Light up the grill it’s time for another Memorial day weekend. Whether you plan to stay at home or travel, there are plenty of ways to celebrate summer’s return while saving money. Here are a few key ideas to keep in mind as the holiday approaches!
Save Money on Gas
If you plan on taking a road trip, the cheaper your gas, the more money you have for extras and fun. Check an app like Gas Buddy or if you live locally the WTHR Pump Patrol to see where you can fill up for the least. Kroger shoppers, make the most of Fuel Rewards points. Sam’s Club or Costco members, be sure to make the most of your membership, filling up there for less.Want more ideas on how to save money at the pump? Read my best tips in How to Save Money on Gasoline. Also check out this piece on why gas prices fluctuate and how to make the most of the price cycling that goes on.
Load Up the Cooler
Whether you’re traveling or staying at home, it’s a good idea to stock up on groceries, snacks, and beverages before the weekend begins. Most grocery stores are running specials featuring your favorite Memorial Day classics. Make the most of these sales. Keep in mind that the cost of a single bottle of water in the gas station can usually get you an entire flat of water in the grocery store. The same goes with convenience sized snacks, candy, and chips.
Gather the Neighbors
Why not host a pitch in this Memorial Day Weekend? Divide the cost of the gathering by asking your friends, family, and neighbors to bring a dish or two to share. Pull out the baseball gloves, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and volleyball net. Don’t have any of the above? Ask your guests to bring a game in addition to their dish. You can have a fantastic time at home without spending much money at all.
Attend a Local Free Event
Communities across the U.S. will celebrate the true meaning of Memorial Day all weekend long in the form of parades, special services, concerts, and more. Check the local visitors bureau or city website to find out what’s going on in your community. If you can’t find an event to attend, consider baking cookies for your local civil servants who may be working over the weekend, like police men or firefighters.
Hit the Sales
While it has nothing to do with the actual holiday, marketers love to take the opportunity to entice you into the stores Memorial Day Weekend. It’s a good time to be looking for bargains on big ticket items like appliances and household goods. Just be careful to only shop if you truly need something and have a budget in mind before you leave home. It’s easy to get caught up in the hoopla of a holiday sale. Want some more ideas on how to save? Read my post 5 Ways to Save More Money on Holiday Sales.
Use the Time To “Shop” at Home
Before you rush out and spend all of your cash, be sure to clear through your own summer clothes and goods first. If you have Monday off, use the time to “shop” your own closet. Put away the winter clothing. Find the shorts hiding in the drawer. And if you have time, post photos on social media to sell items that no longer fit or the things you don’t use. You might even end up making some cash this Memorial Day.
Skip Tourist Traps
If you decide to travel for the weekend, skip the extras that come along with a road trip. Resist the temptation to purchase souvenirs and t-shirts. And consider investing in a State or National Park Pass rather than go karting or mini-golfing. Think through your packing list before you leave and be certain to pack ponchos, sunblock, chapstick, bug spray, and all of the other essentials that will cost you an arm and a leg at a hotel or other destinations.
Remember to spend time with the ones you love Memorial Day Weekend. Things are fleeting but memories last forever!
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