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Although money may not always be in abundance for activities for the entire family, this does not mean your family needs to miss out on some well-needed time together. Enjoying each other company is an important aspect of everyones life. There are many different educational, economical and fun ways your family can have fun together.
We have come up with some ideas as to how you can still engage in some family-oriented activities for fun family activities, making memories together during these times where money is not always readily available for spending.
1. Rent a movie. Instead of taking the whole family to the movie theatre, rent a movie instead. You will not only save money on admission tickets to the movie, but you are free to choose different, healthier snacks to make as a family instead of buying concession stand junk food to munch on during the movie.
2. Make pizza. Instead of ordering in pizza for your family, make an afternoon of teaching your children how to make their own. Not only are you able to choose healthier products such as whole wheat flour for your crust, your children can have some fun experimenting with different toppings on their own personal sized pizzas. Keep in mind that you can make dessert pizzas as well. Instead of regular toppings, cover the dough with apple rings and cinnamon sugar made with low-calorie sweetener. Once itís cooked, simply drizzle a bit of your favorite icing for a yummy homemade treat.
3. Donate unnecessary items. Generosity is a virtue you may want to instill in your children at a young age. Plan a weekend to have everyone in the family go through their toys, books and clothing to see if there may be some items which can be donated to a community outreach program. Different charities are always looking for new or gently used items. This project will not only help get your house organized, but will be a fantastic lesson in giving for your children.
4. Learn a handicraft together. One particular idea that comes to mind is knitting. Hospitals and seniors residences are always in search of knitted or crocheted blankets or hats for newborn babies. Once you learn how to make these items, make a permanent date on your calendar to drop off a new batch of these high-demand articles on a regular basis.
5. Check your community calendar. Many cities and towns publish a seasonal calendar with different upcoming events or activities. Browse through what is being offered, and choose one or two (or more) which your family would enjoy participating in. Many of these events will turn into holiday rituals or seasonal traditions your children will grow up looking forward too.
6. If you are looking for an activity for the winter months, why not spend the day on a good old-fashioned toboggan hill? While you can still purchase toboggans made of wood in the style of yesteryear, there are many less expensive options. You can get each member of your family a magic carpet which is a simple piece of thicker plastic with holes to hold on to. Find a local hill and enjoy the outdoors. Following this activity with a nice cup of hot chocolate is sure to be a great day.
7. Skating. There are many local skating arenas or outdoor areas you can enjoy as a family. Grab those dusty skates from the attic, and go to sporting goods swap stores for skates for your children. These can normally be purchased used for around $5 a pair. Get them sharpened, strap them on and learn to skate again as you teach your children the basics of falling with grace perhaps?
Spending quality time with your family certainly does not have to cost a lot of money. With these few hints added to a list of your own, you are sure to find enough activities to keep everyone happy during those family moments where some of the best memories are made.
Credit cards have gotten a bit of a bad rap. With so many people drowning in credit card debt, and with penalties and fees piling up to keep them there, it’s not too hard to understand. But that doesnít stop us from applying for cards and using them.
Credit cards themselves are not so bad. In fact, they have many good points. They make it possible for us to buy things and use them right away, and make payments later. They keep us from having to carry large amounts of cash when we plan on making big purchases. And they provide a way to build up our credit scores. When used responsibly, they can be an asset rather than a liability.
Unfortunately, many consumers fail to maintain control of their charging habits. They use their credit cards to make impulsive purchases. They pay only the minimum payment each month, resulting in greater interest charges. They keep their cards perpetually maxed out. Or they obtain multiple cards and juggle debt instead of paying it off.
To get the most out of credit cards, its best to start out on the right foot. Shopping around for a card with low interest and no annual fee will help minimize costs from the get-go. And if you resist the urge to go out and buy anything and everything you want, you can avoid accumulating an overwhelming amount of debt in the first place.
Here are some tips for keeping a leash on the credit card monster:
* Pretend your credit limit is about 25% of the actual amount. This is the optimal balance for keeping your credit score at its best. It also helps keep your debt much more manageable than if you utilize your entire credit limit.
