June is on its way, which means a lot more heat and some even greater savings. Of course, there are a few things you may want to avoid during the month of June. When it comes to stores, a lot of items are a big “don’t buy” during this month, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan on shopping for some of these items soon. For a little hint as to what you shouldn’t think about buying during this month, check out this list of ten items. You won’t be disappointed, especially when you save quite a bit of money.

1. Furniture
It doesn’t matter if you need to furnish your home or your patio, shopping for furniture in the month of June can be a huge mistake. Many newly weds as well as graduates are looking to furnish new homes during this month. This means the demand for furniture is way up, which stores take full advantage of. You may bump into a few last minute Memorial Day sales, but even these sales won’t give you the discounts you deserve. If you can hold off for a little while, July is known as one of the hottest months to buy furniture. There should be lots of sales online and offline that will help you get the furniture of your dreams without paying the prices of your nightmares.

2. Grills
Sure, you won’t want to go without a grill during the summer months, but if you missed your chance for a deal in May then you won’t find a deal for some time. June is one of the worst months to buy though. Since so many items went on sale in May, stores tend to raise the prices in June because they know people will pay them. You might want to take your chances looking for a second hand grill or simply go to a local park that has barbecue pits and hang out there. The grill probably won’t see another discount until August or September, so if you can go without for a couple of months you should shop around then.

3. Airline Tickets
You probably guessed that trying to grab an airline ticket during the month of June was going to leave your broke. Lots of people are trying to get in last minute vacation trips, which causes the price of tickets to go way up. Not to mention, this could lead to over booking, which could leave you in a bind at the airport. The online ticket shopping you should be doing during the month of June is for vacations during the holiday months. However, you may not even be able to find deals then. The best thing you can do if you absolutely need a flight during this month is try to get on a standby list or use your miles.

4. Jeans
Although the summer heat is kicking in, you may still want to buy some jeans. If this is the case, you may want to wait until June is over with. School has just let out and there are really no sales on items like this during the month of June. Although less people will be buying jeans during this month, they are still a popular item year round so you probably won’t see a supply and demand sale either. Your best bet is to wait until late July or early August when the back to school sales begin. You should see some big savings then, which will allow you to buy more for your money.

5. Swimwear
Swimming is pretty much a must when the summer heat kicks in. However, if you haven’t bought your swimsuit for this year then you are probably going to be out of luck when it comes to spending money. These items usually go on sale before the hot weather shows up. Since they are in such high demand in June, retailers can hike up the price to make consumers a little miserable. You will probably be better off sticking with last year’s swim suit if you’re still looking for the perfect match for this year. Many stores won’t even have clearance racks with swimwear, but if you do find one then that is probably going to be your best option. It will mostly be last season’s stock, but it will be better than spending an arm and a leg on something new and stylish.

6. Air Conditioners
It may seem like cruel and unusual punishment, but you most likely won’t find a deal on an air conditioner during the month of June. A lot of stores will advertise sales that actually don’t save you any money in comparison to their competitors. This can be a major problem if your air conditioning breaks down. The best thing you can do to counteract the high prices is to know what you’re buying when you go in to pick out an air conditioner. Different air conditioners work better for specific climates. Plus, you will want an air conditioner that will actually help you save some electricity. If you can wait to buy an air conditioner then September should be the magical month when you begin to see sales on these items.

7. Fishing Gear
Summer time is the perfect time for fishing. Of course, many people know this, so buying fishing gear right now isn’t going to be the cheapest option. Father’s Day is on its way too, which will leave the prices even higher during the middle period of June. This can be a problem if you really want to hit the lake for a bit of a vacation. You may want to look for second hand items if you’re really interested in going. Some sporting goods stores will sell used rods and you will probably have an easy time finding them at thrift stores. You can easily catch your own fishing bait too. For instance, flies are a great option. Fishing gear should drop in price when the weather begins to cool, so you might want to stock up then.

8. School Supplies
You would think that school supplies would be a great price right now, but June is a month in which they are priced higher or in the average range. A lot of people choose to stock up on school supplies when school is over, which leads many stores to keep the prices up so they can make more money on the items. Instead of shopping this month, you should probably wait until the Back to School sale begins. You may keep an eye out for random sales during the summer though, because you never know when a store might have overstocked an item.

9. Houses
One of the worst times to buy a house is during the month of June. Although it is actually National Homeownership Month, you won’t see a whole lot of price reductions during June. Many people actually choose to move during the summer months, especially since it allows children to transition to new schools easier. It is also a time when people are getting married or graduating, so more people are looking for a new home. This can cause a huge problem if you’re looking through a real estate agency, because they will have so many offers to present to sellers. This makes it hard to underbid on a home and may even force you to pay more for it if you really want it. Another problem is, downsizing often happens during the summer months. This could leave to many people asking for money for their home to help them start fresh elsewhere.

