and easy to manage.

Good starter routes might include:

• A short neighborhood loop
• A ride from home to a nearby park
• A quiet route near school
• A greenway, riverside path, or lakeside path
• Streets with clear sidewalks or bike lanes
• A short route with places to stop and rest

There is no need to focus on distance at first. Kids are more likely to remember the experience than the mileage: the tree they liked, the bench where they took a break, the quiet street, or the spot they want to visit again.

If kids are old enough to help make decisions, let them take part in choosing the route. Open a map and ask questions such as:

• Which route looks shorter?
• Which route has fewer intersections?
• Where could we stop for a break?
• Which part might need a slower pace?
• How could we avoid the busiest road?

This does more than plan the ride. It helps kids understand that getting somewhere is not just about choosing the shortest path. Safety, familiarity, energy, and pace all matter too.

Add a Small Mission to the Ride

Some kids may not get excited by the idea of “just going for a ride.” Adding a small mission can make the outing feel more like a relaxed adventure.

The mission does not need to be complicated. Try ideas like:

• Find five different colored doors
• Record three clear landmarks
• Find the quietest street
• Notice which part of the route feels coolest
• Count how many stop signs you pass
• Find an interesting leaf
• Remember the turns from home to the park
• Draw your own route map afterward

These small tasks encourage active observation. Younger kids may focus on colors, sounds, plants, and buildings. Teens may prefer route efficiency, rest spots, terrain changes, or photo-worthy details.

You can also make the ride feel more like a game. Before leaving, give each person an observation job. One person watches for trees, another looks for signs, another remembers the route, and another notices places that would make good stops next time. When you get home, talk through what everyone found.

That turns the ride into more than movement. It gives the outing a story.

Pack Simply: Water, Snacks, Helmets, and the Basics

A relaxed ride does not need much gear, but the basics matter. When kids or teens are coming along, a small missed item can quickly turn a fun outing into a frustrating one.

A simple ride bag might include:

• Water bottles
• Small snacks
• Helmets
• Tissues or wipes
• A few bandages
• A phone or emergency contact information
• A small lock
• A weather-appropriate layer
• A compact pump or basic tool if the route is longer

Helmets should not be optional. If kids care about how they look, let them help choose the color or style, but keep the rule itself clear. The more casual the ride feels, the more consistent the basic safety habits should be.

If parents are comparing different ways to ride, this can also be a good time to talk about the difference between a regular bicycle and an electric bicycle. A regular bike depends more on physical effort, while an electric bike requires extra attention to speed control, braking distance, and starting smoothly. No matter what kind of bike is being used, route choice and riding rules should come first.

The conversation does not need to feel like a lecture. When it connects to a real route, kids are more likely to understand why some streets are better for riding, why certain areas require a slower pace, and why stopping to look carefully matters.

Match the Pace to the Surface

One thing kids and teens often overlook is how much the riding surface changes the experience. A smooth street, park path, gravel stretch, hill, damp surface, or tree-rooted sidewalk can all require a different pace.

During the ride, parents can help kids notice things like:

• Which section is the smoothest?
• Where should riders slow down early?
• Where are there leaves, gravel, or small stones?
• Which intersection has poor visibility?
• Where can people ride side by side, and where should they ride single file?
• Would this route feel different after rain?

This helps kids build judgment. Instead of thinking only about going faster, they begin asking, “How should I ride this section?”

If the route includes park paths, uneven ground, or a longer ride where an adult is riding alongside kids, parents may also look into a fat tire electric bike. The point is not to make the outing more extreme. On certain surfaces, wider tires can make the ride feel steadier and more controlled. For family rides, stability and control usually matter more than speed.

Still, no bike replaces good judgment. If the surface is too rough, visibility is poor, or an area is crowded, the best choice is to slow down, stop, or choose a better route.

Turn the Ride Into an Activity After You Get Home

A screen-free bike adventure does not have to end when the ride is over. Some of the best parts can happen afterward.

Kids can draw the route and mark the starting point, destination, turns, favorite spots, and places to be careful. Younger kids can keep the map simple. Teens can make it more like a route log, adding time, distance, rest stops, and ideas for improving the next ride.

You can also turn the ride into follow-up activities such as:

• Write a few sentences about the best part of the ride
• Draw a plant, building, or sign you noticed
• Make a next ride wish list
• Put the route on a family activity board
• Create a new observation challenge
• Record how much screen-free time the ride created
• Plan a quieter or more interesting route for next time

If your family enjoys crafts or printables, the ride can lead into those too. Kids can make leaf rubbings, route stickers, their own biking badge, or a summer outdoor activity jar with ideas like biking, walking, nature spotting, picnics, and simple outdoor games.

