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5 Tips to Save Money on Your End-of-Summer Festivities
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Even though summer is almost half over, we can’t forget the main goal of the season: have fun, but don’t let your finances to dampen your spirits.
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OK, that may not be the only goal, but it’s worth remembering that you can enjoy the summer months without breaking the bank. For example, never rule out that neighboring communities may offer fun activities—like festivals, car shows, and outdoor concerts—that you can enjoy for little or no cost. With that in mind, here are five things you can consider when planning a summer vacation. enjoy the most amazing summer season.
Plan your activities in advance
Summer is in full swing, but you can still plan ahead for the rest of it. Anytime you plan your trips in advance, you can budget for them more efficiently. Plus, looking for discounts and buying in advance can reduce the overall cost by about 10-15%.
If there’s a favorite local amusement park or beach, see if they still have seasonal passes. You can often calculate the number of times you need to visit your favorite spot to determine if it’s economically beneficial to pay the expense up front. Sometimes, just two visits is enough to make it worth it.
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Share the costs with family and friends
Pooling resources with family and friends can create a wonderful summer adventure for everyone at a fraction of the cost. Today, Airbnbs rent to travelers on a space-by-space basis, not a per-person basis. They have dining areas and other amenities that can reduce the overall cost for larger groups looking to spend quality time with the people they love and care about.
Use a tourist discount card
If you are traveling to another state and intend to do some sightseeing, ask if the city you are traveling to has an all-access tourist discount card. Many cities identify it as a “Go City” card.
The premise is simple. Pay a fee to gain access to a variety of museums, amusement parks, great restaurants, and additional attractions. You purchase the card for a set number of days and are free to roam. Restaurants offer a discount, while attractions may allow you to enter. The overall savings can add up quickly.
Set financial limits
No matter where you’re traveling, set a budget for the month — weekly and daily. This will help you plan your activities.
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Additionally, you can get creative by planning an activity on a day that isn’t a peak time to cut costs. For example, if you’re planning to see a movie, you might go during the week or in the middle of the day. If you’re traveling to the beach, you might plan for the evening hours when parking fees are typically waived. Setting a monthly budget gives you more flexibility to incorporate higher-expense excursions into the days when you need to have fun on a tight budget.
Save in advance
Saving up in advance is always important — even if you’re already thinking about next summer. Join forces with your family and create a bucket list for next year. This will allow you to plan for next year’s festivities and look forward to making new memories.
Having fun during the summer doesn’t have to break the bank or leave you in debt. Making a few adjustments to your summer plans can allow you to enjoy the beautiful weather, try new things, and still stay on track with your financial goals.
Editor’s note: Dr. Nicole B. Simpson is a dedicated Certified Financial Planner and CEO and Founder of Harvest Wealth Financial.
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This article was originally published in GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Financial Planner: 5 Tips to Save Money on Your End-of-Summer Festivities