Yahoo Finance 50 Best Summer Budgeting Tips for Families
Summer is expensive for families. With the kids home from school, your grocery bills will undoubtedly go up. If you pay for daycare or summer camp, that can also eat a big chunk out of your household budget.
And if you’re planning for a vacation? Gas or airline fares, hotel prices and convenience food can quickly devour your budget.
A recent GOBankingRates survey revealed that more than 57% of Americans plan to stick to a budget this summer. On the heels of Memorial Day weekend, we’ve got 50 expert tips to help you save over the next several months.
Also here are seven tips to help create a summertime budget and stick to it.
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Find Free Entertainment in Nature
“For entertainment, explore free activities such as nature hikes, library visits and community events,” said Andrew Latham, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and managing editor at SuperMoney.com.
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Visit Your Local Public Library
Julie Beckham, financial education officer at Rockland Trust, agreed with Latham’s suggestion of relying on your local public library for free entertainment. Libraries offer more than just free books, children’s activities, crafts and computers.
“Your local library (or one in the next city or town over) may have free events every day or even access to tickets for local events and museums,” she said.
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Take Advantage of Free Days at Zoos and Museums
New York’s Bronx Zoo famously offers free admission every Wednesday. The Smithsonian Zoo in Washington, D.C. is free every day, as are all Smithsonian Museums and Zoos except for the Cooper Hewitt in New York City.
Many museums in cities across the U.S. offer “pay what you wish” or free admission. The Museums For All program offers free or reduced admission for families receiving SNAP-EBT benefits.
Use Apps and Websites To Find the Best Deals
“There are many online coupon sites out there that have money-saving deals for restaurants, museums, concerts and more,” Beckham said. “Many apps can also help you find local deals and discounts.”
One go-to resource should be Groupon, where you can buy discounted tickets to local attractions like escape rooms and bowling centers to keep the kids cool and occupied on hot or rainy summer days.
Check Local Websites To Find Free Movie Nights and Concerts
“Many communities offer free events during the summer, from outdoor concerts to farmers’ markets,” said Renee McBride, digital marketing manager at Net Pay Advance. “Make the most of these opportunities for low-cost entertainment. It’s a great way to enjoy the season and explore the unique fun your town has to offer without breaking the bank.”
Websites like MommyPoppins.com and Patch list free local events for kids and families of all ages. When you visit MommyPoppins, you can check for camps, classes and other events in your region, from Long Island to Los Angeles.
Splurge on a CityPass
If you live near a major city or plan to visit one, you’ll save on tourist attractions with a CityPASS. Choose from 16 major cities and see five of the top attractions for up to 40% off or more. Whether you are planning a day trip to Chicago or celebrating summer at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio and want to see other sights while you are there, Citypass makes it more affordable.
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Pack a Picnic at the Local Park
Building summer core memories for your kids doesn’t have to be extravagant, Beckham said. “A trip to the park and homemade popsicles might be heaven to them.”
“It might seem like you’re alone, as you scroll through Instagram spotting everyone’s vacations while dipping your feet into a plastic pool,” she said. “But consider those posts a mirage. Try not to put your (or the world’s) expectations of a perfect summer on your kids. You might wish you had your feet in the sand somewhere exotic, but your little ones just want to spend time with YOU!”
Shop Memorial Day Sales To Build a Backyard Oasis
If you feel it is time to upgrade that tiny plastic pool, shop the Memorial Day sales that are still in full effect. You can splurge on a 12-foot round, 48-inch pool that will fit the whole family for a lot less than you might imagine.
While you are at it, consider new patio furniture and a firepit to turn every summer weekend into the ultimate staycation.
Create a “Sand Bucket List” of Free Summer Activities
Brainstorm with your kids to come up with fun, free summer plans, as well as accomplishments they want to check off their “sand bucket list” before school starts.
Grab some poster board from Dollar Tree, brightly colored markers, stickers and — if you’re brave — glitter-glue. Ideas might include, “Have a sleepover with friends,” “See my cousins,” “Swim in a pool” or “Learn to ride a bike.”
Slim Down Your Subscriptions
Ideally, plenty of day trips, warm weather and summer activities won’t give you much time to binge your favorite shows. Review your streaming subscriptions and consider canceling for summer. You can always re-subscribe if you decide you miss the service.