That way, the ride becomes more than one outing. It becomes a repeatable routine. Kids are more likely to look forward to the next one when they feel like they are helping shape the adventure.

Final Thoughts

A good screen-free bike adventure does not need to be expensive or complicated. Choose a manageable route, bring the basics, give kids a small mission, keep the pace relaxed, and turn the ride into a drawing, writing, or craft activity afterward.

For kids and teens, biking offers movement, route awareness, observation, and a bit of independence. For parents, it is a simple, low-pressure way to spend active time together outdoors.

Life away from screens does not always need a major reset. Sometimes it starts with a bike, a familiar path, a simple challenge, and enough time to enjoy the ride.

1. Check every passport and travel document

Make sure every family member has a valid passport and the correct visa for the trip. Keep copies of passports, insurance, prescriptions and bookings in a secure digital folder and a separate physical location. You may need to complete an Incoming Passenger Card on arrival, so keep your accommodation address and flight details easy to find. Parents travelling with children should carry consent documents if only one guardian is travelling.

2. Use the official customs checklist before packing

Australia has detailed rules covering food, plants, animal products, medicines, weapons, tobacco, alcohol and other goods. The Australian Border Force guide to what you can bring into Australia explains which items are allowed, which must be declared and which may need permission. Review it before packing, because a souvenir, herbal remedy or outdoor item may still require inspection or a permit.

3. Treat food as a customs question

Do not assume that snacks packed for the journey are automatically acceptable at the border. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, seeds, dairy products and homemade food can create biosecurity risks. Pack only what you need for the flight and dispose of anything uncertain before inspection. If you do bring food, declare it honestly. The Australian Government travel advice on entering Australia explains that incoming travellers may be screened using detector dogs, X-ray machines, physical inspection and questions, so declaring an item is safer than trying to hide it.

4. Leave fresh and high-risk items at home

For a family holiday, avoid packing fresh produce, meat, plant material, seeds and animal products. This includes items in children’s lunch bags, picnic hampers and care packages. Some commercially packaged goods may be allowed, but conditions can depend on ingredients, packaging and origin. If you are unsure, check the official guidance before departure or use airport disposal bins before reaching the inspection area.

5. Clean shoes, prams and outdoor equipment

Biosecurity rules also apply to items that have been used around soil, animals or rural areas. Before flying, clean and dry hiking boots, sports shoes, camping equipment, bicycles, fishing gear and pram wheels. Remove dirt, grass, seeds and mud from grooves and fabric. Clean your suitcase too, especially if it has been stored in a garage or used outdoors. Declare equipment if requested, even when it looks clean.

6. Pack medicines in their original containers

Bring enough medicine for the holiday, plus a small extra supply in case of delays, but keep everything in its original labelled packaging. Carry prescriptions, a doctor’s letter and a list of active ingredients where possible. This is especially important for controlled medicines, strong pain relief, sedatives, supplements and herbal products. Keep essential medication in your carry-on bag and check whether any items require special permission before you travel. Never combine loose tablets in an unlabelled container.

7. Understand the rules for vapes and nicotine products

Vaping products require extra care because Australian import and public-use rules are strict. The linked Quit Clinics guide explains the traveller exemption, declaration requirements and quantity limits for vaping goods used for personal therapeutic purposes. It also notes that vaping devices should travel in carry-on baggage because of their batteries, while use and charging on aircraft are prohibited. Treat this as an issue to confirm before departure, not something to resolve at the airport. Check your airline’s battery rules and declare goods when required.

8. Check tobacco, alcohol and duty free limits

If adults in the family are carrying tobacco, alcohol, or overseas purchases, check the current duty-free allowances before shopping. Allowances can depend on age, quantity and the combined value of goods, including gifts. Keep receipts for expensive purchases and separate personal items from goods intended for sale. If you exceed an allowance, declare the goods and be prepared to pay relevant duty or tax. It is better to budget for a charge than risk seizure or a penalty.

9. Pack batteries and valuables safely

Power banks, spare lithium batteries and many personal electronic devices should be kept in carry-on baggage, protected from damage and accidental activation. Check the airline’s instructions for tablets, cameras, toys, and mobility equipment before packing. Keep jewellery, passports, medication and essential chargers with you rather than in checked luggage. Avoid packing prohibited weapons, imitation weapons, fireworks or dangerous goods, even if an item is intended for camping or recreation.

