Dame Valerie Adams on budgeting for busy families

We sat down with AIA Vitality Ambassador, Dame Valerie to find out how she approaches budgeting as a busy parent raising a family, from meal planning to teaching her tamariki about the value of money. She also opens up about how her mindset around money has changed since becoming a mum, and offers encouragement to other parents trying to make it all work. 

I work off a monthly budget. That’s what helps keep us on track. As a single parent, there’s a lot to factor in – power, food, medical bills, extracurricular activities… it all adds up. So, I like to plan ahead as best I can.

One thing I’ve learned is that cooking in bulk saves us time and money. I make large dinners and freeze portions for those nights when we’re rushing around with after school activities or I’m just short on time. That way, the kids still eat well without us constantly grabbing takeaways. I used to fall into that trap – it’s convenient, but not great for the budget. Now I’m way more conscious of those decisions.

Little things add up too. Like coffees out. I didn’t realise how quickly that spend was creeping up until I started cutting back. 

Budgeting well, for me, means living within your means. Being mindful. Planning ahead. Saving a bit for a rainy day.

You don’t need to match what the neighbours are doing. You’ve got to do what works well for your household. At the end of the day, focus on the people you know will be in your corner when things get tough.

I’ve always been someone who checks the price tag, and I’ll happily shop around for a better deal. We travel to the butcher in Ōtara because it’s more affordable than some of the places closer to us. And honestly, there are so many clever hacks out there – like using baking soda and vinegar for cleaning, instead of expensive products. You don’t need to buy the flash stuff.

Being resourceful doesn’t mean you’re missing out, it just means you’re smart with what you’ve got.  

Kids know what money is, don’t be fooled! My daughter recently asked me to build her a basement with a secret door, a music room and all sorts, and she told me I could do it for $1,000!

So, it’s about teaching them where money comes from, and that you’ve got to work to earn it. I tell them: “Mum goes to work so I can feed you, house you, and take care of you.” And if they want something extra, they’ve got to do extra chores.

They already have their standard jobs like making beds and putting washing away. But if they want pocket money, they need to earn it. My son mows the lawn (it might look a bit wild afterwards, but hey, he’s working towards those Minecraft pyjamas).  And I inspect the jobs too – if it’s not done properly, they’re doing it again. I’m a tough boss!

When we go to the shops, they have their set amount of pocket money. If they try to grab something worth more, I remind them, “You’ve got $2. Let’s go to the $2 shop and see what that gets you.” It’s about helping them understand value. They’re also learning to count their money, save up for what they really want, and make choices.

I want to raise kids who know how to budget, who aren’t reliant on me forever, and who understand how to manage their own finances one day. 

You don’t need to spend money to stay active. We walk to and from school every day, even if it’s raining. We head to the park with scooters and a ball. We’ve got a mini gym at home, and sometimes the kids just want to go in and have their own little workout.

There are heaps of free options out there. Find a mountain to climb, visit a local park or even just get outside for a walk. In the evenings we’ll put on some yoga for kids or ‘Just Dance’ on YouTube and move around together. It’s fun, it’s free, and it gets us moving.

And speaking of screens, during the week there’s no iPad time. They know that. The devices are there, but they don’t touch them. On weekends they can have some time, especially if Mum needs a break, but during the week it’s about fresh air and movement.

Even things like washing the car together – they love that stuff! Give them a bucket of water and they’re into it. It’s about making movement part of the routine in a way that works for the whole whānau. 

If you’re trying to balance it all, be kind to yourself. Do what’s right for your family, not anyone else’s.

And make sure you look after yourself first, because you can’t pour from an empty cup. I always think of life like a tricycle; one wheel is work, one is family, and one is finances. You’ve got to balance each wheel to keep the thing moving forward.

These days, it feels like too many of us are working just to get by, and that’s tough. We all deserve to live, not just survive. If we can find ways to budget smart, save a little, and make room to enjoy time with our whānau, then maybe we can all breathe a bit easier.

But I know that’s not always the reality. For some, it’s hard mahi just to make ends meet. So, wherever you’re at, just know you’re not alone, and every little step you take makes a difference.