Catch me tomorrow morning on WTHR Weekend Sunrise at 7:45 AM! Here’s a sneak peek of some of the money saving tips I’ll share.
Checkered flags signal victory! But race day can run up a hefty price tag if you’re not intentional about the way you spend your dollars. Luckily Indy has a number of fantastic ways to enjoy this festive time of year without spending a ton of cash. And I’m excited to share a few tips to help you save on parties – no matter what season or celebration.
1) Save on 500 Festival Community Day. So many times, you can save a few bucks if you just buy your tickets in advance online. 500 Festival Community Day {Wednesday May 22nd} tickets are discounted by $2 if you buy them online as opposed to at the gate. It’s not a ton of money but it could collectively amount to a drink or a snack. Check Save on American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day for more ideas and details about the day.
2) Memorial Service. Teach the kids what Memorial Day is really all about {i.e. it’s more than just a day off from school or work}. On Friday May 24th from 12-1:30 on the steps of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, military fanfare and solemn ceremony join for a celebration of our nation’s fallen heroes. This year’s featured speaker is the United States’ 2nd highest ranking military officer. The event is completely free and celebrates true freedom in a way that only Indianapolis can.
3) 500 Festival Parade: It’s true, all of the best seats to this fantastic fete are pay to play. However, if you’re willing to be flexible, you can sneak a peek from a row or two back on Saturday May 25th. You’ll have to be willing to roll with the punches in finding the perfect spot. For more details, read Experience the 500 Festival Parade.
4) Plan a Party & Share the Love. Everyone loves a good pitch-in {sidebar, did you know that word isn’t used in too many other places outside of Indiana? Check it out.}. Plus it takes both the financial and the planning burden off of the host. So don’t hesitate to ask your guests to bring their favorite side dish. Or divide the alphabet and have half of the partiers bring something salty and the other half something sweet. It’s seriously like fish and loaves because you’ll have more than enough food and typically everyone is more than happy to help. At a minimum you can ask guests to bring the beverages or ice.
5) Buy Your Paper Goods on Amazon. I LOVE buying things like cups, napkins, paper towels, and plates on Amazon’s Subscribe & Save program. It helps remain stocked up no matter when we decide to throw a party. Be sure you check Amazon’s coupons to see if you can maximize their prices.
6) Don’t Go Overboard. It’s so easy to see all of the offerings of your grocery store and think that you need every. single. one. But you’ll do best to set a budget, develop a written plan for your party meal, and use cash in the store. Plus, don’t forget the meal planning basics I always harp on like opening up your fridge, freezer, and pantry to begin your planning there. Maybe you already have a few side dishes without even hitting the store.
Want to get your kiddos in the racing spirit this week? You could win tickets to Zoopolis 500 at the Indianapolis Zoo on Wednesday May 22nd. Enter here.
How do you race your way to saving big money when planning a party?
*This post contains affiliate links. So while you score a great deal on Amazon, you also help the Royal Family pay off the mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you.