10. Declare anything that is uncertain

The most useful customs rule is simple: if you are not sure, declare it. Follow the instructions on your passenger card, answer questions truthfully and take declared goods to the inspection point. Declaring an item does not automatically mean it will be confiscated. An officer may clear it, inspect it, treat it or explain why it cannot enter. Failing to declare can lead to delays, fines or prosecution, while an honest declaration gives officials the information they need to make the correct decision.

Make arrival easier for the whole family

A little planning can turn customs from a stressful final hurdle into a straightforward part of the journey. Check official rules close to departure, pack documents and medicines carefully, clean outdoor equipment, keep restricted goods out of children’s bags and declare anything uncertain. Rules can change, so use current government guidance and contact the relevant authority when your item is unusual. With those checks complete, your family can focus on beaches, wildlife, food and Australia’s best experiences.

After spending 16 weeks in hospital last year, I take looking after my body seriously and try very hard not to eat to many UFP’s, so Naked Nutrition Grass Fed fills that protein gap for me and has become an easy way for my family to add protein to breakfasts and snacks.

I like that the flavoured Naked Whey powders have short ingredient lists and contain no artificial sweeteners. Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness, while chocolate produces a richer pancake that works particularly well with berries or nut butter. Always check the packaging for the current serving size, ingredients and nutritional information.

Today I am sharing with you my super simple protein pancakes which have only 3 ingredients and pack 38 grams of protein. These pancakes are a hit with my family too and we have made them with both the chocolate and vanilla Naked Whey.

These flourless protein pancakes use banana for natural sweetness and moisture, eggs for structure, and whey protein powder for flavour and additional protein. They are quick enough for a weekday breakfast and can be prepared in around 10 minutes.

Print

Simple Protein Pancakes

Super simple and healthy Protein pancakes with only 3 ingredients

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American, British

Keyword Healthy, Pancake, Protein

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4 pancakes

Author Jen Walshaw

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher
• None stick frying pan
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 1 banana Ripe
• 2 Medium Eggs
• 2 Scoops Naked Whey 32 grams

Instructions

• Mash up a ripe banana – you will know it’s ripe and perfect for pancakes when it starts to go a little brown.
  
• Add two eggs
  
• Add in the protein powder and mix until combined.
  
• Pour into a pre-heated pan (a little oil or butter will make things go smoothly) on a low heat
• Cook on each side for around 2 minutes depending on how thick you have made them
  
• Then, serve with toppings of your choice.

Notes

• Chocolate: Use chocolate Naked Whey and serve with raspberries.
• Vanilla and cinnamon: Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon.
• Blueberry: Press a few blueberries into each pancake after pouring the batter.
• Thinner pancakes: Add one or two tablespoons of milk.
• Extra texture: Add one or two tablespoons of oats, although the recipe will no longer contain only three ingredients.

These pancakes are best served immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat them gently in a frying pan or microwave. They can also be frozen with baking paper between each pancake and reheated from defrosted.

Tips for Perfect Protein Pancakes:

• Use a very ripe, spotty banana because it will mash more easily.
• Cook the pancakes over low to medium-low heat; protein pancakes can brown quickly.
• Make smaller pancakes so they are easier to turn.
• Let the batter rest for two minutes before cooking.
• Wait until the edges look set before flipping.
• Add a splash of milk if the mixture is unusually thick.
• Use a non-stick pan with a little butter or neutral oil.

FAQ

Why are my protein pancakes dry?
The heat may be too high, or the batter may contain too much powder. Cook them gently and add a small splash of milk if the batter is very thick.

Why do my pancakes fall apart?
They may have been turned too soon. Make small pancakes and wait for the edges to set before flipping.

Can I make the batter in a blender?
Yes. Blend the banana, eggs and protein powder briefly until combined. Avoid excessive blending.

Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes, although cooked pancakes store better than raw batter.

Can I make them without banana?
Not as a direct substitution—the banana supplies sweetness, moisture and structure. A banana-free version would need separate testing.

Are these pancakes gluten-free?
The basic ingredients do not inherently contain gluten, but readers with coeliac disease or allergies should check every product label and cross-contamination statement.

Key takeaways

• PocketGuard’s Leftover number tells you what’s safe to spend right now, not just what you already spent.
• YNAB suits people who want to assign every dollar a job before it leaves their account.
• Monarch Money and HoneyDue both work well once more than one person needs to see the same numbers.
• Rocket Money is built for hunting down forgotten subscriptions. Quicken Simplifi is better for income that changes month to month.
• Goodbudget is the app for anyone who liked the old cash-envelope system and never really left it behind.
• Nearly half of Americans now keep a monthly budget, up from 39% in 2021, per a 2026 Ramsey Solutions study – so the tool you pick is doing a lot of work.

