Budgeting Expert Reveals 10 Money-Saving Hacks To Afford Summer Fun
Many families stretch their budgets thin in the summer months. Between booking vacations and travel, signing up for camps and purchasing seasonal essentials like swimwear, outdoor toys and equipment and groceries, all this active spending adds up.
But summer doesn’t need to be expensive. Money-saving expert Andrea Woroch recently shared her top practical tips in an e-newsletter designed to help families afford the summer months.
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Consider trying a few of these approaches for a frugal and fun summer season.
1. Attend Free Admission Days at Local Museums
Most major cities offer free admission days at their most popular museums. Check to see which day of the week or month, your museum offers free admission.
2. Look Into Free Events From Your Local Parks and Recreation
See what your local parks and recreation department has to offer this summer. Some of their most popular free events include outdoor concerts and movie nights.
3. Check Popular Retailers for Free Classes and Workshops
The Home Depot, for example, is known for offering free kids’ workshops every month. Check its website to see what’s coming up and how you can register.
4. Visit Your Local Library
There are more than books available at your nearest library. You can check out movies, read newspapers that typically require a subscription, get free day passes to events in the area and attend free activities for kids and adults. (If you don’t already have a library card, now is the time to sign up.)
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5. See If Any Local Churches Offer Free Summer Camps
And if you don’t find any, Woroch recommended inquiring with youth centers about sliding scale fees for their summer camps.
6. Use ResortPass While Staying at a Budget-Friendly Hotel
How does this hack work? Woroch said families can book stays at budget-friendly hotels and use ResortPass to enjoy amenities, like pools and spas, available at more expensive resorts. According to the ResortPass website, many day passes start at $25.
7. Explore Travel Packages Available at Warehouse Clubs
If you’re a member of a warehouse club like Costco or Sam’s Club, see what kinds of travel packages they offer. Your membership could mean scoring major savings on popular vacations as well as hotel stays, cruises and rental cars.
8. Take Advantage of Discounted Summer Movie Programs
Some movie theater chains, like Regal, offer discounted summer movie programs where tickets cost $1 and discounts are applied to snacks at concessions.
9. Dine at Restaurants Where Kids Eat for Free
To make sure you’re not missing any, Woroch recommended using the KidsEatFree app to explore all eateries where kids’ meals are on the house.
10. Book Theme Park Tickets Early
And skip the add-ons. They’re convenient but often quite pricey.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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