Summer is a great time to get outside, get active and get away with family or friends. Unfortunately, a lot of typical summertime activities like vacations, theme parks and concerts can be very expensive.
The good news is that you can still have lots of summertime fun without draining your bank account dry. With these tips, you and your loved ones can have a great time all summer long and potentially end up with more in your savings account come fall.
Pay yourself first, automatically
Get your summertime savings started off right. Create a budget that covers your regular expenditures like rent and food, as well as optional expenses like entertainment. With a bit of luck, you’ll have money left over to put into your savings. If so, schedule recurring automatic transfers of that amount to your savings account to coincide with your paydays. You won’t miss the money (but it’s always there if you need it) and you’ll enjoy watching your savings grow.
Spend less, spend smarter
With a little effort and planning, you can spend more efficiently and save money almost every day.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Brown bag it. Eating at restaurants, even fast-food chains, has gotten a lot more expensive lately (have you noticed that $1 value menus are becoming $5 value menus?). You can realize considerable savings by prepping your meals at home. Going on a road trip? Pack snacks to eat along the way so you don’t have to buy them at expensive roadside gas stations and markets.
2. Use coupons and check out the weekly ads. Most grocery stores run weekly specials, and this is where your savings can really add up. Some offers require a coupon, many don’t. Also, manufacturer’s coupons can often give you even greater savings if redeemed when their product is on special.
3. Forego the car wash. Commercial car washes may be convenient, but they’re also expensive. Grab a bucket, some soap and a few rags and clean your car at home (don’t forget your Bluetooth speaker so you can listen to some tunes while you wash). You’ll save money, and have fun doing it.
Relax and recharge close to home with a staycation
Looking to get away this summer? There’s no need to pay for airfare and a rental car. For many Californians, new places to explore are just a one-to-four hour road trip away. Pick your destination, then look for lodging deals on web sites like Airbnb.com and vrbo.com. If you prefer a hotel experience, check sites like Hotels.com and expedia.com among many others. Pro tip: Look for hotels that offer complimentary breakfasts.
Try these fun, affordable alternatives to expensive theme parks
Admission prices at theme parks are sky high these days (for example, while ticket prices and offers may vary, one-day adult admission to many major parks can run well over $100). Luckily, there are still lots of other ways to have fun without breaking the bank, like these:
• Check out nearby state parks and regional recreation areas. State parks charge a modest entrance fee per carload while many regional recreation areas are available to you free of charge. Once there, you’ll find plenty to do, like swimming, hiking, rock climbing or just picnicking. Whatever you do, though, be sure to make safety a priority (and don’t forget the sunscreen). Learn more about California’s state parks here.
• Mix sun and fun at beachside amusement parks. There are several beachside amusement parks and boardwalks up and down the California coast, from San Diego to Santa Cruz. Beachside parks are typically much more affordable than their inland siblings, and can be every bit as fun. Here are four of the most popular:
- Belmont Park in San Diego
- Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach
- Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
- Santa Cruz Boardwalk in Santa Cruz
• Expand your knowledge for free
Attractions like museums and zoos are both fun to visit and educational. Check local web sites and community guides to find out about discount days or, sometimes, days where admission is free.
• Watch free movies and concerts at your local parks
Check out your local parks and recreation department to see if they offer free movie nights in your local park. If you live for live music, communities up and down California offer free concert series that feature a wide range of musical styles, from classical and country to punk and funk. Check out an extensive list of communities that offer free summer concerts here.