Our Top Picks

Quick comparison first, in case you already know roughly what you’re after.

How We Evaluated Top Household Budgeting Apps

We didn’t rank these off a features page. Each app got linked to real accounts and used through a full month, bills and all, because that’s the only way to find out if a tool holds up once the novelty wears off.

Research & evaluation methodology

We tracked how each app handled the basics, account linking, categorizing, bill reminders, and checked every claim in this piece against current pricing pages before we published it.

Ranking criteria

Automation mattered most to us. An app that still makes you type in every purchase by hand isn’t saving you much of anything. After that we looked at clarity, whether it actually showed where money was going instead of just listing transactions and leaving you to connect the dots. Planning depth and security came next, and price only mattered once an app had already earned its place on the list. The ones that scored best were the personal finance apps that quietly handled the boring parts without hiding what they were doing behind the scenes.

The 7 Best Budgeting Apps to Help You Manage Money

Here’s a closer look at each household budgeting app – what it does best, what it costs, and the type of person it’s built for.

1. PocketGuard – Best Overall Budgeting App

Why we recommend it

Most household budgeting apps show you a receipt for last month. PocketGuard takes a different approach: this best budgeting app calculates one number, called Leftover, that tells you how much you can spend today after your bills, budgets, and savings goals are already accounted for. Over a million people use it across web, iOS, and Android for that reason alone.

Key features

Leftover updates the moment a transaction posts, so it’s never stale. The app also scans linked accounts for recurring bills and subscriptions on its own, which catches charges people forget about more often than you’d think. Budgets come with a rollover option, so money left unspent in a category carries into next month instead of resetting. There’s also Pace, which watches your spending speed against the last six months of habits and estimates where you’ll end up by the end of the month, early enough that you can still change course. A debt payoff plan lays out a real schedule for clearing balances, and the Last Month’s Budget Review shows a full snapshot of your Leftover, budgets, and bills so you can see what worked. Goals, transaction rules, and tags cover the rest, automating enough of the routine work that budgeting stops feeling like a chore.

Pricing

PocketGuard Plus is $12.99 a month or $74.99 a year. The annual plan works out to about $6.25 a month, well below most competitors.

Who should choose it

It works whether you’ve never made a budget in your life or you’ve been tracking spending in a spreadsheet for a decade and want something that does more of the work for you. It’s especially strong for anyone trying to get out of debt or stop overspending, since Leftover keeps every decision tied to what’s actually there.

Pros & cons

The strength is obvious: one trustworthy number, backed by automation that handles the tedious parts without being asked. Security runs on bank-level encryption. The one thing to know is that the deeper tools, like the debt planner and rollover budgets, sit behind the Plus subscription.

2. YNAB – Best for Zero-Based Budgeting

Why we recommend it

YNAB stands for You Need A Budget, and it means it. Every dollar gets a job the moment it hits your account, which suits people who want to decide where money is going before it’s spent, not after.

Key features

You’ll spend real time funding categories up front. In exchange you get tight reconciliation with linked accounts and reports detailed enough to show exactly where a habit is quietly eating your budget.

Pricing

YNAB runs $14.99 a month or $109 a year, near the top end for a dedicated budgeting app.

Who should choose it

People who’ve tried looser tracking apps and still overspent tend to do better here. YNAB rewards planning ahead over reacting after the fact.

Pros & cons

The method builds real habits, and YNAB’s educational content is some of the best in the category. It asks more of you upfront than most competitors.

3. Monarch Money – Best for Families

Why we recommend it

Money gets complicated the moment more than one person is spending it. Monarch Money’s answer is a shared dashboard everyone in the household can log into, instead of stitching together numbers from separate accounts.

Key features

Shared budgets, goal tracking, and reports detailed enough for anyone who wants to see trends over months, not just this week’s spending.

Pricing

Monarch costs $14.99 a month or $99.99 a year.

Who should choose it

Families with joint accounts, kids’ expenses, and shared savings goals will get the most out of it.

Pros & cons

The reporting is genuinely well built, and multi-user access removes the usual friction of keeping two people on the same page. It’s built for households that want to dig into the numbers, not glance at a total once a week.

4. HoneyDue – Best for Couples

Why we recommend it

HoneyDue doesn’t ask couples to merge everything. It just gives both partners visibility into shared bills while leaving room for separate accounts to stay separate.

