The 4th of July is the first major holiday of the summer season which is why so many people want to go all out for this patriotic occasion. If you’re not care the party coast can start to add up without you even realizing it. Thankfully there is a great way to throw 4th of July parties without spending a whole lot of money. You can still have an amazing time with your friends and family without going overboard on the party funds. With these tips you’ll be on your way to a memorable party that keep everyone entertained throughout the day. So get ready to plan one of the most important bashes of the season.

1. Skip Decor
The fourth of July is largely an outdoor celebration for most, so don’t spend a whole lot of money on decorations for your party. Chances are most people are going to spend the majority of their time hanging out by the grill so they can enjoy the amazing food. So, there is really no point to go all out when it comes to decorating. One of the major decorations should always be your flag. If you have the flag flapping in the wind then you are doing a pretty good job at decorating for this patriotic feast. Of course, if you want a little more decoration then grab some poster board or a roll of paper and have the kids decorate a cute banner for the home. This will not only entertain the kids at the party, but will satisfy your need to decorate for a party.

2. Food
The best thing about the 4th of July is some of the delicious foods that are prepared. You don’t have to go all out and make expenses brisket and rib type meals for this holiday. Instead, let hot dogs and hamburgers steal the show for an amazing meal that everyone will love. Salads and chips are all you really need to complete these dishes, so you will be ready to go after spending only a few dollars. Of course, if you want to add a little bit more to your party’s feast you could always ask people to bring their own dishes. This is a great way to really show off what America has become as people will have a wide selection of dishes that were passed down through their family. Potlucks will also ensure that everyone gets plenty to eat while they are away. You can even have guest bring their own meat in order to make the food go even further.

3. Fireworks
Fireworks tend to be the main attraction for most fourth of July parties. Of course, in some areas they are totally illegal to pop on your own. So, you might want to play your party near a place that can legally do fireworks. Usually you can find a nice park to host a party for little to no cost, which is a great way to give your party a little instant entertainment. If you can pop fireworks at your home then you might want to invest in a few signature pieces. Usually, sparklers are your best bet when it comes to entertaining children so you will want to buy a few boxes of those if nothing else. These are generally very cheap too, so you won’t have to worry about blowing your budget. If you intend on doing a show then you might want to ask your guest to bring their contribution. This will allow many people to do their fireworks and entertain a full group of people. You can also just sit back and watch the fireworks that the community has let off, as generally there are quite a few let off throughout the night.

4. Games
There are so many cheap ways to create games for your guest that you might actually have to be choosey when it comes to games. You might want to play a water balloon war for the height of the day, so your guest can easily cool down. Water balloons are usually very cheap so you can buy them in large quantities. There are also a large number of races that will keep your guest busy throughout the day. For instance, you can put out a few sacks for a burlap sack race, tie two people together or make your guest balance an egg on a spoon. If you have a lot of space then you can set up a capture the flag game to keep all ages busy. You can also bring out a football or baseball for good old fashioned fun that will bring joy to everyone. If your guest seem to be sluggish by the middle of the way you can always bring out a board game to really get the fun going.

5. Movies
If you don’t want your guest to be outside all day then you can always entertain them with movies or t.v. One of the best ways to cool down a rowdy crowd is to put the baseball game on in the other room. Children’s movies are always a great bet too, especially if you have a game room or larger bedroom that the kid’s can play in. Of course, there are also a large number of movies that take place on Independence Day or are especially about the holiday that would make a great for of entertainment during a nice cool down hour. If you really want to make your party cool then you can rent a projector at a low price for movies outdoor. All you have to do is tape a large piece of paper on the house and hook the projector up and you’re ready to go. This is especially cool if you can play fireworks from the major cities across the country.

6. Treats
Everyone loves a little sweet treat during the holidays, so make sure you guest don’t end up longing for dessert. One way you can provide guest with something sweet and cool them down is to serve snow cones. All you need is a little shaved ice and some flavoring bottles, which are very cheap, and you have a treat that will impress kids and adults alike. You can also mix up a batch of rice crispy treats. To make the treats a bit more holiday friendly try cutting them into stars and decorating them with red and blue M&Ms or sprinkles. You might also want to set out piece of fruit, like watermelon, that will provide your guest with a classic dessert option for a very low price.

7. Drinks
Refreshments are one of the most important aspects of party, especially one that takes place in the heat. Kids will want something sweet and delicious to drink so make sure you have plenty of drinks like coolaid and lemonade ready to go. These drinks cost very little to make and will keep just about any child happy. You might also want to brew a lot of tea and had some sweeter fruits to the mix, so people can enjoy a delicious mix of beverages. Try to keep away from serving bottled water, but allow people to have access to getting filtered water even if it means opening up the home more. If you plan on serving alcohol you might want to buy only a small amount. Try to find a 12 or 24 pack that is on sale. For this portion of the party you should ask your friends to bring their own drinks so you will have plenty for everyone to share.

8. Party at the Park
If you’re worried about holding a party at your home then try to find a park that doesn’t require you to get a permit. This can be one of the best moves as it will allow you to entertain and accommodate your guest better. When you host your party at a park you are giving your guest plenty of space to spread apart so they don’t get as hot as the would packed together. It also allows children to run around and play more so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money on keeping them busy. Most parks have areas that are fitted for baseball, football, volleyball and other fun games like horseshoes and croquet. This is a great way to really bring a party together and keep them busy while you’re preparing food.

9. Music
Most parties tend to greatly improve when the host has music playing. You don’t have to hire a DJ to have an exciting music vibe going on at your party. Instead, hook your laptop up to some speakers and find an amazing online radio. You might also want to consider creating a playlist just for your parties specific needs. Even if your guest aren’t big on the dancing front they will certainly love the extra relaxed and positive vibe to the party. You might also want to consider scheduling a karaoke hour to the party. There are many websites online that will let you use the music, so all you will need is a cheap microphone to the make most out of the might. If you don’t want to use your computer then renting a machine is fairly inexpensive, so you won’t have to break your budget.

10. Party Favors
No party is complete without a few party favors to send home with the guest. This portion of the party is particularly important for the kids who attend. If you start shopping a bit early you will be able to find a lot of streamers, balloons, noise makers and other cool favors for a lot less money than you would expect. Typically you can find a lot of you the best party favors at dollar stores or discount stores. Noise makers are a great way to keep kids busy during the party and will help them bond with children they haven’t met before. You might also try to find little yo-yos that can keep the kids busy for a bit longer. Sometimes you can even find cute little Uncle Sam or Statue of Liberty hats that will look cute on the kid’s and allow to pretend to be these iconic figures.

The Fourth of July can be one of the best times to have a party for your friends and family. With the beautiful weather and delicious seasonal foods you can plan an exciting party that will leave your guest looking for more. These simple tips will not only help you save money on your party, but will give you a sense of relief when it comes to your budget.

Author: John Terris

Photography is becoming one of the most popular hobbies amongst teens and adults alike. One major problem with the hobby is that is can tend to be a bit pricey, which is why so many people don’t have the opportunity to use the best possible equipment when they make their art. There are a lot of ways around this problem though, so that everyone can take their love of photography and turn it into a relaxing hobby or a potential career. With these simple tips you can get the gear you need to perform your hobby without having to spend thousands of dollars to it. This will not only help you save money, but will encourage you to make the most of the equipment you have, so you can make the most out of your hobby.

1. Free Software
Being able to edit your photographs in one of the major parts of the hobby. Unfortunately, many of the major software can cost you up to a thousand dollars just to purchase for a year. These software are constantly in need of upgrades too, which can mean you’ll lose more and more money each year. There is an upside to photography software though. Luckily, for the frugal photographer there are a lot of free programs online that can do the same job as the expensive brands. You might have to do a lot of research to find the best programs for you though. Many online software comes with only some of the features of the more popular brands, so you might have to have a couple of different programs in order to get the same job done. Of course, having a few programs is worth the trouble when it comes to saving that much money. You should always make sure you are downloading from a secure site though.

2. Second Hand Equipment
One of the best things about expensive equipment is it can easily be refurbished. This can work out in your favor! Most refurbished gear can be sold at a fraction of the original price, so you can get a great camera for an amazing discounted price. DSLR camera are fairly durable, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about getting on second hand, especially if your buy from a retailer that has refurbished its stock. You can also look for other photography items that have been preowned. Generally, it is great to find lenses that have been used before. You can easily look over these items to make sure that they are not scratched or broken in any way. Props and filters are also great when purchased second hand. Props can be incredibly expensive if you want to buy them new, so when you first start out with your hobby you might want to look for items that are as cheap as possible. Filters generally don’t take a lot of upkeep so can be purchased for mere cents if you can find a set that has been owned before.

3. Improvise
There are many different items you can help improvise equipment when you practice your craft. For instance, you can easily make a diffuser to help eliminate some of the flash that might make your photograph too bright. This can save you a whole lot of money if you often use flash. Another great improvisation that you can create is a reflector. This will help add light to certain areas of your photograph and can make a flash work better if you don’t have the appropriate level of flash. To create a reflector you need to find a piece of poster board or cardboard and cover it with aluminum foil. This is one of the easiest things you can do to improve your photography accessories. If you want to add the colored photo look to your portfolio then you can simply make your own filter. Simply cut out some transparency that is about an inch larger than your lens. When you’ve done this take a sharpie and draw large and bold designs that will give your a colorful look when you take the photo.

4. Older Models
When it comes to keeping up with photographic technology you don’t have to worry about keeping up with the new trends. Having a DSLR camera will allow you to produce high quality images, so you might want to get comfortable with an older model before you start to feel like you need to keep up with the newer stuff. Most DSLR have the same basic traits, so getting comfortable with an old model won’t do you a disservice. A lot of the time newer models are just smaller or have a few features that won’t change your work very much. With an older model you will spend a lot less money on a camera that will allow you to practice, so if you do damage it you won’t be out as much money. These cameras are generally a bit easier to work with, so you might find that buying older is your best benefit. Typically, you can also use the lenses in new cameras which will save you even more money until you upgrade more.

5. Prints
When it comes to making your work tangible you will want to find a good printer. A lot of times home printing will do the trick, especially if you don’t plan on selling the work or putting it in your portfolio. Of course, if you do tend on doing a bit more with your work then you will probably want to find a place that prints for fairly cheap. The best thing you can do is find a bulk printer that will provide you with multiple copies of your work for a low price. Many printers will even offer deals that will provide you with free copies when you order so much work. You might want to look for a printer that will provide you with loyalty points. It might take a few tries to find the perfect printer for you, but once you know the cheapest and most rewarding route your photography work will be a lot easier to work with.

