For many families, summer is the perfect time to bask in the sun and take a much-needed break from school and work; it’s not the time to build up debt. While booking weekend getaways and vacations may be tempting, it’s important to consider how your summer spending will impact your finances in the long run.
To help you enjoy summer without the guilt of overspending, here are some suggestions for no- or low-cost activities that will maximize your fun and minimize your debt:
- Plan a staycation. If you can’t afford to go out of town without accumulating debt, plan a staycation. Oftentimes, we miss out on the interesting things in our own towns because we’re used to seeing them every day. However, a quick internet search for your town and others close by can help you discover hidden gems you may have overlooked. Read reviews and make a list of popular local attractions or landmarks and spend a day being a tourist in your own town.
- Look for free community events. Many communities offer free events to encourage residents to get outside. For example, some townships or community centers offer free movie nights. Take along a blanket and some snacks and enjoy the entertainment for much less than the cost of movie tickets.
- Scout out free or low-cost concerts. Some public parks will host concerts at either no cost or a very low price. Grab a friend and enjoy some live music in the beautiful summer weather.
- Plan a potluck-style picnic. Instead of paying for meals at a restaurant, plan a lunch or dinner picnic with friends. Make it potluck-style so everyone contributes one dish to the meal. Just don’t forget to be kind to the environment and clean up when you’re done!
- Have a clothing swap with your friends. Are you bored with your wardrobe and tempted to buy all new summer clothes? Before you do that, reach out to friends and plan a date when you can all have a clothing swap. Choose a number of items for each person to bring. Then take clothes that you will probably never wear again and trade them for some new-to-you clothing without the hefty price tags.
There are plenty of ways to save while still enjoying summer break. In addition to these ideas, don’t forget to always ask stores and vendors if they offer a student discount. This can save you additional dollars with a simple flash of your student ID.