Key features

Link individual and joint accounts side by side, split bills, send reminders before something’s due. There’s in-app chat too, so money conversations don’t end up buried in a text thread.

Pricing

Free, with an option to tip if it’s useful to you.

Who should choose it

Couples combining finances gradually rather than all at once will like that HoneyDue lets some accounts stay private while others are shared.

Pros & cons

It keeps joint budgeting low-pressure, which matters for newer couples especially. It stays focused on shared bills rather than acting as a full financial plan.

5. Rocket Money – Best for Subscription Management

Why we recommend it

Rocket Money made its name finding the subscriptions people forgot they were paying for. If a $9.99 charge has ever shown up on your statement for something you cancelled months ago, this is the app built to catch it.

Key features

It scans transaction history for every subscription it can find, flags price increases before they hit, and keeps recurring bills in one dashboard instead of scattered across statements.

Pricing

Free to use, with a Premium tier available.

Who should choose it

Anyone with a pile of streaming services and memberships they’ve lost track of will see the value almost immediately.

Pros & cons

It’s fast at surfacing charges you’d otherwise miss. The budgeting side works best when paired with an actual habit of checking in.

6. Quicken Simplifi – Best for Cash Flow Planning

Why we recommend it

Simplifi looks ahead instead of back, projecting upcoming income and expenses so a shortfall shows up on your radar before your account is already overdrawn.

Key features

Customizable spending plans and category watchlists feed rolling projections, giving a realistic read on where your balance is headed in the coming weeks.

Pricing

$47.88 a year.

Who should choose it

Freelancers and anyone whose paycheck isn’t the same twice will get more out of Simplifi’s forward-looking view than a typical tracker.

Pros & cons

The projections genuinely help when income is irregular, which is exactly where most budgeting apps struggle. Keeping them accurate means checking in fairly often.

7. Goodbudget – Best Envelope Budgeting App

Why we recommend it

Goodbudget takes the cash-envelope method and moves it onto your phone. Income gets split into virtual envelopes for groceries, rent, entertainment, whatever categories fit your life.

Key features

Envelopes sync across devices, so a couple or family can share a budget without linking every account. Manual entry works right alongside optional bank syncing.

Pricing

Free with a limited number of envelopes, plus a Plus tier for more.

Who should choose it

If the envelope system always made sense to you but carrying actual cash didn’t, this is the closest digital version.

Pros & cons

The visual limits build real discipline, since it’s harder to ignore an empty envelope than a number on a screen. It asks for more manual upkeep than apps built entirely around automatic syncing.

How to Choose the Right Budgeting App

There isn’t one best household budgeting app for everyone. There’s just the one that fits how you actually deal with money, and that looks different depending on whether you’re a spreadsheet person or someone who’d rather an app just tell you the answer. A good budget planner app makes your financial life lighter. That’s really the whole test.

Budgeting method

Some people want every dollar assigned to a job before it’s spent, that’s zero-based budgeting, and it’s basically what YNAB is built around. Other people just want one number telling them what’s safe to spend without babysitting a dozen categories. Digital envelopes suit anyone who thinks in categories. Whatever method you’ve stuck with longest before is usually worth building on now.

Automation & bank sync

Nobody wants to type every purchase in by hand, so automatic imports and bill detection matter more than most features on a list. The apps that flag recurring charges or estimate your spending pace earn their keep here. They’re the difference between catching a problem mid-month and getting blindsided by it at the end.

Security & privacy

Bank-level encryption and read-only account connections are non-negotiable before you link anything. Skim the privacy policy too, it takes a minute. Reputable apps pull your data through established aggregators like Plaid rather than storing your bank login themselves.

Pricing & long-term value

Look past the sticker price and check what each tier actually unlocks. A cheap app that’s missing the one feature you’d actually use isn’t really cheap at all. For what it’s worth, a 2026 Ramsey Solutions study found the share of Americans keeping a monthly budget climbed from 39% in 2021 to 47% today, so more people seem to be finding tools worth sticking with.

FAQ

What is the best budgeting app overall?

PocketGuard is our top overall pick. It’s less about any one standout feature and more about how much it covers under one roof – the safe-to-spend number, automatic bill detection, a real debt payoff plan. Most money management apps make you choose one of those. PocketGuard doesn’t.

Are budgeting apps safe to connect to bank accounts?

Generally, yes, as long as you stick with established names. They connect through data aggregators like Plaid, so the app can read your transactions but has no way to actually move money. Two things worth checking before you link anything: read-only access and bank-level encryption.

What is the difference between free and paid budgeting apps?

