Holidays are a great way to get together with family and celebrate, but they can sometimes be expensive as well. With this being a 4th of July weekend, let’s go over some of our favorite ways to celebrate the day – while saving money of course!
Here are some of our favorite tips for saving money on the 4th of July:
Plan Ahead: Failing to plan, could result in you spending a lot more money than you anticipated. For example, many stores close on the 4th of July, so you may instead be forced to purchase items you need at a convenience store, which can be a lot more expensive than it needs to be!
Travel Smart: Many people will be traveling this weekend to visit family and friends, especially since so many people will have a few extra days off of work. Make sure you read this article on How to Save Money on Gas. Packing light, planning fuel stops, and making sure you have ample air in your tires are just a few examples.
Eat Healthy and In Season: There are all types of cute foods to eat for the 4th of July, but they don’t need to be expensive or unhealthy. For example, you can eat in season foods such as corn, which average out to about 10 cents an ear in most markets.
Encourage Everyone to Pitch In: Splitting the costs of a picnic or BBQ can help save dramatically, and reduce the burden on the person hosting the party. If every family attending just pitches in $4-$5, it can help reduce the strain on those planning the party.
Look for Sales: A lot of stores, both online and off, will have sales to celebrate the 4th of July holiday. Home Improvement stores often have sales on things like paint, and other retailers may have sales on electronics and more.
Make Your Own Decorations and Hostess Gifts: You can often make your own decorations rather easily from things you have at home or by shopping at Dollar and secondhand stores.
Reduce Waste: Encourage guests to label their plastic cups by writing their name on it or if serving drinks in cans, have them draw on the top of the can so they’ll know it’s theirs.
Buy in Bulk: If you’ll be hosting a lot of guests, and entertain often, buying your party supplies in bulk at a party discount store or wholesale shopping club can also provide significant savings.
Watching Fireworks? Many areas no longer do fireworks displays due to the cost, though most larger cities will still have them. If you’ll be driving to a big city for fireworks, find free parking if you can and then walk to where the display might be. You can also usually watch fireworks on TV, though we know that is not nearly as exciting. Putting on your own fireworks display will cost you more money than going to a nearby park or local place, not to mention it can be very dangerous if you are not a trained professional or if you live in a neighborhood with many houses nearby!
Choose Inexpensive Entertainment: Watermelon seed spitting contests, well, aren’t the most refined thing to do at a party, but it can be a lot of fun, and doesn’t cost any money. You could also have bean bag tosses, or have the kids play games like “Duck Duck Goose” but give it a patriotic twist or play musical chairs to songs like the “Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful”.
Skip the Alcohol Completely: Unfortunately, many people see this holiday as an excuse to drink too much, and worse, drive after drinking. I have had many friends die from alcohol related deaths, so please, please, please do not drink and drive and do not let anyone you love drink and drive also. If you’ll be hosting a party, consider not serving alcohol at all, as not only can that save you a considerable amount of money, but it will also ensure that none of your guests drink too much or drive while drunk.
I hope everyone has a very safe and happy July 4th Weekend and holiday! If you have any other tips for ways to save money this weekend, please share them in the comments section below!