6. Volunteer at Workshops
If you really want to learn more about your craft then workshops are one of the best places you can find information that will help you improve. These workshops can cost quite a bit though if you really want to go to the more informational seminars. There are ways to work around the tuition fee though. For instance, you could offer to volunteer at the workshop. This will not only allow you to go to the workshop for free, but will give you excess practice at the workshop. You might have to do a little bit of work through initial lectures, but if you can multi-task then you will have no problem learning while working. Often, volunteers are brought up to exhibit certain ideas, which will mean you will have first hand experience that other attendees might not get.

7. Be Choosey
Storage is one of the main problems that many photographers have. This is largely because many people have a hard time picking which photographs are worth keeping and which ones should be tossed. SD cards tend to be a lot cheaper than they once were, but you’ll find that if you leave your photographs in the card when you’re not still shooting that you will end up losing a lot of memory space when you go to shoot again. A lot photographers will purchase several SD cards to try to counteract this problem, but if you go through your shots after every photo shoot then you will avoid this problem all together. You might also have an issue with your storage when you keep everything on your computer. Try to go through your pictures once or twice a month and get rid of things you aren’t particularly attached to. This will encourage you to improve your work and will make your shots seem more precious.

8. Swap Group
If you have a group of friends that are also interested in photography then you might want to get together and start a swap group. This will allow each member to purchase and share items that they might find particularly useful. If a member of the group is in need of an item that try to swap it for something that might be of use to another member. This is especially good when members of the group are trying to go professional as it will open up a whole new world of photography to each member. This group should be trusted as it is important to make sure that everyone will feel comfortable with sharing their equipment.

9. Online Tutorials
If you’re looking for an absolutely free way to improve your skills then you might want to look up online tutorials. There are a large number of free tutorials available online that will help you learn news ways to master your skills. It doesn’t matter what skill level you are for these tutorials as they will help you build up your skills from basic to expert if you know where to look. There are also a number of free online courses that can improve your skills. If you are interested in going through an online course without the grade, credit or deadlines then you will love learning from some of the most renowned schools around. Many schools place their syllabus online for people who aren’t registered to follow the work of their course. This can be especially beneficial if you can get a group together who might want to learn along with you.

10. Understand Equipment
One of the most important things you can do when getting into your hobby is to understand your equipment. Many people will spend a lot of money for things that their current equipment does. The best thing you can do is read your manuals over and over until you understand everything that your camera can do. Once you have learned everything from the manuals then you might want to check out online tutorials that might show you a few more things you can do with your particular model. You can even find a few alterations, like homemade filters and other items, that can really take your current equipment to the next level. There is a good chance that your current gear can actually do a lot of the work of the equipment you plan on buying, so by checking to make sure you can’t already do this trick you might actually end up spending a lot less many than you think.

Photography can be one of the most rewarding hobbies and can really bring out a part of your character that you didn’t know before. Now, you can really take on your new skill without having to worry about money constantly putting a wrench in your photography plans. With money out of the equation you might even find that your work is publishable and will bring you a lot of pride that you can share with friends and family. These tips might even help you turn your hobby into a lucrative profession that will bring your household a little extra money.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

We are all guilty of shopping online from time to time. With the busy lifestyles we all lead shopping online is one of the easiest, and sometimes cheapest, ways of finding what we need when we have little time to shop. Shopping online can be a problem for many people though. With shipping cost and so many options available to the public a lot of people tend to go over budget when they do their shopping on the internet. There are a few ways to avoid spending too much money while your online though. These trips will ensure that you will get the best deal every time and you might even find that you will get money back just for shopping for the items you would be anyway.

1. Use E-bate sites
Before you begin an online shopping trip you might want to look around for electronic rebates, or e-bates. This will help you get money back on some of the larger items you purchase online. A lot of e-bates site will help provide you with quite a bit of a discount and you could potentially receive free shipping just for using an e-bate site. This is a great way to fully take advantage of your shopping experience. Many e-bate sites will require you to register for the site in order to gain membership. A lot of registrations are free, but a few might charge you a small fee. Generally, your fee will be paid back in full by the amount of rewards you get through the membership. Shoppers should also keep an eye out on rewards that are specifically offered to first time shoppers, or shoppers who frequently buy from a specific site. So, if you tend to frequent the same online shops make sure to look through the site to see if there is any way you can be rewarded for your loyalty.

2. Coupon Codes
Just like shopping at local stores coupons can be a major help when you’re looking to save money on specific items. However, you can’t exactly use tangible coupons on online stores in most cases. Luckily enough, there are a lot of coupon code websites available to anyone who knows just where to look. There are many major sites that specialize in finding you coupons to help you save, but many major retailers will provide coupon codes right on their site. These can especially come in handy when it comes to buying larger items, but you might find that the little things are where the biggest difference occurs. If you find that you shop at certain sites a lot then you might want to sign up for their newsletter as this will give you access to the latest sales and coupon codes.

3. Membership Sites
There are a large number of membership sites online that can help you save a lot of money. These sites can range from retailers to sites that were created to provide you with discounts for a large number of stores. Many retailers will offer a free membership or reward program to customers who frequently shop with them, which can be one of your major saviors when it comes to online shopping. Other membership based sites will collect a small fee from you. This fee generally goes to help find the deals, coupons, discounts and freebies that many members are then privy to. If you want to maximize your savings when you go shopping online then these memberships sites are a must.

4. Used Goods Websites
If you love to find a good bargain then you might want to shop for used goods online. This will help save you a lot of money and will provide you with an abundance of goods you might not have been able to afford otherwise. There are many second hand stores online such as ebay, half.com and some areas of amazon, so you have a large selection to choose from. You might also want to check out stores like the goodwill who also have an online branch that you can shop from. If you are looking for technology based items then you might try shopping in the refurbished section of any major retailer, or you could try looking for a trustworthy refurbishing company that can help you find a nice discount on the device you’ve been looking to buy.

5. Free Shipping
One of the worst things about shopping online is the shipping charges. A lot of the time these charges will actually force you to pay more for items you could get locally. There is a way around this though. One such way is by joining a free shipping website. This will allow you to work with numerous companies who will give you free shipping just for becoming a member of the site. Free shipping sites usually charge you a membership fee, but when you add up all the shipping cost you might find that it is more than worth it to purchase this membership. There are also many sites that will offer you free shipping just for upgrading your membership, such as Amazon Prime. This is a great way to make the most out of your shopping experience and can save you hundreds of dollars throughout the year. You should also check out any retailer who is offering sales as many items will qualify for free shipping.

6. Hidden Fees
Whenever you’re shopping online for things such as hotel rooms, airline tickets and technological devices you should always consider the fees that are more than likely going to be added on to your bill. A lot of the time when a person goes shopping they forget about these fees and feel that they are getting a good deal until they check out. You can pretty much guarantee that there will be hidden fees on many things that you plan on buying online. For example, most hotels will go ahead and tag on an internet cost as well as a pool fee for your stay. It doesn’t matter if you plan on using these services because the fee is added on to everyone’s bill. The same can be said for anyone who shops online for airline deals as there are many fees and taxes you might not realize when you see your price tag. Technology can be a huge disappointment if you think you are getting the same deal that you originally see. Most devices have state tax as well as a disposal fee added on that can cost you a lot of money if you aren’t paying attention.

7. Clearance and Sales Bins
Many shoppers spend a lot of time just browsing before they know what they want to buy. One of the best things you can do is steer away from the full price areas of the site and browse through the clearance and sales bins. This is a great way to avoid spending a lot of money when you’re not looking for anything specific. If you are looking for some specifics, like prom dresses and other formal attire, then you might take these bins first. Generally, you can find amazing items that will satisfy what you need for a lot less than you could hope to spend on the items. Clearance bins are also one of the best places to find decoration items for anyone who is looking to decorate for a wedding or other special event.

8. Paid to Shop Sites
As online shopping continues to gain popularity there are many websites dedicated to pay you for your shopping activities. A lot of these sites are research based and want to know how the average consumer buys. Many of these sites, like Plink, can work on and offline which can help you get the most out of your shopping experience. Generally, these sites pay with gift cards so you can actually gain more points from shopping than ever before. Many of these sites will ask to link to your bank account though, so you will want to be careful as to which you choose. Try to do a lot of research on a company before you sign up for their program and make sure to look at reviews and ask your friends if they’ve had any experience with the site. Using a paid to shop site can really benefit your household though, so try to go for one that will work best with your shopping trends and that will reward you in a way that will be useful.

9. Shop multiple sites
When it comes to shopping you tend not to shop at the same grocery store when another has a better deal, so why do this when you shop online? Shopping online should mimic some of your offline shopping behaviors. Looking at various different sites for an item can be one of your best ways to save a lot of money. There are many search engines that will offer you a shopping engine, such as Goggle, that will compare an item for you. This will give you access to a wide variety of websites that will offer you prices you might be amazed with. Shopping online requires knowing more about stores online, so with the search engine you will be privy to stores you might not have known existed. Many search engines will even let you know if the site is trusted and will offer reviews so you can feel more comfortable about where you shop online. If you can, try to find all your items on one site to minimize tax and shipping cost, but if this is impossible then utilizing the shopping tool will help you avoid a lot of unnecessary charges. Many search engines will even show you how much shipping each site charges which can help you make the ultimate decision.

10. Social Media
Spending time on social media pages can really earn you some big time savings. Many retail pages on social media sites will offer special discount to anyone that is their friend, likes them or is following them. This can help you find the deal you’re looking for without actually having to do a lot of work to get it. Before you go shopping try looking on the social media page to see if there is any special deal available or coupon codes that they’ve added to the site. A lot of retailer will even host free giveaway here, so keep a look out. Another great thing about social media sites is they also have a great groupon section. This will allow you to plan out an adventure with friends or family at a lesser price than you could ever believe. With social media on the rise you will find that picking up your favorite retailer is more than an important way to save money, but will give you the insider news whenever your store has new sales or inventory that you might be interested in.

Shopping online is one of the most popular forms of shopping today and is on the rise in popularity. If you tend to do a lot of your shopping online then you might want to try out a few of these tricks to help eliminate the cost of your products. This will not only making your online shopping experience better, but will allow you to enjoy your shopping tendencies without feeling guilty about the money you spend. As you embrace the future of retail you will fall even more in love with your shopping abilities.