Mostly limits. Free tiers cap how many accounts or categories you can track, sometimes tightly enough that the app stops being useful. Paying removes those caps and unlocks the tools that do the real work, things like debt payoff plans and deeper reporting.

Which budgeting app is best for beginners?

Whichever one turns your finances into a single number you can actually act on, rather than a spreadsheet of categories to learn on day one. That’s why PocketGuard’s Leftover tends to click fast for first-timers.

Can a household budgeting app help you save more money?

They can, mostly by catching what you’d miss on your own. Forgotten subscriptions are the classic example. YouGov’s research backs this up too: about half of people who budget say increasing their savings is the entire reason they started.

What is zero-based budgeting, and which app is best for it?

Every dollar gets assigned a job before you spend it, so nothing just sits there unaccounted for. It takes more discipline than most methods, which is exactly what YNAB was built around.

Do budgeting apps replace spreadsheets?

For most people, yes, and honestly they should. A solid personal finance app handles the syncing and categorizing a spreadsheet never will on its own. Spreadsheets still make sense if you want total manual control, but that’s a smaller group than it used to be.

Final Verdict

Every app on this list earns its spot somewhere. HoneyDue works for couples who want shared visibility without merging accounts. Simplifi works for anyone whose income moves around. But if you only want to install one app and have it cover most of what you need, from your first budget to a plan you actually stick to, PocketGuard is where we’d start. The Leftover number alone does more work than most trackers manage with a dozen features.

These kid-friendly summer slow cooker recipes are perfect for hot nights when you can’t stand to turn on the oven or stove, busy weekdays when you’re short on time trying to juggle everything, weekends when you are making the most of that warm weather and summer gatherings.

So let’s keep the kitchen cool and our families fed with these summer slow cooker meals.

Family Friendly Summer Slow Cooker Meals

One of the issues my family tend to have with slow cooker food is it all tends to be a bit orange. Very often it is tomato-based ingredients that do that, so I have tried to share some of the more diverse summer dishes that we make on a regular basis. I don’t have the patience for slow cooker meals that are prep-heavy or require pre-browning (unless it makes a massive difference to the look and taste).

Slow Cooker Ham

Slow cooker ham is an all year round recipe for me. I cook it in Coke, Dr Pepper, Ginger beer or Appletiser depending on what I have in the pantry. I don’t always glaze it either. In the summer I serve with new potatoes and a massive salad. The leftovers never last long and are perfect for picnic lunches.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

So this is my pulled pork recipe and I cook it in the Instapot or the slow cooker. The timings for the slow cooker really are low and slow, so on low for 8 hours or medium for 6. If you want to make your own BBQ sauce then this date BBQ sauce is delicious.

Slow cooker Doner Kebab

This slow cooker doner kebab is my most popular recipe and there is a reason for it – It is delicious, simple and the slow cooker does all the hard work. Serve with pitta breads and a salad and you are all set for a delicious summer meal.

Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups

We love Korean-style food and have found that when introducing kids to new flavours, wraps make it easier. If you have hungry teens then wholemeal wraps are a great addition to these Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups. We have also made this with beansprouts when I don’t have water chestnuts in the house, I just add them before serving. Oh and Aldi do frozen chicken breasts that you can cook from frozen and they work so well in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders

I have to admit it took me a while to realise what sausages to use in place of Italian sausage in these Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders as it isn’t something we get in the UK. These are delicious made with chipolatas – both Heck and Aldi Sell delicious Italian Chicken ones, which I think cook much better in a slow cooker (less fat).

Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes

Yes, you can cook Jacket Potatoes in the slow cooker and they are perfect for all year round. I love them for using up any leftovers from earlier in the week. Just imagine these topped with pulled pork or any of the other recipes here.

Gingery Slow Cooker Chicken with Cabbage Slaw

This Gingery Slow Cooker Chicken with Cabbage Slaw is made with chicken thighs, so is great value for money and they become so tender when cooked. The red cabbage coldslaw is great for introducing the crunchy texture to kids as it isn’t overly oniony (it is made with spring onions) and it is super quick to make.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Meatballs (no Pre-Browning!)

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Chorizo Orzo

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Chorizo Orzo will become one of your family favourites. It is comforting and delicious. I substitute the double cream for low-fat creme fresh.

Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo

What I love about these Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo is just how versatile they are – Big Family, then use a large pork shoulder joint. For smaller families, you can cook this with a pork fillet. It is a flavourful meal which can be bulked out with rice.