* When using your card to purchase non-necessities, pay the balance in full each month. Or at the very least, make sure you can afford to pay the purchase off within a few months and avoid charging any other wants until you do. Charging lots of stuff we do not need is a trap that too many cardholders fall into. By charging only what we can afford to pay back quickly, we can avoid getting in over our heads.
* Always make more than the minimum payment. If you only pay what you are required to pay, it could take years to pay off even a small balance. Try to put as much money as you can toward your bill each month, and you could save yourself a small fortune in interest charges.
* Avoid impulse buying. When you see something you want (or feel that you need), give yourself some time to think about it. For small purchases, a week should be sufficient. For more expensive things, give it a month. By then, the urge may pass. If it doesnít, make sure you can afford to pay off the balance in a reasonable amount of time before you take the plunge.
* Resist the urge to use your card to pay bills, unless you are paying the balance in full each month. If you cannot afford to pay your bills without the plastic, you need to re-evaluate your budget. Charging them to your credit card will only leave you with loads of unnecessary debt.
When used improperly, credit cards can be a real nightmare. But when used responsibly, they can make our lives easier. By charging with prudence from the start, you can avoid the debt trap and maintain a good credit score.
The stock market trend refers to the condition of the trading system. Because of the stock market instability, it should be known that your stocks could win, could lose or could break even.
Since breaking the stock market system is complicated and has never been done. Here are some guidelines in following the trends of your stocks.
1) Research and planning. The stock market is a place where people should always be informed of their environment, the prices, and all the factors needed in determining the value of your stocks. In entering the market, you should be ready and well-planned. Simple information about the companies, indexes, and a competent trading system could help you move your stock picks forward.
2) Think rationally. Although the stock market could provide you with significant income, it requires time and attention to details. When trading, you should not expect to that you would automatically receive millions of dollars. Although it is a possibility, always remember that the stock market is never a hundred percent accurate all the time. So if you have an intention of quitting your day job, you should think again.
3) Street talk. This means that information by someone you know about the stock market trends could not be always reliable. Make sure that before believing in someone about the trading system, you should always research first. And after researching, always try to verify the facts before placing your money in danger.
4) Emotional burden. In the stock market, emotions are not needed your daily routine. You should be able to let go of your emotions and ego for you to succeed in what you need to do. Remember that when you enter the stock market, you should release your fears and greed from your mind. Replace these with discipline, patience and confidence in doing what you know you have to do. It is important that you control the negative side of your mind because having emotional burdens does not help you in the success of your stock trade.
5) Management. Planning how to manage your money and preventing it from risks is a vital key to trading success. Management is a serious aspect of the stock market. Before stepping into the stock market floor, you should be able to follow your steps in trading for you to keep the profits you have earned and make it grow.
6) Trading. You should know what to do in trading both a rising and falling market. When you know the facts in dealing with your stocks when the market falls, you could make more money and adjust smoothly with the trends.
There is much more to life than money. But a lack of money can really put a damper on everything else. Financial stress has a way of darkening one is entire outlook. And the fact that it tends to be self-perpetuating makes it even worse.
When you are facing financial stress, you may feel that the only cure is more money. While that would certainly help, it is not always forthcoming. So we must learn to set priorities in order to make sure our needs are met. But when you are facing a sudden change in your finances, that is not always easy.
Here are five tips to make setting priorities during hard times easier.
1. Remember the basic essentials of life: food, water and shelter. Take care of those needs first. Pay your rent or mortgage, electric bill (for safe food storage and cooking), and water bill first thing each month. Next, buy groceries. Then tend to everything else.
2. If you have a job, make sure you have a way to get to and from work every day. This means paying for public transportation or maintaining your own vehicle. If you must drive, auto maintenance should be a top priority. If you do not properly maintain your car, you could find yourself with no way to get to work, putting you in danger of losing your job.
3. Do your best to stay in good health. Get plenty of sleep, eat fresh, healthy foods and find a way to pay for any maintenance medications you need. If you are uninsured, apply for Medicaid or seek out free or low-cost clinics in your area. Staying healthy in the first place will reduce your chances of incurring large medical bills, which could cause even greater financial stress.