10. Tools
You might think that June would be the perfect time to grab some tools at a decent price. However, since Father’s Day is in June a lot of stores tend to raise the prices or offer faux sales on items. June is also a month when more people want to work on summer projects, so they are willing to spend more money on the items they need. Needless to say, you should hold off on any tools that aren’t an absolute necessity during this month. In July, many stores will have a whole lot of sales. This is largely because they buy more tools during June, because of Father’s Day, and they need to clear some of the stock. You should be able to find some incredible deals this way, which may even fill up your workshop.

There are a lot of great things about the month of June. However, when it comes to shopping, you might want to ditch some of these items off your shopping list. Luckily, many of the items will be on sale soon, so you won’t have to wait too long to get the products you need. With all of the savings you’ll find from skipping these ten items, you might have a little more money for summer fun with the family.

Summer time is practically here, which means it is time for a wardrobe update. This often means spending some money to keep your style up to date. However, summer fashions give you the most wriggle room when it comes to your style. There are some looks that won’t cost you a penny, which will make you the most fashion savvy of all of your friends. If you’re in a bind for clothes this summer, you may want to check out these ten tips. Your friends will certainly be asking you for fashion tips that won’t cost them an arm and a leg too.

1. Cut off Shorts
If there is one thing you probably have plenty of in your closet it is pants. These can last you a while, but sometimes they just become too old to look nice anymore. This makes them perfect for summer time fun. All you have to do is give them a quick snip and you have a great pair of shorts that will keep you fashionable and cool. You don’t have to just stop at cutting off your shorts. If you don’t like a distressed look then consider adding a hem to the bottoms for a professional look you will adore. Apart from that, you can always add rhinestones and other items to spice up the shorts. Fabric paint is also another fun option that will show off your originality. With all of the shorts you make for the summer, you shouldn’t have to buy a single pair until they wind up on the clearance rack.

2. DIY Coverup
A day at the beach can lead to a major sunburn if you don’t have a coverup to wear when you’re out of the water. Of course, you may just love the style of a coverup. Luckily, you can easily make one in a wide assortment of fashions. One such way is to use a baggy t-shirt. If you don’t have one in your closet then head to your local thrift store and see if you can find something cool to use. Once you’ve done this, cut the tank into a cute tank top. You can even add a tie to the waist line to make it even more flattering. This is only one option though. There are plenty of tutorials online because DIY coverups are certainly in style this year.

3. Crop It
T-shirts are another common item in the wardrobe. These can be turned into a wide variety of fashions too. First of all, long sleeve shirts can always be transformed into short sleeve tops with just a few clips and a hem line. Another option is to cut off the bottom of an old t-shirt. This creates a crop top that will allow your belly to get a little sun. The neckline may need adjusted to suit the new look, but this is as easy as cutting it into the shape you desire. You can work with other tops too, so follow your fashion instincts to see what you come up with. You might want to practice on clothes you’re okay with losing though, just in case you need a few practice runs.

4. Add Flair
If you’re struggling with a boring wardrobe, then there is also an easy fix for this. All you have to do is go to your local hobby shop and grab some cheap rhinestones, appliques beads or anything that shows off your personality. Then, grab a cheap pair of flip flops, sunglasses, or clothing. One you’ve picked what you’re going to work on, start gluing or pressing the items onto your piece of clothing or accessory. Before you know it, you’ll have a one of a kind piece that is sure to make your friends a little jealous. You might also want to invest in some paint to help spice up the items you plan on wearing. This is sure to give you something fun to do during your summer down time, while offering you a cool new look.

5. T-shirt Tote
Dealing with the summer without a cool bag to show off can really make people question your summer time fashion sense. Luckily, you can make a cool bag in just a few simple steps. First, you’ll need to choose a t-shirt that looks cool, but you no longer want to wear. Then you do a few simple cuts and ties and you have a tote that is big enough and strong enough for all of your pool or beachside supplies. There are a lot of tutorials online that will allow you to choose the style of bag that you want. You may want to hang onto the tutorial so you can create a cool new bag for school when it begins again.

6. DIY Tanks
Tank tops are pretty much a must when the heat gets to be too much. You can wear them over bathing suits or as is to keep your body cool and fashionable. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to buy a tank top though, especially since a lot of tank tops are over priced for what they are. One easy way to make your own tank top is to grab an old baggy t-shirt. If you don’t have one lying around the house then find one at your local thrift store. You never know the cool designs that you can find there too, which might be perfect tank top material. When you have your shirt, cut deep holes where the arms were, then work to alter the neckline to suit your desires. If you’re having trouble then check out a tutorial. You might even get adventurous and cut the back to show off some skin or to make your creation even more fashion savvy.