Slow Cooker Korean Pork Tacos

Whilst we are talking about pork, these Slow Cooker Korean Pork Tacos are brilliant for a family. I find that Korean food has a delightful sweetness that kids seem to love. We regularly have Korean beef tacos and the picked cucumber from that recipe would be a great addition here.

Pepper, Date and Harissa Tagine

This Pepper, date and harissa tagine is brilliant for the gluts of summer vegetables perfect with courgettes and I have made this with frozen butternut squash before and trust me you do not even realise it is meat-free. Serve with couscous. and flatbreads. It screams summer.

Slow Cooker Summer Vegetable and Butter Bean Stew

Think you don’t like butter beans? Well, you haven’t been introduced to the Bold Bean Co, they will transform your opinion. This bejewelled slow cooker summer vegetable and butter bean stew is a wonderfully filling warn salad and the juice is just crying out to be met with a crusty baguette.

Slow Cooker Zesty Fajita Bites

It took me a long time to find a slow cooker fajita recipe that wasn’t too liquidy. These Zesty Fajita Bites still have cooking liquor left at the end, but you remove it and then shred the chicken. So they have the familiar flavours of fajitas but are a little extra. If you have any leftover chicken it is great served as a quesadilla with some cheese!

Cowboy Brisket

There are loads of recipes for Beef tacos out there, but oh my Cowboy Brisket is something special. Alas, you can’t get cowboy rub in the UK, but you can make your own and it is worth it. You can get a flat cut of brisket at your local butchers or just pick up a brisket joint at the supermarket. You can transform any leftovers into a chilli or top your jacket potatoes with it.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chickpeas

One of our local cafes serves coronation chickpeas, which is what made me look into this Slow Cooker Barbecue Chickpea recipe. I have yet to come up with a slow-cooker coronation chickpea recipe, but we love this one. Perfect for meat-free Mondays.

Slow Cooker Bean Chilli

I am not one for browning things before putting them in the slow cooker, I mean who has time for that? So with this Slow cooker bean chilli recipe, I used to use frozen onions (which are already pre-cooked). Now I am onion and garlic-free, I use the greens of Spring onion and asafoetida (which is an Indian spice that kinds of tastes like onion). Also, my top tip is a can of mixed beans is a great addition, that way you get a mix of loads of different beans.

Slow Cooker Beef and Macaroni

Pasta in the slow cooker? Yes! This Slow Cooker Beef and Macaroni is a recipe that an Aussie friend sent me a fair few years back when I was looking for slow cooker recipes. It is a great one-pot meal for when everyone is busy doing their own thing and they can grab a bowl full when they get in. Much less cheese than my favourite Mac n Cheese, which somehow makes is more summery!

Indian-Spiced Chicken and Cauliflower

What I love about this Indian-Spiced Chicken and Cauliflower dish is that you can just leave out the meat and not feel as though it is missing anything. Instead of a small head of cauliflower, use a large one.

Tip: If you have younger or spice-averse children then coconut yogurt is a godsend.

Slow Cooker Peri Peri Style Chicken – A Nandos Dupe

Your teenagers will love this delicious Nando’s Dupe Slow Cooker Peri Peri Style Chicken. Again this is an all-year-round meal for for us and it is so versatile. The recipe uses a whole chicken, but I have made this with skinless breasts and thighs and skipped the oven roasting at the end. I have also made it with chicken drumsticks and rather than pop in the oven I have finished the corn on the cob and skinned chicken in the air fryer.

Slow-cooked Lamb Gyros

Lamb when slow-cooked is just amazing. These Slow-cooked lamb gyros are melt-in-the-mouth delicious and perfect for a summer meal. You will have plenty left over for later and it freezes well – Trust me I know.

Slow Cooker Satay Chicken Wraps

This slow cooker satay chicken wrap is a real family favourite. Simple to make with store cupboard ingredients and one that is delicious hot or cold.

Slow Cooker Feta and Tomato Pasta

I think we have all seen the viral Feta and Tomato Pasta, but this is a slow-cooker version. My top tip for this is it is worth separating the pasta at the end and using a stick blender to smooth out the sauce. So as you cook the pasta separately anyway, I used the slow cooker to make the sauce rather than pick out all the pasta shapes.

Apricot Chipotle Pork Ribs

Slow Cooker Dal

I am a massive fan of River Cottage and their slow cooker Dal is one recipe I return to again and again. There is something comforting about dal and even in the summer, I love it. The boys were weaned on dal and naans, so feel the same.

From quirky celebration days to national festivals and seasonal adventures, here are some brilliant ways to make memories this August.