4. Keep major appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners and furnaces in good repair. Heating and air conditioning units should be checked for problems each year to help prevent breakdowns, and filters should be changed as recommended by the manufacturer. If your stove or refrigerator is on the fritz, having it repaired instead of buying a new one can save you money. If something must be replaced, try to find a used one first.
5. Reduce or eliminate expenses for things you can do without. If you have a cell phone, you may be able to get by with a cheaper plan. If you also have a home phone, consider having it cut off and using only your cell phone. Cable or satellite TV is not a necessity, so if you are having a hard time making ends meet, consider getting it cut off.
Financial stress can affect our decision-making skills when we need them the most. By setting priorities, you can manage your money more efficiently and eliminate unnecessary spending. This will help ensure that your needs are met, and that in turn will reduce stress levels. Then you can work toward getting your finances in better shape.
Many people often wonder why some make it in the stock market and some donít. They sometimes sigh and say, They have all the luck, that’s why. True enough, luck can be a factor in oneís success or failure in the stock market. As most experts will allow, trading at the stock market is very similar to gambling. They both involve a great deal of risk. But unlike gambling, success or failure in the stock market is not solely dependent on luck. It has much to do with two things information and attitude.
Information has much to do with success or failure at the stock market. First of all, information makes stock trading more than just guesswork. Analyzing trends can help investors make educated guesses regarding their investments.
One important aspect that often goes unnoticed is the proper attitude investors must have towards investing. Too often, investors fall prey to the wrong type of attitude in investing. This leads to wrong decisions, and impulsive buying or selling. What are these attitudes, and how should they be avoided?
1. Many Investors Exhibit an Impatient Manner
Unfortunately, many investors get into the mix just because they are under the impression that they could get rich overnight as result of a few investments. This is so far from the truth. In fact, successful portfolios are built over time. Stocks take time to mature and appreciate. If the investor never realizes this, he or she might be looking to make a quick buck. And when he or she is unable to, he or she may become discouraged or may sell his or her shares for a lower price.
2. Many Investors Look to Take the Risk to Be Overnight Millionaires
Warren Buffet, the Wall Street Tycoon has this advice for investors: donít bet all your marbles on stocks that seem to be skyrocketing today. They could crash tomorrow. Buffet confides that he has always built his empire over stocks that were stable and exhibited continued growth over the years. He says that these stocks are preferable to volatile stocks that could crash anytime.
Other investors fail to diversify their portfolios. Depending on how much risk one is willing to take, an investor should divide his or her portfolio into low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk categories, and invest in such stocks. Some people are too risky and put their heads on the guillotine with high risk investments. Others will not risk their necks on any investments. One should choose an attitude that is just right for his or her risk tolerance.
Many of us are told from a relatively early age to read everything, including the fine print, before we sign it. Then we go out on our own into the world to the wonderful experience of having to get our own insurance for various necessities. Someone could have at least warned us how easily we could get lost trying to make heads or tails of our insurance policies!
Once you have tried and been able to retain at least some part of the pages of complex information, it is a good time to call a representative from your insurance company. They are the best people to contact when things just seem like words on a page. They have this uncanny ability to make those words comprehensible. So before going too far into the conversation, be sure to get their name. You may need them again some time.
Each insurance company has its own way for handling deductibles, or what is known as out-of-pocket expenses. These amounts are any amounts which your insurance company does not cover. Some examples could be items you must pay for first, before your insurance company reimburses the rest.
This is an important part of your policy which you need to be aware of to the greatest extent possible. Surprises when you or family members are ill are more stressful to deal with. There may be a co-pay or monthly premium as well. This amount could have to be paid before your insurance company pays all of your expenses. Normally this leaves you with only the monthly premiums to pay.
Let’s go into a bit more detail about deductibles, co-pays and premiums, as well as co-insurance.
Deductible – This is the amount of money you are required to pay before your insurance coverage begins. Normally the higher the deductible, the lower the premium will be. This is because the person holding the policy wishes to shoulder a larger portion of the medical expenses.