The average consumer pays nearly $1,000 a year for subscriptions, according to GOBankingRates, so canceling a few can help you save some serious cash.
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Consider Season Passes to Your Favorite Places
Consider taking some of the money from streaming or website subscriptions and invest in passes to some of your family’s favorite places. For instance, Regal Cinemas’ Unlimited pass lets you see as many 2D movies as you’d like per month for less than the cost of two movie tickets. You’ll also get discounts on concessions.
Go Bowling for Free
Kids Bowl Free is a national program that lets kids under 16 bowl two free games every day at select bowling centers nationwide. You’ll need to sign up at each participating location near you. Free games do not include the cost of shoes, but it’s still an affordable way to pass the time on a rainy day.
Cash in Credit Card Points for Hotels and Travel
If you’re planning a trip, consider booking through your credit card’s travel portal, like Chase Ultimate Rewards, to cash in points and save money.
Book Through Costco Travel
Alternatively, you can cash in credit card points for a statement credit or cash and use that money to book a trip through Costco.
TommieLynn Mulderig, who considers herself a “Disney-on-a-dime girl” and super-saver, said, “We have had great success booking hotels close by Walt Disney World Resort and getting a hotel and rental car with tickets to the park cheaper than other options.”
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Use AARP or AAA Discounts When You Travel
“Take advantage of offers like AARP and AAA deals. Many hotels and resorts offer members discounts up to 20% when booking trips,” said Michael Hershfield, CEO and founder of Accrue Savings.
Bundle Travel
“Consider bundling your hotel and flight for an overall cheaper rate,” Hershfield said. “However, don’t forget to compare the price if you were to purchase your hotel and flight separately.”
Ultimately, it takes some comparison shopping to snag the best rates, whether you shop at Costco or through an app like Experian for cash-back rewards.
Book During the Off-Season
While local Florida residents advise against a trip to Disney in late August, when the weather is hot and humid, you can save money that time of year.
Bonus: The parks will be emptier, which means shorter lines for the best rides. Plan to spend midday indoors or in the water, perhaps at a character lunch or lounging at the hotel pool.
If you’re planning a Caribbean vacation, you can also save money booking during the summer, although you run the risk of storms.
Know the Airlines’ Rules for Baggage Charges
When you book a flight, understand the airlines’ pricing structure for checked baggage and consider those costs when comparing prices.
There are still a few ways to save on airline baggage fees, including packing less so you only need to take one carry-on per person and consolidating the rest of your family’s luggage into one suitcase.
“Book a hotel with a washer [and] dryer so you can pack less clothing,” Mulderig said.
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Save on Breakfast
If you’re traveling within the states, consider a hotel room with a kitchen to save even more.
“We cut down on breakfast spending by eating cereal or egg sandwiches that we made in the hotel before going out for the day,” Mulderig said.
You can also book a hotel with free breakfast included; don’t forget to stow an extra muffin or apple in your bag for later.
Have Food Shipped To Your Room
If you’re planning to snack in your hotel room, there’s no need to interrupt your vacation with a Walmart run.
“You can have things shipped directly to the hotel from Amazon [or] Walmart delivery,” said Lisamarie Arnold, mom and small business owner in Bay Shore, NY. “For our family vacation, we had cases of water, Uncrustables, Little Bites and other snacks all delivered to the hotel upon arrival to save us some money.”
Give Your Kids a Souvenir Budget
Avoid the stress of decision-making every time you enter a gift shop during your family vacation by empowering your kids with a budget. For a day trip, you might give them $5 to $10, depending on your family budget, to spend as they wish.
For a longer trip with multiple stops, consider giving them $10 per tourist attraction, but they can choose to divvy it up or spend it all in one place. Once that money’s gone, no more souvenirs.
Use a Budgeting App When Planning Your Trip
Hershfield also offered advice to help you return from your family vacation with money in your bank account.
“There are plenty of vacation budgeting worksheets and resources online — not to mention apps — that can help; you just have to stick to your savings plan,” he said.
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Choose Local Theme Parks That Are Cheaper Than Disney
A Disney vacation might mean saving for years to enjoy a few days of fun. Instead, consider local theme parks that may cost half the price (or less) and be just as much fun. Plus, you can often snag significant savings at smaller parks.