Everyone dreams of taking a trip or living in New York City at some point in their life. The truth is that this city is so intimidating because it is renowned for being one of the most expensive places on the planet. You shouldn’t let this stop your dreams though. If you really want to take in that NYC trip, or even plan on going to school in this wonderful city there are many ways that you can save money. With these tricks you will find that the Big Apple doesn’t have to cost you as much as you thought.

1. Transportation
When you take your first look at NYC you might be a bit intimidated. There is a lot of movement in this city and pretty soon you’ll be joining in. If you don’t have a car or simply prefer not to sit in traffic the majority of your day then you might want to get on board with the public transportation system. This city has one of the best systems and can get your from point A to point B without forcing you to take a cab. The metro system also allows you to buy a pass that can last for a day to year. This is the best way to go even if you aren’t planning on staying in the city long term. This pass will help you get on buses or take the subway so your day to day commute isn’t an issue. You will also want to avoid cabs as much as possible. Yes, they are fast and easy, but they will really drain you of funds before you know it.

2. Free Museums
If you’re spending the week in the city then you might be startled by the prices of museums and zoos. These prices aren’t as alarming as you thing though. For instance, some musuems will offer free admission on certain evenings, so if you plan accordingly you can catch a lot of famous museums without having to pay a penny. Many museums will also put up a sign with a suggested donation price. This scares a lot of people off because they think they actually have to pay the price to get into the museum. The truth is, you can get in without paying a penny if you want because a donation isn’t mandatory. It might be nice if you do offer a little cash to help out with running the museum, but you don’t have to put in the amount they request. If you’re a big fan of the zoo then you might want to free up your Wednesdays as it is free on this day ever single week. With all of these amazing things to see you won’t have to pay a whole lot of money for entertainment.

3. Eat Cheap
New York City has some of the most expensive food in the world if you don’t know where to look for it. Instead of hitting up the major restaurants try looking for food from a street vendor. Generally, you can get a hot dog, pretzel, felafel or slice of pizza for a small price that you won’t have to feel guilty about. Street vendors are a major part of the city so you if you want to feel like a real New Yorker then check out a couple vendors while you’re in the city. You can also venture to certain areas that have cheaper food like China Town or Greenwich Village. If you’re careful the neighborhoods you choose you will be able to enjoy a delicious meal for a decent price. You should probably try to avoid eating in Time Square at all cost though.

4. Shows
Going to see a show in New York City is one of the biggest things to do, but you don’t have to drop a lot of money to see a Broadway production. If you’re spending a time in the city during the summer then head down to Central Park for an amazing look into New York City’s theatrical shows. Many theater groups will perform free shows in the summer so anyone that happens to be in the park is in for a real treat. Some indie film screenings are also held in the park which will ensure that you might get to see some great films that might not hit DVD or a theater for a few years. Central Park is also the home to a large variety of concerts in the summer. Many of the concerts are donation based, but if you’re a bit low on cash then you can still hear a faint version of the music while you enjoy a snack, or a book in the park. There are also a wide number of television show screenings that offer free admission to a select number of guest, so make sure to wake up early while you’re in the city!

5. Walk Around
You’ll be surprised as to how much walking can actually help you see the city. This activity is a great way to really get a feel for the area and will help you experience the New York lifestyle. In the city so many people do a large amount of walking which means you’ll be able to follow the crowd to find some of the coolest areas in New York City. If you’re feeling ambitious one day then you might want to try walking across the Manhattan Bridge. This bridge is not only beautiful to look at, but it will provide you a great seaside view of the city while allowing you get a great look at the skyline on both sides of the water. The best thing is walking won’t cost you a thing so you can enjoy it as much as possible.

6. Skip the Hotel
There is no doubt it that hotels in the New York City area can really set you back a lot of money. If you’re looking to stay in the city for a longer period of time then you might want to look into staying in an apartment. A lot of people will sublet their apartments out for a month or two at a time, which can be a huge benefit for you. Typically this cost a lot less than a hotel would and it gives you the New York City experience you’ve dreamed about. Staying in an apartment can help you decide if you want to move to the city for good or if you should just take what you can out of the vacation. Another great thing about staying in an apartment is you’ll get to know a part of the city that a lot of vacationers don’t get to see, so you can bring back a lot of cool memories to share with friends and family.

7. Be Aware of the Burrows
New York City is made up of a collection of burrows, which is something that is important to know when you choose a place in the city. Some of the burrows are unbelievably expensive, like Manhattan, and should probably be avoided unless you plan on simply walking around and taking in the sites. Other burrows are great places to eat and enjoy the bar scene, such as Greenwich village. So, when you plan out your vacation or where you plan on living you might want to do a little research into the best places to live, work and play. Generally, you will want to try to find a place that is close to work if you plan on staying or the sights you intend on seeing if you’re on vacation. Either way, choose carefully and know the pros and cons of each place before you go.

8. Don’t Go to the Gym
A lot of newcomers will make the mistake of joining a gym to try to stay in shape and make new friends. This can run you about $100 a month if you’re not careful. Instead of joining a gym try to get a year membership at the YMCA which will only cost you $50 a year. This membership won’t just give you access to the gym, but a series of classes and the swimming pool. There are a lot of free and donation based classes in the city too. Yoga is one of the most popular free classes, but if you can’t find a free class many people will allow you to volunteer in order to take the class for free or at a discounted price. You could also join a free running group. This will allow you to make friends and get in shape without having to spend a dime.

9. Shop Online
If you’re living in the city then shopping online is going to be one of your biggest money savers. Most things in the city are high priced, which means if you shop often in the city you’ll find that you’re wasting money on a lot of things you could get elsewhere. The best thing you can do is try to find items you like online. Even with an additional shipping cost you will save a lot of money by buying clothes, furniture and other goods online. Of course, buying groceries online can even be helpful when you live in the city. Most people don’t charge a hefty when they deliver you and you will save on a cab fee. If you do shop online then you might want to consider buying a couple of weeks to a months worth of groceries. This will help you prevent additional delivery charges. You could try to bring the groceries on the bus or subway, but generally these areas are cramped and its probably not the easiest of tasks.

10. Drink Tap Water
In most places people tend to shy away from the tap water and buy the expensive bottled stuff. You won’t want to do this in the city because it will cost you way too much money. A single bottle of water can run between $1-3, which could cost you the same amount as a small meal. Believe it or not, the tap water in New York City is some of the cleanest you will find in the country. When you go shopping try to find yourself a refillable bottle so you can take some water with you wherever you go in the city. Without having to worry about the amount you’ll need to spend on water you can have a lot of extra cash to do some of the things you actually want to. Of course, you might want to drop this habit when you go home if you live in an area with poor tap water.

Visiting New York City should be on everyone’s must see list. This city is one of the greatest places to see and so things you would never be able to in other places. From the exciting foods and fashions to the great artistic areas, this city can really impress just about everyone. So, don’t worry about spending and book your flight, because these ten tips will help you get through the city without forcing you feel like you’ve made a huge financial mistake.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

The summer is one of the best times to head to the beach and soak up some sun with your family. This inexpensive vacation is one of the best choicest for families that are on a tight budget and don’ t want to have to deal with expensive surprise cost that will make the vacation a bust. With these easy to follow tips you can actually save a lot more than you’d expect for a beach vacation, which can help you maximize the fun you have with your family. So, don’t let the cost of your getaway stop you from getting some much needed time away.

1. Hotels
When you’re choosing a place to stay you should pay particular attention to your hotel room. A lot of beach front hotels will lure you in with their amazing views and convenient location, but they tend to cost you a lot more than you should have to pay. Instead of looking at beach front hotels try to examine hotels located in town first. Usually these will offer you a much better deal and typically provide you with breakfast and nice pool to spend time in when you’re away from the beach. A lot of hotels in town will put you near many local hot spots so you can experience the city just as much as the beach. One great thing about many beaches is some actually allow you to camp out on the beach. This is actually one of the greatest ways to bond with your family and will give your family memories they won’t forget any time soon. With the soothing noises of the ocean and delicious fire cooked foods, you will have the time of your life.

2. Foods
Food tends to be one of the biggest expenditures when it comes to vacationing. The best thing about the beach is you won’t want to eat large meals, which can free up a lot of money for smaller snacks that will keep the family cool. Most beaches have small vendors that tend to cost you quite a bit of money. If you really want to try food from these places you might consider sharing with the family instead of getting individual items. This will allow you to experience the food without losing a lot of money over it. One of the best things to do if you plan on eating at the beach is back items in a cooler. Sandwiches are one of the best family friendly foods to pack and be made for a lot less. Try shopping in town for your favorite ingredients and then packing up the food with some waters in your cooler. Most hotels provide you with free ice, so don’t be afraid to use it. When you are ready to have a larger meal try to venture into town. Typically restaurants in more residential areas cost a lot less than the ones in the tourist hot spots. You might also want to look at seafood prices in the area. Often, you can get great deals on seafood that you’d normally have to pay a lot for while you’re inland.

3. Transportation
While your staying by the beach you might want to consider keeping your car parked. Typically it cost quite a bit to park your car at the beach and might even force you to spend up to an hour looking for a place to park. One of your best options is to take public transportation. Most bus and trolley services will offer day or week passes to customers which can help you get around just about anywhere without a problem. Most bus services will drop you right off at the beach too, so you won’t have to make a whole lot of transitions to get to your destination. Most beach towns have a lot of things to see and within walking distance, so if you’re tired of the beach try getting walking around the board walk and checking out some of the amazing coastal shops. Many beanch towns also have a bike rental that will allow you to keep the bike for the entire day, so you can go a bit further and have a lot more fun than just walking around.

4. Spend Time on the Beach
The main you reason you go to the beach is to spend time on the beach, so don’t waste money doing other things. When you look for a beach to visit try to find one that is public and free. This will cut down your family’s entertainment spending to nothing if you can maximize your time here. Splashing around in the water and building sandcastles is totally free, so take advantage of doing this type of activity as much as possible. If you’ve been longing to catch up on your reading then the beach is the perfect place to do it. When you’re ready for a rest find a nice shady spot and bring out the book you’ve been meaning to get around to. A lot of beaches will have volleyball competitions and other activities that will bring you a lot of joy for no extra cost. If you start to feel bored then pick up your stuff and move to a different part of the beach as there will certainly be a lot to see and so throughout the area.

5. Rent Equipment
If you have beach equipment you might want to leave it at home. Typically renting gear isn’t too expensive if you know the right place to look. For many, renting at the beach isn’t exactly an option as they generally bring up the price due to their convenient location. Try to look in town before you agree to anything, this way you can get a little more for your money. There are numerous things you can rent for the beach so make sure you are choosing items that you can use all day long. Some of the items, such as a surfboard, boogie board and scuba equipment can be shared amongst family members so don’t spend money for everyone an item that can easily be shared.

