Summer is an exciting time. There is so much to do and experience, especially if you have kids. But summer can also be a time to fall off of the wagon frugally. Here are some of the summer money grabbers that could quickly consume your money.
Expensive family vacations
You have to take a family vacation, right? Spending a lot of money on a family vacation is easy, but it is equally as easy to have your vacation done frugally. Do you really need that lavish vacation to an exotic location? Some frugal ideas include going local to save on gas and airfare, go on a camping trip, stay with friends, vacation at home with a series of day trips and doing as much research as you can before you book that vacation.
Expensive kids camps
Do you feel pressured to send your kids to an expensive camp just because all of their friends are going? You don’t want them to miss out! But if you can’t afford that camp, then giver yourself a break and let it go. Organize a mom’s camp for kids in your area and look into local resources. Our town sponsors and affordable sports day camp, as does our church. The library has a science camp and a local botanical garden has a series of free kids nature activities.
New summertime additions
Sure, a new pool or swing set might be wonderful to have for the summer, but if you don’t know how you are going to pay for it then you are adding more stress to your family than the addition is worth. You may be telling your kids that it is okay to be in debt to enjoy life. Instead pool your resources with friends. Maybe one of your friends has a pool while you have the swing set. Share your resources.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don’t miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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