7. Utilize Bathing Suit
Your bathing suit can actually be one of the best go to items when it comes to summer fashion. A one-piece bathing suit can easily be used as a body suit and paired with your favorite pair of shorts. This will not only keep you cool all day, but will help you stay comfortable. Not to mention, you can go for a swim whenever the mood arises. If you love to show some skin then you can enjoy a barbeque or summer gathering with a bikini top and a pair of shorts. Bikini tops also make colorful additions to your favorite tank tops and will keep you cooler than wearing a typical bra.

8. DIY Henna
Accessories can be everything when it comes to summer fashion. Since you’re showing more skin and want to stay cooler, you may want to consider something that doesn’t require you to wear more. That is, henna. You can find really cool henna designs in shops or the mall. These usually last some time too, so you can feel free to go swimming and everything else with your new ink. Of course, if you want to save some money on this then you can make your own ink. You can even download templates that will make creating the designs easy. Keep in mind that henna stays on the skin for a little while though, so you might want to practice before you go head first into using the ink on yourself or others.

9. Hair accessories
If you have long hair in the summer time then you probably know how important it is to keep it up. Luckily, there’s a lot of great ways you can transform your hair without spending money on accessories and other items. For starters, you can take an old bathing suit and cut it up into little ties. This will give you a way to tie up your hair that also offers a little stretch. Old t-shirts can also be cut up to make fun hair ties that will allow you to try a wide assortment of styles during the hot months. You can turn an old t-shirt into a head band or sweatband to make life a little easier in the hot sun. Finally, if you already have hard headbands around the house then they can be spiced up with these items or you can use rhinestones or other accessories for a little extra flair.

10. Recycled Flip Flops
Most people can’t live without flip flops during the hot summer months. However, most of the time you can’t find these items at a fair price. If you want to wear a more stylish flip flop then you can wind up spending as much as you would on a pair of sneakers. Luckily, there’s several tutorials that can help you make your own flip flops. Even if you don’t DIY the full shoe, you can find ways to add to the style of any flip flop you desire. This is especially great if you have a lot of broken flip flops lying around the house that need to be fixed up.

Summer time is one of the best times to show off your creativity. These ten ideas won’t just allow you to have a good time, but will also help you to look good when you don’t have the budget to update your style. With any luck, you will get through the summer without spending a cent on a new piece of clothing.

May is the perfect time to get your garden looking in tip top shape. However, planting can be incredibly expensive, especially if you don’t know how to maximize what your planting and choose items that are simple to grow. Although it may be hard to choose how to plant your garden, there are many options that can maximize your money to give you the most back. With these ten plants in your garden, you’re sure to feel the wealth of what a home garden can bring. You may not even have to spend a dime, if you are truly looking to keep your garden frugal.

1. Lavender
When it comes to adding beauty to your garden, nothing will help you quite like lavender will. The plant creates a beautiful purple color that will help set your garden apart from others. It will also add a calming scent that will make the whole family want to spend more time outdoors. Apart from creating a nice setting in the garden, lavender has a lot of uses. You can actually cook with it, add it to your tea or eat it straight out of the garden to create many amazing health benefits. Lavender makes a great display in the home too and can liven up any room. Another great option for lavender is to create lavender oil, which offers many health benefits. One huge benefit from lavender oil is calming children before bedtime, which could be a major reason to rejoice in your household.

2. Shrubs
If you don’t like empty space in your garden then shrubs are the way to go. They come in all shapes and sizes, which make them perfect for creating shapes or adding borders to the garden. One of the best things about shrubs is you can shape them to suit your needs. If you need them to stay short then all you need to do is keep up with the trimming. Of course, if you like large shrubs for shade then this is a possibility too. You can grab shrubs that grow berries or shrubs that stay green all year long, depending on your climate and the aesthetics of your garden. Best of all, most of them don’t need a lot of water to survive, so you can keep your water bill down without sacrificing the beauty of your plants.

3. Azaleas
When it comes to the Spring bloom, you can’t go wrong with azaleas. A simple seed packet of these flowers can leave you with a beautiful burst of color every time spring rolls around. These stunning flowers are simple to care for too and can last for several weeks. This will ensure you won’t have to worry about putting too much work into your garden, especially during the indecisive Spring months. These flowers grow best under shade, so they could be the perfect way to spice up the trees in your yard or to add to areas that don’t normally grow plants well. The lovely pinks of the flowers are sure to be a hit with the neighbors, especially if you pair them with other flowers of different colors.