Special Days & Celebrations

1st August – Yorkshire Day

Celebrate all things Yorkshire! Try traditional treats such as Yorkshire puddings or Yorkshire parkin, tea tasting, or a flat cap selfie session.

4th August – National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

Bake together or create your own cookie sundae bar with toppings and scoops.

8th August – International Cat Day

Make cat-themed crafts or read your favourite feline books. Got a cat? Plan a mini pamper session for your furry friend.

12th August – World Elephant Day

Learn about elephants and conservation with a craft or a nature documentary.

15th August – National Relaxation Day

Host a family spa day. Try DIY bath melts or bath oils, and finish with a reading corner.

19th August – World Photography Day

Give each family member a camera or phone and go on a photo scavenger hunt.

30th August – International Whale Shark Day

Explore ocean life through crafts, books, or an aquarium trip.

Festivals, Events & Adventures

Edinburgh Festival Fringe (7–31 August 2025)

Catch a family-friendly show, or create your own living-room performance at home.

Notting Hill Carnival (29–31 August 2025)

Make your own masks, dance to steel drums, or try Caribbean food recipes.

Summer Reading Challenge

Still going strong! Visit your local library and encourage the kids to finish their challenge. We have some fab bookmarks to download.

Perseid Meteor Shower (peaks 11–13 August)

Stay up late for a magical stargazing evening. Bring blankets, hot chocolate, and wish on shooting stars.

Local Fêtes & Flower Shows

Visit a nearby village fête, county show, or allotment contest. Look for face painting, crafts, and cake stalls.

Things to Try This August

• Create a DIY obstacle course in the garden or park.
• Try water balloon painting or sponge targets for a fun splashy game.
• Make pressed flower bookmarks – lovely for gifts or memory keeping.
• Go on a bee or butterfly walk and record what you spot.
• Host a backyard movie night – fairy lights + popcorn = magic.
• Pack a teddy bear picnic – dress up your cuddly crew!
• Try a no-spend day – visit the library, explore nature, or craft from your stash.
• Visit a pick-your-own farm for late-summer berries or sunflowers.
• Start a family time capsule – fill it with drawings, notes, or mementos to open next August.

Crafts to Match the Month

Get hands-on with creative makes that are perfect for summer:

• Tissue Confetti Photo Frame – great for summer memories.
• DIY Vanilla & Peppermint Lip Scrub – for your relaxation day.
• DIY Star Wars Soaps – for bath time fun.
• Magnetic Pin Bowl – great for budding sewists.
• Fingerprint Mugs – perfect for handmade gifts or keepsakes.

Final Thought

August doesn’t have to be packed to be meaningful. Whether you do one activity or many, let this Could Do List offer gentle inspiration for sunny days, rainy afternoons, and everything in between.

Don’t forget to download your free printable tick list below and keep it on the fridge or in your planner.

Looking for more monthly inspiration?

Explore our full archive of Could-Do Lists and seasonal crafts.

Strengthen Account and Device Security

Passwords are what allow us to demonstrate to a device or a service that we are who we claim to be. But when we compose weak passwords that are easily guessed, it becomes possible for a malicious person to impersonate us. What’s more, when the passwords we compose are not unique to one corner of the internet, a breach in one place can cause many accounts to become compromised. In other words, it’s essential that you come up with a new password every time, rather than simply reusing the same few.

Multi-factor authentication, which relies on our using a phone, a biometric marker, or both, is many times more secure. Essential services, like bank accounts, should be protected in this way. At the same time, you might set up automatic updates for your devices, and consider the use of a password manager, for maximum security.

Encourage Safe and Responsible Browsing Habits

Common sense can go a long way when you’re browsing the internet. Encourage family members to be cautious when browsing the internet. Show them what HTTPS is, and what it means. Warn them about the threat of phishing, and that they should be extra cautious before entering personal data into any online form.

Use Parental Controls and Privacy Settings Effectively

Many Internet providers will provide a powerful suite of controls for filtering what comes through your home router. But not all of the content that your family might view will come through your home network. Look at platform and device-specific filters, too.

You might also consider other measures for enhancing your privacy. Specialised browsers, like the Tor browser, and Virtual Private Networks are now extremely popular. It’s worth also knowing how to change IP address.

Build Awareness Through Communication and Education

In the long term, the best protection against online harms is vigilance – and vigilance, more often than not, is a result of proactive conversation. If you put off talking about cyberbullying, misinformation, and online scams, then you’re more likely to be affected by them. Children should be taught not only how to recognise these problems, but also about appropriate actions to take afterwards.