Co-insurance – This is an expense paid by the insured person as a percentage of your provider’s charge. If a plan has 70/30 co-insurance, you are required to pay for 30 percent of the covered service after meeting the deductible, but prior to reaching the maximum out-of-pocket level.
Co-payment – This is not the same as co-insurance. Co-payments are specific amounts you are required to pay at the time of any doctor’s visit. Regular scenarios have co-payments not being subject to the deductible. This simply means you don’t have to meet your deductible to be able to use this option. However, this also means this amount does not apply to your out-of-pocket amount.
Any out-of-pocket expense maximum or cap would be an amount you are required to meet in order for your insurance company to begin paying 100 percent of the benefits covered by your policy. Any out-of-pocket expense which may be applied to this amount can include deductibles as well as co-insurance.
So as you can see, there is quite a bit of information which you need to be aware of when it comes down to the inner workings of your medical insurance. Remember that nice representative who helped you out with your questions earlier? Keep her name in a place you won’t lose it. Remember her every once in awhile and send her a Thank You note, or a picture of the family. She’s the one you want to keep turning to when things stop making sense, and you need a little refresher course.
No matter what the circumstances, leaving a job can be stressful. If you are laid off or fired, the prospect of seeking new employment without having a paying job can be frightening. When you retire, not knowing what your financial future holds may cause anxiety. And even if you’re leaving to take another job, there is usually a period of a few months before you can take advantage of that job’s benefits.
A severance package can help see you through such uncertain times. But not every employee is entitled to one. Here’s what you need to know about severance packages and how to make the most of them.
Am I Guaranteed a Severance Package?
There is no law mandating that companies have to provide severance packages to their employees. The only thing that is provided for by law is the opportunity to temporarily continue your health insurance at your own cost. But many companies do offer severance packages under certain circumstances.
The details of your company’s severance policy may be found in your employee manual, or in your employment contract. It is important to review these things before taking a job. If your severance package is detailed in your contract, you can negotiate for what you want before signing. The company doesn’t have to change anything, but if they are really interested in hiring you, they may be willing to make some concessions.
In most cases, companies only provide severance packages for employees who are laid off or retire. But firms may choose to offer severance benefits to employees who resign with notice, or in some cases even those who are fired. These situations are often considered on a case-by-case basis, and the employee may hire a lawyer to help negotiate benefits.
What’s Included in a Severance Package?
Severance packages vary significantly. But in most situations, the benefits provided are based on the benefits one received as an employee. These may include the following:
* A payment based on the length of service. This payment is often equal to 1 to 2 weeks of pay for each year of service for hourly and salaried employees, up to a maximum of 26 weeks. For executives, it may be 6 to 12 months pay.
* Payment for accrued vacation time. Some firms also offer payment for unused sick leave.
* Insurance benefits. These may include medical, dental and life insurance.
* Retirement benefits and stock options. These may be continued just as they were while the individual was still an employee.
* Help finding a new job. This is typically provided for employees who have been laid off.
Severance packages are a way of saying thanks for an employees service. But they can benefit the company as well. As a condition of accepting a severance package, employees must usually agree not to pursue legal action against the former employer or attempt to collect unemployment benefits. They may also have to agree not to go to work for a competing company.
A good severance package can help ease the transition from your old job. If you feel that you’re not getting a fair shake, and employment attorney may be able to help you get the pay and benefits you deserve.
With few exceptions, we all look forward to summer. Kids love it because they get a break from school. Adults love it because it’s a great time for a vacation. And almost everyone has a favorite summer activity that they can’t wait to get involved in.
Summer can also be a very expensive time of year. There’s so much to do, and we want to cram it all in before cold weather strikes again. But by the time we visit the beach, go to an amusement park, make weekend trips to the pool and do all of the other stuff we want to do, it can put a major strain on the budget.
But summer fun doesn’t have to break the bank. There are lots of things families can do for cheap, and some are even free. In this report, you’ll find lots of summer activity ideas that will fit into virtually any budget.
Swimming for Less
On a hot summer day, one of the most popular destinations is the local pool. Admission isn’t terribly expensive, but if you go as a family several times over the course of the season, it can really add up. By the time fall arrives, you might wonder why you just didn’t save up a little more money and go to the beach!