“There is no need to pay full price these days at the vast majority of theme parks,” said Katie Dillon, San Diego-based travel advisor and owner of travel website lajollamom.com.
“Even some theme parks run their own promotions online. Like right now at LEGOLAND California, Florida and New York there are $29 kids’ tickets,” she said. “If you have a qualifying adult ticket, you can buy up to four of these $29 tickets.”
Split the Cost of a Beach or Park Pass With Friends
If you’re lucky enough to live on the coastlines or near a lake, it’s typically worth it to splurge on a pass. But if you often make these day trips with a close friend, consider splitting the cost of the pass. Pile all the kids into the largest vehicle and maximize your investment.
Pack Snacks, Water and Sandwiches
If a trip to the beach or a local theme park is in the plans, pack snacks, water and sandwiches in a cooler, Beckham said.
“The less you have to spend on food, the better,” she said. “Having water bottles and easy-to-carry snacks like granola bars, baby carrots and even candy (it is summer after all) can save you time and money. Instead of waiting in line at the snack stand, you’ll be able to grab and go.”
Buy Restaurant and Movie Gift Cards From Costco
It’s typically cheaper to eat food from home, but sometimes you want to splurge during the summer. You can purchase restaurant gift cards from Costco at discounts of up to 50% off. You can also buy movie gift cards, including concessions, from the wholesale club at a discount.
Use Public Transportation
For your daily commute or local outings, consider public transportation if it’s available in your area, McBride said. “Not only will you save on fuel costs, but you’ll also reduce wear and tear on your vehicle, leading to long-term savings on maintenance.”
Zoom Around Town on an E-Bike
For shorter trips, consider taking a bicycle or even an electric bicycle. Bicycling as a family can be a fun past-time, but it’s also practical for short trips to the grocery store or library.
Get Routine Maintenance on Your Car To Boost Your Mileage Before a Road Trip
Inflating your tires to the proper air pressure, changing air and fuel filters and getting your oil changed can all boost your fuel mileage. Plus, staying up to date on routine maintenance for your car can save you thousands of dollars down the line, according to mechanics.
“Old oil no longer lubricates nor cools the engine components very effectively, hence the likelihood of engine failure,” Paul Knoll, marketing director for American Muscle, previously told GOBankingRates.com.
Shop Online for Lower Car Insurance
You can shop online to lower your car insurance any time of year. If you’re looking to reduce expenses for the summer, you can shop around for a lower-cost insurance policy. If you paid upfront for the year, your old insurance company might even give you a pro-rated refund, putting extra cash in your pocket.
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Use Rewards and Apps To Find the Cheapest Gas Locally
Even after you’ve boosted your car’s fuel efficiency, you can reduce the price you pay at the pump.
“Gas in the car is often expensive in the summer,” said Jenny Groberg, CEO and founder of BookSmarts Accounting and Bookkeeping. “Optimize your local gas points, whether that’s Kroger (Smith’s) store savings, local Costco or your local gas station membership.”
She mentioned that you can sometimes fill up two gas tanks back to back before hitting the limit of $1 off per gallon, per month at Kroger. “Plan ahead with your partner and meet at Kroger together with two cars and fill up the tanks back to back in one transaction,” she said.
Use the GasBuddy App To Find the Cheapest Fuel on the Road
If you’re traveling long distances, your gas station of choice may not be nearby. You can use the GasBuddy.com app to find the lowest prices for gas along your route and also earn cash back rewards.
Avoid Credit Cards
“People are twice as likely to spend more with a card than cash. I suggest taking cash out for the week to help curb the infinite number of opportunities to splurge on your outings,” Groberg said.
Grow Your Own Vegetables
“Start a small vegetable garden to cut down on produce expenses and teach kids about growing food,” Latham said.
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Join a Food Co-Op
If you don’t have the space or the inclination to grow your own food, local food co-ops offer organic vegetables and dairy products and sometimes meat and poultry at substantial discounts.
Stick To Your Budget by Meal Planning
Whether you’re shopping through a food co-op, farmer’s market, a grocery store or Costco, don’t enter the store without a plan in mind.
“One of my favorite ways to cut down on expenses is by planning my meals in advance, using recipes with similar ingredients so I can save by buying in bulk and sticking to a grocery list,” said McBride.