6. Groupon
Before you leave for your vacation you might want to check out your social media pages or favorite coupon sites for great deals. Many groupons, especially in the summer, will attract people to the beach with their exciting deals. For instance, if you look carefully you will probably find a great deal on surf lessons amongst other beach inspired deals. One of the best values you can find is deal on dinners that can help you save a lot of family meals. You might even find some deals on tours that will help make your visit the best possible. So, don’t forget to keep an eye on your favorite sites to ensure that you will end up getting the most out of your holiday.

7. Souvenirs
One of the easiest places to bring home souvenirs for friends and family is at the beach. There are a wide selection of sea shells all over the beach that make incredible gifts for just about everyone. You can even have the kids go on a scavenger hunt to help find the best shells to give to your loved ones. If the kids get bored at the beach you can even have them make simple sea shell jewelry to share with their friends. Another amazing souvenir would be a small bottle of sand. This is a cool idea for anyone who like to add unique design element to many homes. Certain beach locations, like in Coronado, have beautiful gold flecks in their sand, which makes a great memorial piece for your family’s vacation. Your kids will love telling their friends and family about how beautiful the water and sand was, so the bottle will become extra special to your home.

8. Take a Tour
One way to change up your vacation is to take a tour with the family. Tours generally aren’t incredibly expensive and can get your family away from the routine activities. Most tours take place in various locations and will allow your children to learn a lot about the area they are visiting. For instance, some tour guides will know the best ares to find certain sea creatures on the beach and will even allow your children to get close to the one’s that aren’t dangerous. Other tours might even take you up in a lighthouse, which is a great adventure for just about everyone in the family. A lot of tours will even give you access to the aquarium, so you can have fun looking at all of the creatures in the sea without having to worry about the huge cost.

9. Visitors Center
Many people often bypass the visitors center when they go on vacation, but this location can actually help you find some of the best deal in town. Most visitors centers provide you with a book of coupons as well as a guide to the town that will help you unlock the best things to see and do while you’re on vacation. You will even get a mini lecture on the town’s history as well as the nature and animal life in the area. For many, the visitor center is where the vacation’s major planning takes place, so make sure not to skip out on this important part of the trip. Try to go to the visitors center before you check into your hotel so that you can already take advantage of the coupons provided for food, room discounts and activities. Visitor centers are also great in giving you a schedule of any shows that might be taking place during your visit.

10. Flying In
If the beach is too far to drive too then you should carefully plan out your flight tickets. There are many websites that are designed to provide you with a great fly in deal so that you won’t have to worry about spending too much. Some of these sites will even package your flight and hotel together to provide you with the most discounts possible. When you choose a flight you should always take into consideration the airline you are choosing as well as the airport you will be flying into. A lot of airlines that aren’t as popular can offer you a better rate whenever you fly, so try to look at these airlines first. You should also choose an airport that isn’t as large. This will reduce your price and will most likely get you to a closer beach location so you won’t have to rent a car.

Taking a vacation to the beach can be a whole lot of fun if you don’t bring the stress of every day life with you. With these tips you can enjoy your stay without having to worry about the debt your procured when you get home. You will really enjoy taking some relaxation time away from work so you can spend some time with your family and get the tan you’ve been hoping for.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

With the summer heat rising there is a good chance that you might be planning a visit to the salon to get a shorter and sexier hair style. Hair salons can take a lot out of your budget if you’re not careful about the services you accept though. There are a lot of salons that try to push as many services as possible on customers without revealing how much each service cost. This can be an alarming surprise when it comes to check out time. There is a way around this problem though. When you follow these simple tricks you can get in and out of the salon without having to lose money you didn’t plan on spending.

1. Avoid Complex Cuts
We’ve all had our eyes on that complex cut that we think will make us look like a fashion model. Yes, these cuts are perfect for a little confidence boost, but they are incredibly hard to maintain. Chances are if you don’t plan on going to the salon every day and you don’t have hair style training that you”’ pretty much be disappointed with your hair style the first time you try to style it on your own. This usually means that you’ll find another style to take it’s place or spend more money to get the hair styled once again. Complex cuts also mean that you can’t maintain the cut yourself. Generally, when your hair cut grows out a bit you can easily trim it down with a pair of scissors at home. With a complex cut it is hard to find the areas that you need to trim down, so you could end up with a horrible mess of a style that requires you to spend more money on a new look.

2. Reveal Budget
Hair stylist are renowned for being great listeners. After all, many people love to get their hair done just to have a nice conversation. So, when you go in to visit your stylist don’t be afraid to reveal that you’re working with a budget. One of the best things you can do is bring cash along with you instead of your credit card. This will allow you to enforce the budget a lot easier than you would be able to with the back up card. You generally won’t have to be forceful with many stylist when you talk about how much you can spend, which should make the job easier for you. Your stylist will know what they can and can’t offer to you when they give them a specific number to work with.

3. Avoid the City
If you live or work in the city then you might want to take a detour when you schedule your hair appointment. Most salons in the city pride themselves on having very high end stylist, which also means they’re going to charge you high end money for the same haircut you could get elsewhere. So, when you notice you hair needs a little update you might want to schedule with a stylist in the suburbs. This allows you to enjoy your experience a lot more and can ensure that you won’t be paying a lot of money for your signature style. You might even find a favorite stylist in a suburb that makes you feel comfortable with your environment as well as to try new styles out.

4. Touch Ups
Colored hair can make a nice touch to an individual style, but if you keep getting it colored at a salon then you will surely be paying more than you bargained for. Originally getting your hair colored at a salon can be okay, especially if you’re not comfortable with dying all of your hair by yourself. However, when you keep going back to get your roots touched up you will spend a lot of money that could go elsewhere. When you get your hair dyed the first time you should talk to your stylist about the color and brand they recommend for touch ups. Most stylist will gladly tell you what you should use for your touch up. This will allow you to pay for the total of the hair dye in the store, rather than the price of having your roots redone at the salon. Touching up roots is a breeze too and might make you feel more comfortable with dying your hair in the future.

5. Student Salons
Most towns and cities have beauty schools that will allow you to come in for a styling on different days of the week. The students that will be working on your hair have already passed through the wig stage, so you won’t have to worry about them making major mistakes. The best thing is the students are working with a master stylist to help make your hair look great, so you might end up getting a better hair cut than you would with your standard stylist. When it comes to prices at a student salon you will be paying very little to nothing because you are essentially donating your hair to the students. So, you can actually get the works done without having to worry about breaking your budget.

6. Learn to Say No
Some stylist can be really pushy when it comes to offering the extras. There are a lot of tricks that many will use to get you to go through the maximum of services. Some stylist don’t even ask before they provide you with some of the services. For starters, a shampooing isn’t free, so when the stylist starts to hustle you over to the shampooing station you might want to step in and say no. This can happen throughout your visit, so make sure to keep a look out for any extra services the stylist might be trying to push onto you. If you tend to have problems saying no then make sure you tell your stylist exactly what you want done before you sit in the chair. This will allow you to keep control the situation so you don’t have to worry about the total coming out to an outrageous amount when you the styling is finished.

7. Blow Outs
Getting a haircut doesn’t always have to be a solution to your style problem. If you are okay with the length of your hair and don’t mind doing trims yourself you might want to consider getting a blow out. This procedure is when a stylist takes your existing cut and shows you various ways of styling it. This can really freshen up your look and make you feel a lot less bored when it comes to getting ready in the morning. A blow out cost a whole lot less than a hair cut too, so you will really be doing yourself a favor if you are comfortable with your cut, but need a little change.

8. Home remedies
Many people head to their stylist for moisture remedies, especially when the weather is harsh outside. If you want to get your hair looking great without the price then you might want to look into some home remedies. There are many websites online that are designed to help you treat your better than any stylist could. So, if you’re feeling a lack of moisture in your hair then might want to consider looking up some new ways to moisturize. For instance, you can put mayonnaise in your hair to help bring out its natural shine and bring it back to a healthy moisture level. Avocado is also an excellent way to bring out your hair’s natural sheen. The best thing about home remedies is they are generally low cost and the items are usually found in your home anyway. Next time you visit your stylist you might even get a few compliments as to how your hair has regained its health with salon help.

9. Look Out For Specials
You might not think to look for coupons or sales on your favorite salon, but this technique can typically save you big. Most salons have seasonal sales like back to school deals and summer greetings which can save you a lot of money. If you can, try to plan out your hair updates along with these deals so you won’t have to pay full price when you go into the salon. You might want to choose a style that allows you to go longer between maintenance cuts, which will keep you away from the salon for longer. A lot of stylist will give out customer coupons for their regulars, so don’t be afraid to ask about an allegiance program.

10. Don’t Chat
It might be hard, but try not to chat as much to your stylist. If you do chat more then make sure to keep an eye on everything that the stylist is doing. Chatting is a great way to pass the time while getting your hair styled, but it can be a distraction to your stylist. Although distraction isn’t always bad, it can lead to your stylist messing up on the style they’ve been asked to create. It can also allow stylist to unwilling give you services that you didn’t ask for. Keeping the chatting down to a minimum can really avoid a lot of problems. One of the major problems with chatting is it can cause some stylist to mess up on the style. A lot of customers tend not to return to stylist who do a bad job, which means they end up paying for another hair style because the first one didn’t work. These extra cost can add up, so instead of dealing with them in the first place try chatting less and paying attention more.

Getting your hair done can be a treat if you know how use the hair salon properly. With these simple tricks you can get in and out of the salon for a lot less than you can imagine. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your personal style because the salon is too expensive. These tips will ensure that you can always get the look you want without having to stress out the entire you are in the salon. Take your pampering time back and take pride in the way you look everyday.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

Being a working parent or a single parent can be rough, especially when you have to worry about the prices of childcare encroaching on your way of living. There are many childcare services that can actually cost you most of your paycheck if you aren’t careful! The best way to approach childcare is to not stress about money, but find the best facility or person that can offer both you and the children the care you deserve. With these ten tips you will find that affording childcare is easier than ever and your children might even begin to enjoy going to daycare each day. It is all about finding a balance between the childcare provider’s needs and your own that will leave this aspect of your life stress free.