If you love to swim, there are alternatives to the community pool. Here are some to think about:
* The lake – If there’s a state park with a lake nearby, you may be able to swim for cheap or free there. Some have beach-type areas with sand, so the kids can have a blast building castles and burying one another. It’s kind of like taking a trip to the coast, only without so many expenses.
* A friend’s pool – If you have a friend with a pool, perhaps you could take the kids over to swim from time to time. In return, you could take refreshments for both families or invite the friend’s family over to your house for other activities.
* The gym – If you have a gym membership, you may be able to bring guests to the pool for free or at a reduced rate. Check with your gym for details.
* Quick-set pools – Those inexpensive quick-set pools have become quite popular among families with kids. All you do is blow up the inflatable ring, fill the inside with water, and you have an instant pool! They come in many sizes, and some are priced under $50. Larger ones are only a few hundred dollars, and by the time you figure in gas and pool admission, they can pay for themselves in just a couple of years.
If you’re fortunate enough to live near a river, there are all sorts of summer activities you can participate in. Canoeing is lots of fun for adults, teens and older children. Innertubing is especially popular among the younger set. Or you can just jump in and play in low water areas.
Of course, you don’t have to get in the water to have fun with water. Here are some other wet and wild activity ideas that are fun for all ages:
* Water guns – Having a water gun fight is a classic summer activity for kids. But there’s no reason that the grown-ups can’t get involved too! You can find inexpensive water guns at the dollar store for next to nothing, and if properly cared for, they will last for many summers to come.
* Water slides – You don’t have to visit a water park to go down a water slide! You can buy slides that hook up to your water hose for $20 or less and use them right in your own back yard.
* Sprinklers – It’s not necessary to buy any toys at all when the kids want to cool off on a hot day. You can simply hook up the sprinkler and let them run through it. If you don’t have one, just get out the water hose and start spraying. It’s guaranteed fun, and you won’t have to pay a dime for it.
Enjoying Nature
Summer is a wonderful time of year for getting out and enjoying all that nature has to offer. It doesn’t have to cost anything, either. Many nature areas have hiking trails that you can access for free, and some don’t even charge for parking.
Some state parks offer nature programs that the whole family can enjoy. These programs have various themes, including plant identification, bird watching and more. Check your local paper for dates, times and locations. You may have to register to participate, but there is rarely any cost.
No matter where you live, there is some sort of natural wonder that’s not too far off. There are large rock formations, caverns, waterfalls and more throughout the country. Visiting these places is often free, and if there is any cost it’s usually quite affordable. If your are not familiar with the attractions in your area, pick up a travel guide from a nearby visitors center or search for information online.
Camping is the ultimate nature activity for families. RVs and pop-up campers offer all the amenities of home, but they aren’t necessary. All you need is a tent, some sleeping bags, food and drinks and a grill or camp stove. Most campgrounds offer tent space for a small fee, or you can simply set up camp in your back yard.
Fishing is another favorite activity for adults and children alike. You can find poles in all sizes at your favorite sporting goods or discount store. Fishing licenses are generally required for adults and teenagers, but not for kids under certain ages (which vary from state to state). If you only fish on occasion, you can save money by buying a short-term license in most states.
Gardening
Many adults enjoy gardening in the late spring and early summer. But did you know that it’s a great activity for kids, too? Even toddlers can get in on the act!
Planting a flower garden is a great starter project. You can buy trays of flowers at a discount store for next to nothing. Let the kids help pick out flowers in a variety of colors, and plant them together. They’ll be able to see the results right away, and they can be responsible for caring for them throughout the season.
Vegetable gardening is another great family activity. It provides an opportunity to teach children about good nutrition while having fun as a family. The results generally take longer to see than flower gardening, but the end result is well worth the wait. Even the pickiest eaters are usually eager to try foods that they have grown!
Festivals and Carnivals
Even the smallest of towns usually has some sort of festival during the summer months. These celebrations feature a wide variety of activities that adults and children of all ages can enjoy. It’s easy to spend a small fortune at such events, but if you watch your money you can have a good time without breaking the bank.