Cook With Your Kids
“You can save money and have fun with your children by involving them in meal planning and showing them how to cook simple, budget-friendly meals like homemade pizza or stir-fry,” Latham said.
Raid Your Refrigerator for Meal Ideas
Beckham explained fun ways to enlist your kids in food prep.
“Make it an ‘Eat what we have Wednesday’ or ‘Fend for yourself Friday,'” she said. “Have the kids make up their own recipes with what you have. They might make a mess, but as long as you haven’t run out of paper towels (or patience) you might discover you have more at home to eat than you thought and have a little fun in the process.”
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Consider Intermittent Fasting
While the kids are cooking or reheating their own dinner, you can save money and adopt healthier eating habits, through intermittent fasting. Adults who eat two meals a day within a six- or eight-hour window may see many health benefits, according to HopkinsMedicine.org. Plus, you’ll save money by eating less.
Host a Clothing Swap
Kids usually need new clothes every summer as they grow. You can shop the sales at the start of the season, but you can also shop your friends’ closets.
“Organize clothing swaps with friends to refresh wardrobes at no cost,” Latham said.
Share a Nanny
Childcare costs are sometimes as much as the price of a mortgage, especially for parents who need full-time childcare for school-age children during the summer. One Care.com study, reported by GOBankingRates, revealed that 49% of parents expect to spend $3,000 or more per month on childcare in 2024.
“Consider childcare co-ops or shared nanny arrangements to reduce childcare expenses,” Latham said.
Look Into Discounted Summer Camp Slots
Waiting until the last minute to book summer camp might pay off, Groberg said.
“If you are late signing up for summer camps you can keep your eye on the sign-up count,” she said. “Sometimes if there are still spots left, they will give a discounted rate to fill the spot. You can call the organizations and see if there are any discounted options to help you save.”
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Keep Your Home at the Right Temperature
Setting your home at the proper temperature when you’re at home can reduce energy costs, too. Constellation.com suggested that 78 degrees is the ideal temperature when you’re at home during the summer. However, if you have an infant, you shouldn’t let your home’s temperature go above 74 degrees.
Upgrade To a Smart Thermostat
Upgrading to a smart thermostat can save roughly 8% off home heating and cooling bills, according to EnergyStar.gov. Take advantage of Memorial Day or Fourth of July sales at home improvement stores to make this easy switch for energy savings.
Open Windows and Use Fans
Reducing energy costs doesn’t have to involve the latest tech.
“Open up your windows at night to let the cool air in and turn off the AC unit,” Groberg said.
Fix Water Leaks in Your Home
Water costs often rise in the summer between filling your pool and running lawn sprinklers. Fixing leaks in faucets or outdoor hoses can reduce your water bills by about 10%, according to EPA.gov.
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Consider Xeriscaping Your Yard
This might be a case of spending money to save money, but you can xeriscape your yard, replacing high-maintenance grass with rocks, pebbles, mulch and low-water plants. You’ll save time and money by not having to water or mow your lawn. Some states, like California, may offer income tax rebates if you invest in xeriscaping.
Upgrade To Solar Panels
Likewise, you can reduce home energy costs and take advantage of federal, state and local tax credits by upgrading to solar panels.
Consider Other Energy Efficient Home Improvements
Federal tax credits for energy efficient home improvements including updated insulation, energy efficient exterior doors, electric panel upgrades and central air conditioning units qualify for new federal tax credits now through 2032.
You can claim 30% of the cost of the upgrade, up to $1,000 or $2,000 depending on the type of improvement you make, according to EnergyStar.gov. You’ll reap the rewards of lower electric bills this summer and enjoy a windfall next tax season.
Have a Lemonade Stand or Garage Sale
Think about fun family activities that can also bring in extra cash. “Have a yard sale, host a lemonade stand … Get the whole family involved,” Beckham said.
Latham also explained, “Summer is a great opportunity to spend more time with your kids and teach them valuable life lessons.”
Looking for ways to earn money as a family will help your kids develop a work ethic and understand and understand how you can spend time to earn money.
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Start Saving For Next Summer Now
Even better, show your kids how to make money work for them through the power of compound interest and passive income by opening a high-yield savings account devoted to next summer.
Open a savings account just for vacation savings and name it something fun that you come up with together. Work together to save up ahead of time so you can set a goal for next year,” Beckham said.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 50 Best Summer Budgeting Tips for Families