1. Compare Facilities
Most towns and cities will have a wide variety of daycares to choose from. This will work out greatly to your benefit. Daycares, like all businesses, want to compete to get the most clients so many will increasingly lower prices to draw in more people. When you go looking at daycares you should always keep their fees in mind. Many facilities will actually match their competitors if you mention it doing your meeting. You should also always check the daycare’s hidden fees. Many will offer things that your child will never use, so make sure to draw attention to the issue before you sign any paperwork. You should always have your child’s education in mind too. A lot of daycares will offer early schooling at no extra cost, while others simply have the children play throughout the day. The more services there are to keep your child busy and mentally challenged the better. When you compare facilities you should also keep location in mind. A daycare close to the home or workplace is ideal so you don’t have go too far out of your way. This is perfect for gas prices and might even save you from being late to work a few times.

2. Look into Alternatives
If the daycares aren’t satisfying your for childcare then there are many alternatives available to anyone that is willing to look. Churches are generally one of the best options when it comes to low cost childcare that you can trust. Most churches will offer this service to their members for free or a low cost fee. Of course, you don’t have to be a member in order to receive the benefits as many churches will just charge you a low fee or ask for a donation. Churches tend to be one of the most trusted facilities for children and your child will be fed, looked after and given Bible lessons on morals throughout their stay. Colleges are another great alternative. Many schools will offer free or reduced childcare to their students. If you aren’t a student you will probably pay childcare based on your annual income, but you will still save a lot. Colleges typically offer the daycares in order to help their early childcare students get first hand training. This means your child will be privy to early education techniques that can help further on in life. You might even try local youth groups like the YMCA for daycare services. These services are generally low cost and offered to members. These locations are especially great for older kids who need care after school.

3. Share a Nanny
One simple way to save on money is to share a nanny with another family. This allows both family’s to enjoy professional care without having to pay the full price for it. This is also a great way for children to adapt to the change in routine. A lot of times the nanny will switch off homes so part of the time your child will be able to remain in the comfort of your home. This also allows your child the opportunity to get used to being around other children frequently without having to overwhelm the child like many daycares do. One of the best aspects about this is your child won’t get sick constantly or injured by other children. Sharing a Nanny can be a great way for neighbors to bond, but you will have to make sure to agree on the right nanny for all of the children involved. Many nannys will go the extra mile and bring crafts and other learning techniques that will encourage your children to advance before school begins.

4. Family
If you are feeling a little bit uneasy about sending your child to a daycare facility or having a stranger watching over the child then you might want to consider asking family. Grandparents that are retired or that work from home are usually the best options. Grandparents will generally take in their grandkids for the sheer joy of spending time with them, but you still might want to offer money to help with food and entertainment for the children. If grandparents aren’t an option then you might want to ask any family members that you trust that might already stay home with their own children. This will allow you to work without having to worry about your child as much and will help reduce the amount of money you have to spend on childcare each month. It will also give the child a comfortable environment to help adapt to you not being home.

5. Au Pair
If you’re feeling adventurous and have some extra space in your home then you might want to look into hiring an Au Pair. An Au Pair is a nanny, generally from another country, that comes to live with you in order to take care of the children in the home. There are many programs that train and screen nannys to choose from so you won’t have to worry about who is coming to live with. Au Pairs can offer care to the child at all times, so if you have an unusual work schedule you won’t have to worry about finding another provider. One great thing about having an Au Pair in the house is your children will be exposed to another culture early on in life. This will allow them to adapt better to foreign things and might even allow them to pick up a second language before they begin going to school.

6. Ask For Subsidy
If you have children then your boss might be willing to work with you when it comes to childcare cost. Most bosses would prefer their employees to be stress free when they come into work each day so they can concentrate on the job at hand. So, if you’re having trouble with a babysitter then you might want to ask your boss for a subsidy so you can place your children in a daycare facility. Many companies allot money to this cause, so there is no harm in asking what your companies policy is. If you’ve noticed that there are a lot of parents in the office that struggle with childcare then you might try to bring up the idea of a company hosted daycare service. This would allow parents to have their children in the same building so they could worry less and be more productive with work.

7. Work From Home
Working from home might be the best option for your family. A lot of companies will allow employees to work from home if they have circumstances that require them to. A lot of employers might even encourage trusted employees to try to get the majority of their work accomplished in the home so they don’t miss out on the early stages of life for each child. Talking to your employer is one of the best things you can do when you are having a hard time with childcare as it may results in a more convenient work environment for you. If you are currently unemployed and need to work then you might try to find a job that requires you to work from home. Sometimes travel agents, writers and data entry jobs require the employee to work from home. So, make sure to look around for something that is going to suit your needs.

8. Utilize Your Skills
A lot of daycare services are in need of certain skills to help them run more efficiently. If you are great with accounting then you might offer to help with the books once a month in order to lower your children’s tuition fees. This will help the daycare not spend more money on an accountant while allowing you to pay a lot less on your bill. You might also try to offer to volunteer from time to time. Many facilities need nap time relief, supervisors for field trips and help preparing meals. So, if you can take off your lunch hour to help out your child’s daycare then you might also enjoy the benefit of saving some money on care for your child. The best thing is you will be able to see your child while you volunteer, which will help your child adapt while giving you some extra parenting time that you wouldn’t normally get because of work.

9. Try Government Programs
There are a large number assistance programs available to single parents and low income families. If you’re stressing about coming up with childcare tuition then you might ask your provider for a list of assistance programs that they accept for aid. A lot of these programs can be easily researched and applied to online, so don’t hesitate to try to find a program that works great for your needs. Many programs don’t take a long time for approval so it might be as simple as going down to your local assistance office to get help. Government programs want to encourage you to work, so helping out with cost is their way of keeping people working. You might not see the full tuition disappear, but every little bit will help you make ends meet.

10. Tax Deduction
A lot of families really count on their income tax returns each year. This year when you file make sure you include your daycare cost when you talk to your accountant. In most cases families can receive up to $3000 per child back on their tax returns when they claim day care cost. This is a great way to start up a tuition fund in the bank so that you don’t have to take out every payment from your check. This will give you some extra money to play with while still allowing your children to go to the facility of your choice. Many times, the excess money can pay for most of the year, so you can actually spend your paycheck on more things that you want or need. Some parents will even send their child to a better facility with this money, or will have enough to pay for the expensive pre-school program that all of the other parents are raving about.

Your children are important, so of course you want to give them the education and comfort they need while you are at work. Childcare cost can tighten your family’s budget substantially, so if you’re having trouble making the tuition each month then you might want to consider a change in the game. With these ten tips you can help eliminate some of the expensive cost of childcare while allowing your child to get the most of the care provided.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

One of the best things about summer is catching up with your family as you take to the great outdoors. Camping is one of the most popular family adventures and is a great way to connect with your kids while teaching them everything they need to survive in the wild. Of course, camping is one of the cheapest family vacations you can give to your children, but there are still some amazing ways that you can cost even more. You trip could cost less than $100 if you plan accordingly, so check out these ten tips so you can reduce the amount of money your family vacations with this summer.

1. Create a Check-List
Camping can be a fairly easy going trip, but if you end up forgetting something it could ruin the trip if you don’t have money to replace it. In order to help avoid this problem you should make a check-list to help you. From personal hygiene and food products to survival and sleep gear your check-list should be checked as often as possible. Any of these items could really cost you a lot of money if you have to go to a camping site to replace it. Just to make sure you don’t forget anything you should have every camper check of the list just to make sure. You will also want to make a check-list for things around the house. Make sure the faucets are off, everything is unplugged and there are no gas products on. This will actually save you a lot of money since your utilities won’t be used during the duration of your trip. If you have pets make sure to leave out plenty of food and talk to a trusted neighbor, friend or family member you checking on them.

2. Map It Out Early
Before you go on any trip you should map out the location so you will know just how much money you need to save. A lot of campsites are free, so the only mapping you will need to is finding a location that is close to hospitals, stores and entertainment for your family. This can be tricky, but make sure you prioritize your needs so you can remain safe while having fun on your trip. Entertainment isn’t a must, but a lot of towns near camp sites will provide your family with frontier inspired events that don’t cost a whole lot. You also need to checkout the routes in which you will be taking. Make sure to look at an updated map even if you have been to the campsite on multiple occasions. Mapping out the route to the camp site is usually a great idea too since you will most likely try to take as many highways as possible in order to get the most mileage.

3. Food
Don’t stock up on food before you go camping. Camping makes cheap meals seem delicious and can help you spend a lot less while you’re enjoying the great outdoors. Instead of packing items like chickens and steaks, buy a few packs of hot dogs and buns, cans of beans, or make your own trail mix and stock up on chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. You can also use your time outdoor to catch your own food. If you have a fishing license and plan on spending time near a lake or river then try to get a decent enough catch to help save on your grocery bill. Fishing is also a great way to spend some quality time with the kids and will really boost their confidence if they catch the fish you choose to have for dinner. If you are skilled with knowing berries then you and the kids can pick fresh berries to enjoy for breakfast or a snack.

4. Rent a Boat
You might think that owning your boat is the best idea when it comes to your family’s vacation time, but the truth is if you don’t live by a lake then you are really doing yourself a disservice. When you go on vacation you should try renting a boat instead of bringing along one that you already own. This will allow you to save on the gasoline that it will take to haul the boat along with you as well as a docking fee and fuel for the boat. When you rent you bypass a lot of fee, so if you only have a day or two to spend on the water then renting is the way to go. If you add up the cost buying your own boat might be a wise idea, but that is only if you leave near water and intend on going out in the water frequently. There many rental companies that will provide you with a great package deal to help you get the most out of your boating experience and vacation.

5. Use Second Hand Gear
Many people feel as if they need to bring a lot of gear with them when they go camping. If you plan on going camping during certain periods of the year then this might be true. If you have to pack a lot of gear try not go out and buy it first hand. For instance, if you would like a new tent for your growing family then you might look around your local listing and thrift shops for a significantly reduced price. This also works great with cooking gear and other necessities for camping out. If you intend on camping during winter then you might want to grab a few cheap sweater from the local thrift store so you can keep the family warm without having to purchase a lot of items. Old blankets also work great when you need a sleeping bag solution that doesn’t cost a thing. If you can’t find the gear you need from a store then ask to borrow some items from a friend who might already have them.

6. Camp Nearby
You don’t have to travel far away in order to enjoy a great camping trip. Try to find a camp ground that is near your location so you can save on the gas money it takes to get to the location. This will also provide you with a great way to explore the area that your family lives in, which will help you feel more connected to your home. This is also perfect for first time campers, as you can easily pack up and go home without losing too much money if you decide the family can’t handle the great outdoors. If you have kids that really want to give camping a try then set up a little campsite in your backyard. This is perfect for slumber parties and will get children ready for real camping when the family finally does go. You can even set up the fire pit to allow them to chance of making smores and telling stories.