Many festivals offer free concerts as a means of drawing larger crowds. Street performers such as magicians, clowns and mimes are great free entertainment for the kids. Kiddie rides, face painting and other activities may be free or paid. If theyíre not free, set a budget and have your kids choose things to do that fit within that budget.
One of the most expensive aspects of festivals and carnivals is the food. To avoid overspending, pack a lunch or eat before you go to the event. Bring some snacks and drinks along if they are allowed on the premises, and if you must buy something during the festival, consider going to a nearby store instead of buying from overpriced food vendors.
The Zoo
One destination that kids of all ages tend to enjoy is the zoo. Wild animals aren’t something that most of us see every day, so watching them up close and personal can be a real treat. There are zoos to fit every budget. If traveling to a large zoo is out of your price range, there’s sure to be an alternative that’s within your budget.
A popular and inexpensive option among younger children is a petting zoo. These zoos may not feature large animals such as elephants and giraffes, but they make up for that by allowing physical contact with the animals. Kids enjoy petting and feeding the goats, pigs, ponies and ducks. Bring a camera along and capture some memories that are sure to be cherished for years to come!
Museums and Galleries
If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity for the entire family, you canít beat a trip to a museum or art gallery. You don’t have to live in a large city to visit one. Most smaller cities, and many small towns, have at least one museum or gallery of some sort.
Museums come in a wide variety of flavors. Art and historical museums are among the most common. But you can also find museums based on all sorts of interesting themes. Museums featuring oddities (such as Ripleyís Believe It or Not) are popular among children and adults alike. There are also museums geared toward children that make learning fun. If you’re not sure what types of museums can be found in your area, check with your local Chamber of Commerce.
Many museums offer free admission, so all you have to do is resist the urge to splurge in the gift shop. Some charge admission, but prices are usually reasonable. If you want the best possible deal, consider organizing a group trip. Call ahead to find out how large of a group you will need to qualify for a discount. You could invite members of your church or an organization to which you belong to meet the requirement.
Visiting Friends and Family
If you’re looking for a change of scenery on a budget, visiting friends and family who live out of town could be the answer. If you can stay with them instead of renting a hotel room, you could even make a vacation out of it with very little expense.
If you have family living in the Bahamas, that would make for a great summer vacation. But no matter where your friends or relatives live, there’s bound to be something fun to do together. A simple dinner out at a popular local restaurant and trip to the movies can be an adventure when you’re away from home. Or you could visit inexpensive local attractions such as nature areas, museums or petting zoos.
The Library
When it comes to summer activities, going to the library may not be on your kids list of favorites. But did you know that most libraries offer a variety of programs that appeal to children, teens and adults?
Most libraries sponsor a summer reading program for kids and teenagers. These programs usually feature prize drawings for children who read certain numbers of books while they’re out of school. This is a great way to keep your child’s reading skills up to par!
For young children, storytelling is a popular library activity. Some libraries also feature activities such as movie showings, craft classes and even concerts. Most of these activities are free, but they may require registration. Call your local library to find out the details.
Movies
Going to the movies is a wonderful family activity year-round. In the summer, it’s the perfect cure for boredom. And if you play your cards right, you can take the entire family without paying an arm and a leg.
Instead of going to the big chain theater, see if there is a dollar theater in your area. These theaters may not show the newest releases, but seats are cheap for every showing. Sometimes you can even go for as little as 50 cents per person!
If there’s no dollar theater in your hometown, check matinee prices at the regular theater. These daytime showings on the weekends are usually significantly cheaper than nightly shows. Some theaters also have cartoon showings for cheap on weekend mornings. And some offer special discount programs that could save you money if you go to the movies frequently.
Watching movies at home is even less expensive than going to the theater. Theresa no temptation to buy giant tubs of expensive popcorn, and everyone can watch a rented movie for one low price. If there’s a Redbox location near you, you can rent new releases there for $1 per night. Or you could join Netflix and borrow as many movies as you like each month with no late fees for one low price.
Better yet, you can borrow movies for free. If you have a friend with a large DVD collection, inquire about borrowing a movie to watch every now and then. Or go to your local library and borrow some movies. Pop some microwave popcorn and dim the lights for an authentic theater experience.
