Summer celebrations make memories but if you’re not careful, the costs add up. This week, as you celebrate America’s birthday, consider these great ideas for the 4th of July on a Budget!
Avoid the Dollar Section & Check Your Closet
There are so many kitschy items that can lure us into unnecessary purchases during any holiday. They’ll catch your eye on the end cap or lure you into the dollar section of the store. It’s probably a good idea to avoid these areas this week if you can. After all, if you don’t know what you’re missing you won’t spend the extra dollars. Or if you do plan on making a few festive purchases, be sure you dig through your closet first. See if you have hats or necklaces or glow in the dark items from years past that you haven’t used before. You may discover that you already have the perfect items for the parade or party hiding in your own drawers and baskets.
Set a Fireworks Budget or Skip it Altogether
Firework displays and tents always make me giggle. On what other holiday do we spend hard earned dollars to literally watch it all go up in smoke? With the Buy 1, Get 5 Free deals, we often think we’re saving big when it comes to enjoying the most explosive tradition of the 4th. However, those deals are bait to lure you into the store and then buy out the entire place, literally blowing your budget sky high. So if you plan on purchasing fireworks this year, bring cash only with you and stick to the budget. Or instead, choose to enjoy a professional display and skip the purchase altogether.
Set a Budget for Festival Food
Admit it. You never feel that great after coming home when you’ve eaten two corn dogs, an elephant ear, and a lemon shakeup the size of your head. If you can, avoid the festival food altogether. But if you want to splurge a little, at least set a cash budget so that you don’t over-do it physically or financially. Pack a picnic basket with your favorites or at a minimum bring some bottled water with you so that you don’t end up spending more than necessary.
Ask Guests to Pitch-In
It’s note rude to ask your guests to bring a dish or two to your parties. In fact, it can be rather fun. Whether you choose a specific theme (Backyard BBQ, appetizers, salads) or you assign by letter of the alphabet (A-M brings something salty and N-Z brings a sweet treat), let your guests choose something they’d love to bring rather than assigning specific dishes. Their creative juices and go-to dish will bring the best variety to your table and somehow the food seems to multiply. Even if you only request that they bring their own beverages, you can slice several dollars of the price of your party without sacrificing quality.
Focus on the Food (Deals)
The week of July 4th is actually a great time to stock up on great grocery deals! You’ll see rock bottom prices on meats for the grill, condiments, fruits and veggies, and more. So if you’re going to spend a few extra dollars, clear out your freezer, fridge, and shelves. Stock up on those items. Don’t forget to check the paper and online for coupons to make those savings even sweeter.
Plus, the 4th provides one of the best opportunities to decorate with food! From strawberries and blueberries to vanilla ice cream with patriotic sprinkles, skip the pricey table decor and get double use from your food. Not sure where to begin? Check out this great post with all sorts of ideas or make my Uncle Sam Punch!
Your Money, Your Marriage releases September 25th from Zondervan Harper Collins Christian and is already available for pre-sale now everywhere books are sold.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission.