7. Watch the Weather
Before you head out on your camping trip you will want to keep an eye out for the weather. Nothing ruins a camping trip like nonstop rain for the duration of the vacation. The weather isn’t always incredibly predictable, but if you make sure to keep an eye on the weather you might be able to avoid any major mishaps that could leave your family packing up and heading home. Generally, if you plan you vacation during the summer you are pretty safe when it comes to rain; however, you should always watch your surroundings and use your gut when it comes to the weather. Bad weather not only forces you to cancel your trip, but can ruin your gas mileage and make you break down and buy camp gear that works better in the rain.

8. Water
Water is a must have every day, but can cost you a whole lot if you just buy the little bottles. If you have a good water filter at home then try filling up clean milk jugs to help you save a lot of money on water. You can also buy the bigger jugs of water for a lot cheaper than you can packages of bottled water. Remember, you will need water to drink, cook and clean with on your trip so you don’t want to bring too little with you. There are also water filtration cups you can buy that will filter water out for you. These cups are a great buy for the frequent camper that doesn’t have a lot of space, but they also require you to be around a water source at all times. When you pack up water for your family’s trip you should always double their normal intake, especially in the summer, so that you ensure there will be plenty of fluids on board.

9. Plan Activities
One of the best ways to stop from spending money while you’re camping is to plan out activities before you go on your trip. You should always have several games planned out for both indoors and outdoors that will prevent people from getting bored. There are many low cost games that are perfect for the outdoors, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money on items to bring with you. For instance, try taking a horseshoe set for some outdoor fun and perhaps a pack of cards to play with in case you get rained in for the day. You will also want to plan plenty of activities that will tire your family out. Hiking and swimming can be some of the best activities to help bring your family’s energy level down so they will want to lay down and relax when the sun goes out. You should also plan a day where you go see a western show, or just venture out to the movies so the kids can get a break from the camping life and spend some time in the cool air.

10. The R.V.
It is usually best to leave the R.V. at home unless you are planning a long trip. The R.V. will take up a lot more gasoline than you would generally put in your car, so if you’re going somewhere close to home then try to convenience the family to take the standard car. If you do decide to take the R.V. out the fuel up before daybreak and after dark so you can get the most gasoline for your dollar. You might also have one of your passengers keep an eye on a gas app so you can fill up cheaply whenever you come across a town that offers a decent price. You might want to lay off the R.V. appliances as well as running the fridge, microwave, television and other items can not only drain your gas, but your battery. If you are just planning on stopping to sleep for a few hours then avoid R.V. parks and just park in a parking lot like Wal Mart’s. This will allow you to sleep for free for a few hours without having to hook up to an R.V. parks amenities.

Camping can be one of the best ways for your children to make great memories while bonding with you. If you love to camp then make to take some time off this summer so you enjoy the great outdoors with your family. With these tips you can actually save money on your trip so you don’t have to worry about bills and other costs bombarding you when you return home from your relaxing vacation.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

Planning a trip to Las Vegas can be pretty complicated if you are worried about money. When it comes to this city everything is fast paced and if you aren’t prepared you might end up missing half of what you came to see. If you have big plans for you Vegas trip, but don’t have the budget to back it up then you are in luck. These ten tips will not only help you get the most our of your Las Vegas vacation, but will also ensure that you don’t overspend when you finally reach your destination. Now, you can plan the trip you always dreamed of without having to make as many compromises.

1. Food
Food can be one of the priciest purchases on your trip, so make sure to be cautious when you eat. One of the best deals is buffets. This gives you access to as much food as you could possibly ever want to eat at a decent price. The best thing you can do is plan to go out to eat during lunch time. This will allow you to fill up from morning and afternoon hunger, while eating enough to tide you over to the next day. Buffets are usually a bit cheaper during the lunch hours too, so you won’t end up spending as much. If you don’t have time to locate a buffet then you might find that hotel and casino food courts aren’t too bad when it comes to food prices. This will also allow you to get the most out of your casino time too. If you really want to splurge on a restaurant then you might want to check out the menu before you go into the establishment. This will ensure it won’t be too expensive and will let you decide if it is worth the money. When you do eat out try to order water as much as possible. Soda, bottled water and other drinks can cost almost half of the meal so try to avoid ordering them as much as possible.

2. Transportation
Once you’re in Vegas you might find that transportation is an issue, especially if you have a lot of places you want to see. If you intend on hanging out around the strip then walking is going to be your best bet. Its great exercise and will allow you to see a lot more of the city than you planned on. Of course, if you intend on going a little bit further then you might want try out the monorail or bus system. You can purchase a public transportation pass for the day for a lot than you would thing. This will help you save on taxi fares and gas, so don’t feel uncomfortable about going local for your vacation. If you do intend on not doing a lot of traveling then paying for the occassional taxi might night be a bad deal. Driving can really be a pain in the city, especially when you have to pay for parker everywhere that you go. It is usually best to keep your car in hotel parking and enjoy the city through other means. If you do want to drive then try to avoid buying gas in tourist areas. You will mostly likely find the cheapest prices along the strip or outside of the city.

3. Shows
Las Vegas is all about the shows, so you should try to catch a few while you’re on vacation. You don’t have to choose the pricey stuff though! In fact, it is typically best to avoid shows with a lot of hype behind them as they will generally cost a fortune. If you go online to find tickets you will see a great variety of shows, their description and a significantly reduced price. This is the best way to get tickets for anyone who loves to plan ahead. Of course, if you’re feeling a bit bored then you can always pick up tickets for a show on the day that it plays. A lot of times ticket booths will take off 50% on the tickets so they can help the show sell out. Earlier shows are generally the best if you’re looking to save money and can be less crowded so you will feel more comfortable at the show.

4. Gambling
Gambling is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Las Vegas, but it is also how many people end up losing a lot of their vacation money. The best thing about Vegas is that so many casino will actually offer your a card. You can put money on this card so you don’t over spend at each location. A lot of cards will even come with free money so you can maximize your game time at each casino that you go to. Slots are usually the worst thing you can play while you’re in a casino. Yes, they cost very little, but by the time you play them for 10 to 15 minutes you could lose more money than you would at a game table. Many casinos will even offer you free drinks and discounted food to help keep you in the casino longer, so make sure to take full advantage of the offer.

5. Hotels
Chances are you won’t be spending a lot of time in your hotel room during your vacation, so don’t go too big when you choose a room. There are a lot of amazing deals on the strip, but you might have to sacrifice space in order to pay less. If you’re planning your trip ahead of time make sure to book earlier so you can take full advantage of the deals when they are available on the site. You might also look for package deals that include parking or airlines to save more money. A lot of hotels have different deals per night, so you might want to check out deals and do some hotel surfing throughout the vacation. A lot of hotels will offer freebies, so make sure you check out all of the services available before you book. Some will provide you with a free breakfast while others will give you a pass to the pool. Whatever you decide to do make sure you check out reviews before you book with any hotel.

6. Airfare
If you need to use an airline to get to Las Vegas then you should always shop as frugally as possible. One of the easiest ways to save money is to do some research online. There are a lot of online sites dedicated to finding you the best deal possible. Of course, if also helps if you book your flight way in advance of the actual trip. Choosing a less popular airline is a great way to keep your flight price down and might even ensure that you will have less people on your flight. There are many travel sites that can give you a deal that includes your airline and hotel, which generally helps save you the most money. One of the most expensive things when it comes to airline tickets is the amount of baggage you bring. If you can bring on one carry on then you will end up spending a lot less on your ticket and will ensure that you have a lot less to look after when you pack up to leave.

7. Check Out the Sights
There are a lot of free things you can do in between shows and gambling while you’re in Las Vegas. For starters, there are a large number of replicas of the World’s Wonders to check out. These hotels are great for families and are totally free to tour inside and outside. You might also want to check out the downtown area where the Rat Pack performed a lot of their shows and hung out during their prime. Along with all the historical sites there are so many different fountains, sculptures and amazing architecture that you won’t see in the same city ever again. So, take some time out of the expensive vacation treats and enjoy some of the things that won’t cost you a dime.

8. Drinks
Las Vegas gets pretty hot in the summer so you will want to make sure you have plenty of water to keep you and your family hydrated. The only problem is bottled water can be expensive in the tourist areas and should actually be avoided as much as possible in hotels and restaurants. If you can, try to go to a store outside of the tourist areas so you will be able to stock up on a pack of water, soda and juice without paying a fortune. If you’re a big coffee drinker than try to avoid going to cafes and other expensive vendors. Most hotels have a coffee maker in the room or in the lobby area so you can enjoy coffee for free if you really need it. Most casinos will give out free drinks, so if you’re looking to drink on your vacation try to frequent the casinos as much as possible.

9. Coupons
You might not think it is possible to use coupons on your vacation, but you really can save a lot with coupons that you find online. Before you go on your vacation try to look up groupons to help make your vacation the most entertaining experience you’ve had in a long time. You can also find plenty of coupons for hotels and restaurants when you search online. This can take a lot of your budget, so you can spend money on more shows and entertainment. If you can, try to purchase discounted gift cards for restaurants you’d like to try before you leave for vacation. A lot of popular chain restaurants send out coupons each week, so if you are looking to eat at cheap places then take your coupons along with you, so you can enjoy food for less.

10. Souvenirs
A lot of people expect you to bring something back for them at the end of your trip. This can be pretty pricey if you end up buying things at hotels, gift stores and the airport. Instead of purchasing from tourist attractions you should always venture into town. There are a lot of outlet stores that sell the same merchandise you can get in the gift shop for a lot less than you would pay there. This will allow you to get the most out of your money and can stretch your souvenir budget even further. If you really don’t want to spend a lot on items then try to get free autographs or take a specific picture that someone might enjoy. There are also many places that give out plenty of freebies, so make sure to check out booths and other areas to enjoy souvenirs for absolutely nothing.

Las Vegas can be a great vacation area if you know how to save money. With these simple tips you will find that saving money is a breeze while you are visiting one of the most loved cities in the country. Vegas doesn’t have to be known for losing money, but can be a great source of fun for you and your family. You will love how much you trip changes when you utilize these tips to maximize savings and encourage exploration of the city.

Author: John Terris

Everyone loves to take a break from cooking and indulge in a fast meal from time to time. Although it might not be cost effective to do it all the time, every once in awhile it is a great way to change up the schedule and lift your spirits. Of course, sometimes you have to eat out due to traveling, working late or family emergencies. You shouldn’t have to stress out about eating out though. With these simple tips you can enjoy a nice meal without having to spend a lot or settle for the dollar menu. These tips will help you experience some of the best local foods in your home town as you will not longer have to stress out about how much you are going to be billed!

