Happy 4th! If you plan on celebrating today, keep these tips in mind to keep from going overboard. After all, you don’t want your hard earned cash to go up in a puff of smoke. Check out these 4th of July Money Saving tips!
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 tomorrow.
Dig Out Decor From Last Year
You may actually already have a t-shirt buried in the bottom of your drawer. Or that box in the closet filled with holiday decor might have a banner or streamers you could use. Go on a quick treasure hunt through your own home to see what you can dig up to celebrate the day. Even solid red, white, and blue items can be pulled together for a festive flair. And remember those cute impulse buys you’re avoiding? Don’t forget to look for them on clearance and squirrel them away for next year in those same hiding spots.
Keep Your Menu Simple
If you are hosting friends or family to watch fireworks or simply play games in the yard, try not to go overboard with food options. Hot dogs, chips, and ice cream all make for a delicious (and affordable) celebration. Think through those summer favs everyone loves and create a quick and easy pitch in without getting too caught up in the side dish trap. Be sure you know what’s in your fridge, freezer, and pantry before you go to the store, too.
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. Here’s a round up of some of the free and affordable firework events in the Indy area!
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.).
Focus on What Really Matters
In the end, your family celebration won’t be remembered for your wardrobe or menu. It’s people and the time you share together that counts. So no matter what you do to celebrate, try not to get caught up in the hoopla and extras. Simple celebrations truly are the best!
Have an awesome holiday weekend and keep those dollars in your wallet from going up in smoke!
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
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