With the cost of living on the rise, celebrating a holiday weekend may seem more like a task rather than an opportunity to relax. Luckily, we have five tips to help you kick-off summer while without spending a fortune.
But, before we focus on festivities, itโs important to remember the meaning behind Memorial Day. More than the unofficial start of summer, the Monday of May is set aside to honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the United States military. For a first-hand reflection on the day of remembrance, read our blog where we interviewed veteran and Assistant Treasurer / Investment Officer Sam Weller.
Now, on to the tips:
Plan Ahead
The very first step to having a budget-friendly holiday weekend is to plan ahead. Create a plan and set your expectations for your ideal weekend โ Does it look like going out to dinner and drinks or grilling at home? Or even squeezing in a weekend down the shore? Decide how much you want to spend on food, activities, entertainment, travel, etc. and stick to it to avoid impulse buying and overspending. If youโre taking off work to make it a long weekend, be sure to factor in any missed wages while budgeting, too.
Building savings will help you be ready for whatever life brings. Find a way to save that works best for your needs and goals by viewing our savings account offerings.
Host a Potluck
If youโve taken a grocery store trip recently, it should be no surprise that food costs are likely to be your greatest expense if hosting a party this weekend. If youโre hosting, ask guests to bring their favorite dishes to share so you donโt have to shoulder the cost of a big get together. Plus, a potluck adds variety to your menu! If drinks seem like bigger burden, donโt hesitate to ask guests to bring a cooler of their favorite beverages.
Reuse Decorations
If youโre hosting a Memorial Day weekend bash, donโt blow the budget with decorations. While theyโre sure to spice up your home, you can have a festive presentation with what you already have, believe it or not. Ask family, friends, or neighbors to borrow their dรฉcor or dig out your Fourth of July box from storage a bit early this year. If you feel like you need to purchase a few decorative items, be sure to make sure they also work for the Fourth of July and Labor Day, too
Create your own Fun
So you have everyone at your house, now what? Donโt spend money on entertainment or activities, your guestsโ company and willingness to participate is all you need. Set up a cornhole, horseshoe, or kickball tournament right in your backyard. Borrow from a friend or build your own inexpensively. Plus, youโll be able to use these for future gatherings at your place. This is a perfect way to get adults and kids involved in the fun!
Free is for Me!
Take advantage of any free community events happening near you this weekend. Itโs amazing what a quick online search will reveal โ band performances, movies in the park, parades, dinner/drink specials, and more! If itโs a beautiful weekend, go for a picnic or a hike. Traveling during a holiday weekend can be expensive and exhausting. If you put your mind to it, thereโs so much free fun to discover right near you!
This year, prove to yourself that Memorial Day weekend on a budget is possible. For more savings tips and holiday closures, visit www.PennCommunityBank.com.