1. Drink Water
It is pretty tempting to order tea and sodas when you eat out, especially if you are going out as a treat. This can add a huge amount to your bill though. Many restaurants will charge you around five dollars per drink and many don’t offer free refills. A specialty drink or alcoholic drink can be much pricier. Some of these drinks even cost as much as a meal, which will double up your bill per person fairly quickly. Most of these drinks don’t come with free refills either, so if you drink more than one during your meal then you will quickly reach the hundred dollar bill mark. If you really want to go cheap when you eat then order water. Most restaurants will serve you iced water for free so you won’t have to keep adding on to your bill. This is especially important for places that serve more expensive meals.

2. Discount Gift Cards
There a lot of websites that are offering gift cards at a much cheaper price than they are worth. This is a great way to enjoy a meal without having to pay full price for it. For instance, many gift card stores will allow you to purchase a $25 gift card for only $10. This means you will have $15 you won’t have to worry about coming out of pocket when you eat out. If you purchase one of these gift cards when you have a little extra cash then you enjoy a nicer restaurant without having to spend money that is in your bank account. This is a great way to save up for birthdays and other special occasions. You can also purchase slightly used gift cards for a lot less. Many sites sell gift cards that still have money on them, which will benefit you greatly since they won’t charge you for the full amount of the card. Often enough you can grab a $50 gift card for half the price!

3. Skip Dinner
Dinner is one of the most expensive meals when it comes to eating out. If you can try to break for a later lunch because this will actually save you a lot of money. Lunch menus might not be as vast as dinner menus, but you will find that they can be just as filling for a few dollars less. Lunch usually last til about 3 in the afternoon, so if you can catch the late lunch rush then you might be full enough to skip out on dinner completely. Although lunch portions often aren’t as large as dinners, you might find a restaurant that serves you a little too much for your lunch appetite. This will allow you to take home the leftovers to enjoy for dinner, which will mean you will get two meals for one lower price. Of course, if you really want to be frugal then just go out for breakfast. A lot of restaurants have plenty of meals that will cost you less then $5 for breakfast.

4. Share a Dish
If you’re going out to eat with a friend or a date then you might want to consider sharing a dish. A lot of dinner dishes will come with so much food that it could easily feed two people with extra to take home for leftovers. The major thing is to be choosey with your meal. Try to pick something that is going to be filling like a pizza or pasta dish. You can also go for the two dishes for a certain price deal. If you do this then you won’t spend more than twenty dollars for a meal fit for two. If you have a family to feed then you can still utilize the same system if everyone can agree on a meal. If you have problems choosing then order two or three different meals so that can everyone can eat a little off of each dish. This won’t cost you as much as ordering each person a different dish, but will still have everyone leaving the restaurant full.

5. Timing is Everything
Restaurants have a lot of down periods and many try to entice people to come in by lowering the prices or offering great deals. If you go to a restaurant during the middle of the week you are more than likely going to get some amazing deals that you definitely wouldn’t on the weekend. The middle of the weeks tends to see less guest, so its easy for places to give away reduced priced or free desserts as well as amazing specials. You might want to also try to go out before six o’clock. A lot of places will offer an early bird special that will make dining out fully worth it. These specials usually provide you with good portions of food for a lot less than you would ever expect. Planning during these times will also leave you feeling more relaxed during your meal because the restaurant will be a lot less crowded and a lot quieter.

6. The Bar
If you don’t have the kids with you or are simply eating alone then you might want to ask to be seated at the bar. The bar is generally a bit more crowded, but it does offer you access to a smaller and cheaper menu that might suit your budget more than larger portioned dishes. Sitting at the bar will also make the specials more clear and might even make the service a little bit faster than normal. Of course, there is also happy hour that can really help you save a lot of money if you plan on having an alcoholic drink. However, a lot of places will include regular fountain drinks as well as appetizers into the happy hour so make sure to ask before you’re seated.

7. Online Coupon Deals
One of the best things about the internet is you can find coupons for just about any establishment. Sometimes you might even get luck and find a groupon that will help you and your friends enjoy a night on the town at a fraction of the original price. Coupons are fairly simple to find online and a lot of the more popular franchises will offer you freebies as well as half off coupons that can make your dining experience so much cheaper. Of course, if your planning on having a spontaneous meal out then you might want to look into downloading a few coupon apps. These apps can really help you save money on the go and generally don’t cost anything to download.

8. Utilize Social Media
You might not realize it, but social media sites can get your more discounts than the occasional coupon. For example, a lot of restaurants will actually keep track of the people that check in at their location on social media pages. These people will often receive freebies, discounts or coupons that will help them with their bill. Restaurants love when you help promote them, so don’t be afraid to let everyone know where you’re eating. If you really love a restaurant then don’t be shy when it comes to supporting them on their social media page. A lot of restaurants will offer people who like their page or follow them, depending on the site, a lot of special offers that other customers aren’t privy to. This can be a great way to pick up a discount or try something new on the menu for less.

9. Special Occasions
One way to really bring on the savings is to go out on special occasions. A lot of restaurants offer deals on major holidays, such as Veteran’s Day. If you show up dressed in your uniform a lot of places will offer the meal to you for free or for a discounted price. This is a great way for restaurants to show their appreciation for those to serves and a great way for veterans to be rewarded for their service. Of course, Mother’s and Father’s Day are not to be forgotten in this list of special occasions. Many places will offer specials on these days and you might even get a free dessert. Going out on your birthday might also be a great idea. Not only will you have a blast with friends and family, but a lot of restaurants will offer you a cheerful song and a free piece of cake! Some places might even offer a discount on major holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas because their service will be slow on these nights. The key is to call and ask around to see what specials are going on, but if you plan carefully you can enjoy some great deals all year.

10. Surveys
Many restaurants will offer you surveys on your receipt or through your email subscription with them. Often, if you complete these surveys they will offer you a free menu item or a discount on your purchase. This is becoming increasing popular on with many fast food chains that want to improve their service while also promoting return business. So, every time you go out make sure you check your receipt for a survey. Most cashiers will point this out to you to make it easier for you to find though. There are also many online surveys that offer you free food or gift certificates for filling them out. Most of them don’t take long to do and can really add up if you do the surveys frequently.

Eating out can be an incredible experience that spices up life and helps up break out the work routine. Of course, paying a lot for it won’t make life any better. With these ten tips you can take advantage of discounts so you can enjoy the food you are eating without having to worry about the bill that follows. Now, you can try all those restaurants you’ve been wanting to without having to feel guilty about the money you’re spending.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

Summer camp can be one of the biggest experiences in a child’s life. For a few hours a day to a whole summer you child can learn the ropes of camping, canoe on a lake or even go to a camp that specializes in one of their interest like that computers or theaters. It is certainly hard to pass up a great experience like this, but money can be a huge deciding factor in whether or not your child goes. Summer camp can run you thousands, but these ten tips can help you get your children enrolled in a great camp so their summer will be nothing less than spectacular.

1. Book/Pay Early
It is always wise to start thinking about summer camp in the beginning of the year. Most summer camps take early enrollment, so begin your search to find the perfect camp in January. Once you and your child know where they want to spend the summer keep an eye on the booking day. A lot of camps will be open for booking right after camp ends, so try to be early so you can ensure that your child has a slot in the summer camp the two of you decide on. If you decide to pay early you might be privy to a lot of discounts that some of the later campers might not get. This is a great incentive for camps to get people to book early, which helps make their planning job a lot easier. Although you can probably enroll your child a lot closer to the camp date, you may end up paying lay fees or speedy registration fees that you could have avoided by shopping around earlier. Booking earlier might also allow you to make payments instead of having to pay a huge lump sum.

2. Apply for Financial Assistance
A lot of camps can offer you an assistance program if you are having a hard time coming up with the money. This might require you to divulge information about your paydays, or taxes but is definitely worth it when it comes to ensuring your child can enjoy a great summer at camp. If you qualify for food assistance programs with your local school then there is a pretty good chance that you will be able to get a little help with the camp cost. You might only see a reduction in the food prices, but every little bit helps. A lot of camps will also offer grants to children who can not completely afford the program, so make sure you have your child’s report cards and a letter why they want to go to the particular camp so you can increase your chances of getting into the perfect camp.

3. Book All Kids
If you have more than one child then you might want to have the kids settle on one camp to go. This might take a lot coaxing and long conversations, but deciding on the perfect camp for all siblings can really help your kids develop compromising skills. This is important because a lot of camps will give you a sibling discount if you have more than one child enrolling in their camp. Sending all of the children to camp can also save you money in one other way. Although the kids might fight like crazy in the home, when you send them to camp they will automatically have a support system that they can count on. This will ensure that your children won’t end up wanting to come home early, so you won’t have to have wasted camper fares.

4. Shorter Sessions
Most camps will offer semesters of camps so they can allow more kids to experience the summer. Of course, many campers do choose to stay the full summer, but other’s don’t want to be apart from their families for that long. So, choosing one semester of the camp can cut your summer cost in half. This will still give your child a full month in camp, while keeping several hundreds in your pocket. There are also some camps that only run a week or two at a time. This can cost you as little as $200 per campers, so when you’re looking for a camp try to pick one that suits your financial needs too. There are also come camps that only run in the day time. Typically these camps are run locally, but you might end up doing a bit of driving if you choose one that is out of town. If you do choose to send your children to a day camp then you might want to look into a busing system that can get your child to and from camp for a lot less than you driving.

5. Ask for Discounts
Before you finalize your payment make sure to ask about any discounts the camp might have. Many camps like to honor civil servants like teachers, firemen, police officers and other government workers. You can actually end up saving a whole lot of money if you choose to do this, so remember there is no harm in asking. If you are a military family you can also receive a pretty good discount so make sure your camp knows about your situations. A lot of camps will even waive cancellation or early release fees to people in the military in case there is a sudden move or emergency. If you plan on sending your child to an academic camp then you might mention your child’s grades. Some camps will give you a small discount if your child is a straight A and/or perfect attendance students. Every little bit helps, so make sure you have all your grounds covered before hand.

6. Find a Sponsor
If you’re still having trouble finding the money to get your child into camp then you might want to look for a sponsor. A lot of schools, youth groups and churches will actually help you look for someone who is willing to sponsor your child for a few weeks at camp. Finding a sponsor might mean your child needs to have an interest in sports, great grades, or takes an active part in the church. If an organization picks your child up for sponsorship then you might find yourself working a few bake sales, or washing cars to help earn some money towards your child’s camp funds.

