For many, the Fourth of July brings celebration, a day off from work, and yummy treats. However, this year it may also bring extra expenses. No matter how or if you celebrate, there are opportunities to not only save some cash, but even take advantage of special sales and price breaks that come along with the holiday. These fabulous 4th of July Money Saving Tips will keep more green in your pocket as you celebrate the red, white, and blue.
Clean Out Your Freezer
This is perhaps the oddest tip of all, but before you do any shopping, it’s a good idea to clean out your freezer. Have a moment of reflection about items you bought forever ago and still haven’t used. Why, you may ask? Right now, your favorite grocery store has cut prices on many essential food items enticed to get you to shop. And if you have the cash to afford it, you need to stock up on the items you will eat. In particular, anything you can put on the grill – meats and veggies – will be on sale. And those items can be frozen for a long time. Pass along items you know you won’t eat and make space for those things you can save on.
Use Sales to Your Advantage
Every store you’ve ever shopped at either already has or is going to send you an email about their big savings this weekend. It’s fine to use coupon codes and sales to your advantage during holiday weekends. However, don’t go out looking for items you don’t need. Think ahead to back to school and about everyday essentials. Avoid deals on Amazon though. Prime Days are July 12-13 and you’ll likely get a better price at that time.
Avoid Last Minute Impulse Buys
Cute home decor, Americana themed t-shirts, star shaped sunglasses – there are so many cute items up for grabs every single year. However, none of these seem to be as much fun on July 5th. So avert your eyes as you wander the aisles and try not to get caught up in holiday gear certain to be on clearance July 5th.
Find Local Fireworks to Watch
Rather than purchasing a cart full of fireworks, research where in the area you can catch a local display. You’ll avoid overspending, plus there will be fewer trips to the emergency room, too. If you do choose to buy fireworks (I get that for some this is a big part of their celebration), set a budget before you go into the store. Bring cash if you can to keep yourself beholden to that budget, too.
Look for Solid Red Partyware
Whether you’re purchasing plates and napkins or serving bowls, try to see red. Red items can be used for a plethora of holidays and birthday themes. In fact, I purchased a few items for my husband’s graduation close to 20 years ago that we’ve used over and over again (and lent out to friends and family, too). Christmas, 4th of July, Valentine’s Day, and Memorial Day all feature red. So do many sports teams and children’s characters (think Sesame Street, Mickey Mouse, etc.).
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.
Ask Guests to Pitch-In
It’s not 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 off the price of your party without sacrificing quality.
The 4th should be fun! And we’re all feeling the burden of high prices right now. Don’t cause yourself future pain by getting out of control for a holiday. Your budget won’t go up in smoke and you’ll be prepared for the days ahead.
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. All prices are subject to change.