Picnics in the Park
The park is a wonderful destination for family fun in the summer. There’s something for everyone in the family to do. Youngsters can play on slides, swings and such. Older children, teens and adults can shoot hoops, play softball or go walking on trails. Or you could bring along a Frisbee, find an open space and toss it around.
With all of these fun things to do, why not pack a lunch and make a day out of it? For the price of some sandwiches, drinks and dessert, the whole family can have a blast and get some exercise. If you prefer a hot lunch, many parks have shelters with grills that you can use for free when they are not reserved.
Block Parties
If you want to have a good time and have the room, try having a block party! Kids love them because they get a chance to play with the other kids in the neighborhood, and adults love them because it gives them an opportunity to socialize.
If you bear all of the expense yourself, having a block party is very expensive. But if you make it a potluck, you won’t have to pay much at all. Just provide the main course, and ask each guest to bring a dish. You could even ask some to bring supplies such as paper plates, cups and napkins.
For cheap live entertainment, ask any neighbors that play an instrument to bring it along and have an impromptu jam session. Or have the kids that will attend prepare an act and have a talent show. You don’t have to shell out big bucks to hire a band.
Amusement Parks
Amusement parks aren’t known for being inexpensive. One ticket for one day can cost as much as a couple of weeks worth of other activities. But there are ways you can save on admission to your favorite park.
If you live fairly close to an amusement park, a season pass could be well worth the money spent. They usually cost about as much as 3 or 4 days admission. So if you think you’ll visit several times during the summer, a pass will pay for itself in no time.
Some employers offer discounts on admission to nearby amusement parks. They usually make announcements early in the summer. If you haven’t heard anything from your employer, ask if they offer any special deals. If they don’t, suggest that they check with the park in which you’re interested to see if they could.
You can often get discounts on amusement park admission from a variety of sources. Check packages of canned soda and other items from the grocery store. Some fast food restaurants also distribute coupons for a certain percentage or dollar amount off of admission to amusement parks, so be sure to look in the bag when you get takeout. The best discounts are usually found late in the season.
Other Frugal Summer Fun Ideas
The possibilities for frugal summer activities are endless. Here are some more ideas:
* Inquire about touring a local factory. Some offer interesting and educational programs, and you may even get some free samples afterward.
* Organize a family reunion. Rent a shelter at the park, and have a potluck dinner. You’ll get to see family members that you haven’t seen in ages, and the kids will have lots of fun playing together.
* Go on a family bike ride. Whether you load up and hit a bike trail or just ride around the neighborhood, everyone will get some exercise and an opportunity to bond.
* Volunteer. There are volunteer opportunities suitable for children as well as adults. Some organizations need lots of help, so the whole family may be able to get involved with the same project.
* Visit state, local or national government offices. Many offer tours that are very educational.
* Gaze at the stars. You can do this for free on a clear summer night, or you can visit the planetarium.
* Pick wild berries. They taste great right off the vine or bush, and you can also take them home to use in cobblers and other dishes that you can make with your kids.
* Get a jar and let the kids catch fireflies. You might even find yourself getting involved!
* Set up a scavenger hunt for the kids. Make a list of items found in nature, and let them loose in your back yard or at a nature park. Provide a special prize for the winner and consolation prizes for the runners up.
* Go to a minor league baseball game. Tickets are much cheaper than those for major league games, and the atmosphere is much more relaxed and family-friendly.
* Make a bird feeder by spreading peanut butter on a large pine cone and rolling it in birdseed. Hang it up in the front yard and watch as the birds flock to it.
* Create a family scrapbook. Have each child contribute a page or two, or assign each one a task such as creating page layouts, choosing photos and cropping.
* Check your local newspaper for event listings. You could find free concerts in the park, play groups and more.
Having fun in the summer isn’t only for the well-to-do. There are plenty of activities you can do in your own back yard that are free or very inexpensive. And with some research, you can find affordable activities in your hometown and neighboring areas. There’s no need to let summer boredom get the best of you and your family. Fun can be had on budgets of any size!