7. Offer to Volunteer
If you choose a camp that is nearby then a lot of the time you can actually receive a discount for volunteering. This might mean taking some time off work, or devoting your weekends to the camp, but at least you will be able to to see your children and ensure that will get to go to camp. Even if the camp is farther away you can plan on flying up for a week or two and helping out with specific events. A lot of camps need more people to help towards the beginning and end of camp, which can be a great way for you to help get your kids settled in and ensure they are happy before you leave.

8. Use Old Camp Gear
A lot of parents are tempted to buy all new camp gear for their children before they go off to camp. This is usually a first time camp parent mistake. If you have older supplies like a sleeping bag then make sure that you send your child with these items. Many items at camp can be lost or stolen so if you send your child with new items there is a good chance you’re just throwing away money. The same can be said for clothing. A lot of camps will provide your children with t-shirts to wear so that they can help classify them into bunks and age groups. This is typically included in the camp fee, so you shouldn’t send your children with a bunch of new clothes. When it comes to pants make sure that they still fit. Your child will need a couple of pairs of jeans and some shorts. If you don’t have shorts then simple cut off a few of your child’s old school jeans. An old pair of sneakers is probably best too, since they will mostly be getting dirty all summer. The only thing you might want to buy new is a bathing suit, but that’s only if last year’s doesn’t fit properly. You should also consider that your child might grow during camp, so make sure you have their sizes written down so you can send them any back up clothes they will need.

9. Use Expenditure as a Tax Break
Although it might not be helpful now you can actually use your child’s camps cost as a tax break in the future. This can actually help you save quite a bit of money if you have more than one child going to camp. This might also help you feel a little better about spending a lot of money on camp. When you file your taxes make sure you ask about this or else a lot of tax companies might over look the expense. With the camp fees taken out of your taxes you might find that you can easily save up for next year’s camp fees.

10. Choose a Non-Private Camp
A lot of private camps can charge a lot of money that many families just can’t afford. So, if you’re looking for a camp that is affordable and safe your child then you might want to look into enrolling in a non-private camp. There are a lot of colleges, churches and boy/girl scout groups that offer low cost camps to children interested in furthering their knowledge in certain areas. These camps are almost always low cost and only last a few weeks out of the summer. If your child is already a part of the boy/scout group or church then there is a good chance that you might not have to pay anything to enter your child in the camp. A lot of these groups will begin fund raisers several months before camp enrollment, so your child might even earn the money for camp before actually enrolling in a camp. This is a great way to teach responsibility and will even ensure that camp is a possibility for your child.

Summer camp is one of the easiest ways to keep your child busy and active during the summer. It doesn’t matter what camp you decide to send your child to as these tips can really help cut down cost without forcing you to cancel your child’s enrollment. You will definitely be your child’s hero when you tell them they are going to camp this summer. Now that you won’t have to stress over money this year you can certainly find a little relaxation time while the children are away at camp!

Author: Chelsey McQuitty

Barbeques are one of the best ways to take full advantage of the summer months. With the delicious foods and great company it is hard to turn down throwing such an event, even when you’re on a tight budget. Barbeques don’t have to leave you hurting for cash though. In fact, there is a number of ways to throw a fantastic barbeque without spending over $50! This will leave you summer’s filled with great memories and good times. With this low budget party you can have as many friends over as you want to enjoy the beautiful weather and delicious food. So, don’t waste your summer weekends because you’re afraid of spending too much!

1. Bulk Buys
When shopping around for meal ideas for the barbeque you should always looking into buying meat in bulk. The best thing you can do is try to go shopping in a bulk store, rather than the local grocery store. Usually you can get a triple pack of hamburger meat or hot dogs for just a little over the price you would pay for a normal pack. Most of the time there are larger packages of vegetables, fruits and cheeses available that can help you give your meal a little extra zest. Buying meat in bulk is one of the best ways to go, especially if you don’t want to get fancy with your meal items. Not to mention, if you have a lot of leftovers you can either use the meat for something else or cook it up and eat it as leftovers for the next few days.

2. Shop for Cheaper Items
If you usually go out and cook steaks, ribs and brisket then you might want to settle for items that are a lot cheaper to make. Hot dogs are one of the cheapest meats to grill and can go far, especially if you’re feeling a lot of children. Hamburgers are also a cheap meal that can really be spiced up by inexpensive ingredients. For instance, you can add some ranch seasoning to a batch of hamburgers for some extra flavor. You can also add in mushrooms, jalapenos or cheese for an exciting flavor that would please the pickiest of guest. Chicken, especially legs and thighs, can be a great way to add something a little special to the mix. Chicken is great because it can be given a barbeque coating or a nice dry rub that will impress the guest. You can even throw some corn on the grill for a nice inexpensive vegetable.

3. Create Your Own Sauce
The sauce is what really makes a barbeque special, but pre-made sauces and rubs that you find in stores can really cost you a lot. The best thing you can do is experiment with making your own sauce from ingredients you already have in the home. There are a lot of barbeque sauce recipes online that could be fun to learn and will also help you keep your spending down. They usually take common household spices and tomato sauce that is generally quite cheap to buy in a grocery store. Of course, everyone loves a nice dry rub on their barbeque every now and then. Dry rubs are usually the cheapest to make and only require you to use a few spices. Dry rubs are also fun to play with, but if you’re feeling insecure about mixing items then there are also many dry rub recipes online to help out.

4. Bring Your Own!
One really simple way to be frugal without having a bad party is to have your friends and family bring some of the items. Potlucks are a lot of fun and you can really get to try some amazing dishes when you have them. Friends can help supply meat for you to grill up which could actually end up saving the guest money too. Just think, if everyone brought a four back of chicken or steak then everyone could have a really nice meal without anyone going over budget. Some people might prefer vegetarian style menus too, which will help you cater to their desires without having to spend less on people who want to eat meat. Side dishes are also a major deal for many at a barbeque, which is why potlucks work out so well. A lot of people tend to bring desserts, but you can also end up with a lot of delicious salads, casseroles and other unique dishes that will make your guest full and happy.

5. Limit Side Dishes
Side dishes can be a huge expense when you are having a barbeque. A lot of people tend to go for chips or other junk food items that don’t go very far at all. Pre-made sides are also one of the worst ideas for people who want to save but are in a hurry. The best thing you can do is look for items that are in season. For instance, throw some vegetables on the grill for a nice side dish. Typically corn, peppers and a large number of other vegetables are in season during the summer. These will make great side dishes and additions to sandwiches. You can also use seasonal vegetables to make salads. Macaroni salad and potato salad should be incredibly cheap to make during the summer and they are usually a hit during barbeques. Instead of making heavier and richer desserts try whipping up a fruit salad with seasonal fruits that don’t cost a lot.

6. Save Charcoal
Charcoal grills can be pretty cost effective if you have a good grill. Most grills require you to preheat in order to cook, but unless you are cooking some intricate meals this can be overlooked. Hot dogs and hamburgers are pretty straight forward to grill, so you don’t have to wait as long before you put them on. The less you wait means the less the coals have to burn. Good charcoal grills will actually put out the coals when they are being used, which means you can leave them in the grill and use them on your next barbeque. As summer gets closer the price of charcoal will actually go up, so you won’t want to have to go out and buy more coals every time you intend on cooking out. So, make sure your grill is somewhere that won’t get wait and keep those coals locked away for your next big event.

7. Buy a Nice Grill
One of the best tricks for saving money is to actually spend a little first. When you pick out a grill you should consider how much wear and tear you are going to get out of it before you have to buy a new one. For instance, a $20 grill might sound pretty appealing to you because of the low price. These grills don’t last very long though and they tend to not cook evenly. Thus, if you plan on cooking out a lot you will be better off spending a larger sum of cash on a nice grill that won’t break opposed to having to pay the $20 several times during the season. A nice grill will also encourage you to use it more often. If you love the way the food taste then you will feel more at ease with using the grill and will thus get your money’s worth out of it. Nicer grills will also save you on charcoal and propane cost that will actually ensure that you are more than making up for the amount of money you spent on the grill.

8. Bake Your Own Buns
If you plan on making hamburgers or hotdogs then you might want to learn to make your own buns. Buying them in stores can often not be cost effective, while baking them at home can cost you pennies if you already have the ingredients in your home. There are a lot of bun recipes online so you can choose the one that will work best for you. The best thing is buns are easy and cheap, so you can practice making them before the big barbeque. If you end up with an excess amount of buns then you can always use them for sandwiches later on. Buns can be customized to suit your guests too. For instance, if you really want to get into it you can add cheese and jalapeno for an extra kick to your burgers. You can also add sesame seeds and other interesting ingredients for a taste that has been enjoyed for decades. If you really get good at making buns you can always sell some of the extras off to friends or at bake sales.

9. Skip Disposable Eating Accessories
It is pretty tempting to buy paper plates and other eating accessories when it comes to hosting a barbeque. The idea of doing that many dishes is pretty scary, but when you think about how much money you will save you won’t feel so bad afterward. Paper plates are one of the worst things to buy, especially for barbeques. Most paper plates can’t handle things like barbeque sauce so they end up breaking before the meal is over. Thus, people tend to have to grab two or three just to get through their first helping of food. That is a lot of paper to waste, especially since you can’t really recycle the plates with food on them. The plastic plates aren’t as bad as the paper ones but they are definitely more expensive and some in smaller packages. Plastic eating utensils aren’t as pricey but they tend to be a waste of plastic as they will only be used once. The best thing you can do is pull out your plates and silverware and run an extra load of dishes after the party. It might be more work, but the environment and your wallet will thank you for it.

10. Clean Your Grill
You might not realize it but cleaning off your grill can really help you save a lot of money. The grill can acquire a lot of burned food over time, so it is important that you scrape it off after you use it and before so you can ensure your meat won’t stick. When you have clean grill your food will cook more evenly and you won’t have to throw out hamburgers that taste terrible. A clean grill also means that you won’t need to use as many coals to make the grill hot. With a dirty grill the heat will take longer to hit the metal so your food will take longer to cook and won’t taste as good as it should. Cleaner grills also last longer and need less maintenance. So, if you want to save money in the short and long term make sure to keep your grill clean and watch out for problems that might occur with it.

Barbeques can be one of the best parts of summer, but if you’re low on funds this year you shouldn’t have to miss out on the fun. With these ten tips you will have your fun without having to worry about spending a lot of money each time you have a party. Your summers will be memorable and you will have amazing foods to brighten the longest of work weeks when you follow these simple tips.

Author: John Terris