Summer Spending Tips

With school out and vacations near, it’s easy to see how summer can blow a hole in the family budget. This summer, consider a few ways you can have fun near home and control your spending, too.

SAY HI

Many towns and some cities host free movie and concert nights, and a few even have periodic fireworks displays. Meet your neighbors in the process and you win all around without opening your wallet.

BE FESTIVE

Summer is dotted with food, music and wine festivals throughout the country. If you control the urge to buy everything in sight, these can be a good way to spend a day in the fresh air and enjoy free samples, too.

HAVE A PICNIC

Another way to enjoy the outdoors at low cost in the summer is to picnic in the many parks around the country. Invite family or friends and include a scenic hike, refreshing swim or bike ride for an added health benefit.

BRING YOUR OWN

Fill your cooler with snacks and drinks when driving to any of these activities to save on the cost of buying them on the road. A quick stop at a scenic rest area can be fun and rejuvenating during those long rides.