4. Herbs
Freshness can really change the way your meals taste, which is why you might want to consider adding herbs to your garden. These delicious plants tend to be easy to grow and will allow you to head to your garden for a clipping of basil, rosemary or more whenever you need to cook something special. The best thing about herbs is you can regrow them in no time at all. This will allow you to keep up with your garden without having to spend a penny on new seeds for the herb section. A lot of herbs can even keep away mosquitos and other bugs, which is great for the summer months when they tend to hang around the home. A lot of herbs also put off delicious scents, which will make you want to spend more time in the garden and less time cooped up indoors.

5. Cypress Tree
Having shade for the home and lawn can be pretty important, especially if you live in a hot environment. That’s why a cypress tree or three can really come in handy. These trees come in a wide variety, so you can easily choose one that suits the look you’re going for or is simple to grow in your climate. These trees tend to be on the cheap side too and are simple to grow so you’ll only need to purchase them once. The best thing about them is they shoot up fast, so your yard will get the shade it needs in no time at all. This can cut back on your cooling needs while adding a lot of charm to your yard. Many people even plant these trees in rows to create the illusion of a fence, without having to spend the money on one. With the price of these trees so low, you can easily fill your yard with them without damaging your budget, which is what makes them a must have.

6. Tomatoes
Another cheap option to add to the garden is tomato plants. You don’t even need to purchase seeds for this plant. Instead, cut open a tomato and plant it in the ground. This will sprout a new tomato plant, which you can begin to tend to. Tomatoes are a bit more challenging to grow than some of the other plants you may try, but they are still beginner level. Having tomatoes in your garden offers a lot of benefits though. They are fun to grow and allow you to build onto your gardening skills. They also help you cut down on the amount of produce you have to buy at the store. With tomatoes growing in the garden, you can create your own pasta sauce, jar stewed tomatoes or simply have delicious sandwiches. You won’t even have to worry about pesticides or other toxins on your produce, which is always a nice feeling.

7. Squash
If you’re looking for another way to stretch your grocery money then growing squash can really help out. Squash is one of the easiest vegetable to grow in your garden, so you can even have the kids help out. One of the greatest things about it is you can grow different kinds to keep your home stocked with colorful foods. This can help keep your family’s diet filled with nutrients and will even allow you to always have a vegetable option on hand. Apart from having so many varieties to try to grow, the seeds are incredibly cheap to buy. A packet can even last you years, so you won’t have to spend money to make your garden great. Squash tends to go pretty fast too and you can even try to grow large items to enter into contests during seasonal fairs.

8. Lilies
When it comes to adding even more beauty to your garden then lilies are certainly an option to consider. These lovely flowers come in wide varieties too, but the price of seeds also varies. Of course, one of the best things about these flowers is they are a cinch to grow. In fact, in some places they will even grow wild, so you may find they expand their reach after you plant them. Lilies can really bring a touch of romance to your garden, which might even win you some prizes if you enter a competition. The flowers from your garden can also be clipped and made into bouquets that you can sell to make some extra money from.

9. Ivy
One way to add a dramatic effect to your garden is to add a little ivy. This plant is cheap to buy a grows quickly to create a stunning look that will add to the background of your garden. You can use special poles or decorations to grow your ivy, or to keep it even more frugal, you can add it to the side of your home. Usually this plant spreads incredibly fast, so a little goes a long way. Before you know it, you will be able to show off your garden’s charm faster than you thought possible. There’s a wide variety of ivy too, so you can choose one that suits your style or grow a variety to add even more beauty to the garden.

10. Sunflowers
Another charming addition to the garden is the sunflower. This stunning flower is not only lovely to look at, but follows the sun which creates an amazing look in your garden. These flowers can grow quite large too, which will help limit the need to plant a whole lot of other items. Sunflowers can easily be sold for extra money, but they also make great snacks. All you need to do is collect the seeds and bake them and you’ll have a healthy snack most of the family will love. This is especially great during sports seasons, so you don’t have to waste money on snacks at the venue. Sunflowers don’t need a lot of upkeep either, so you can enjoy a beautiful garden without as much worry.

Gardening is a great way to relax and add value to your home. However, sometimes it can drain your budget. Luckily, these ten plants can quickly become your favorite go to plants that will make your garden thrive for less money. Before long, you’ll have a beautiful getaway that may even earn you some extra money.

Having the kids home for summer break can be an amazing time for the whole family. However, without the constant reinforcement of their education, your children can quickly begin to forget the information they learned during the year. Although there are ways to keep up with their studies even when the school doors are closed, these methods can be expensive and might even leave your child exhausted for the upcoming school year. There are a few ways you can keep their mind active without spending a small fortune though. Often times, the things you need to do so can be found right in the home. So, get ready for an educational and fun summer that is sure to keep the whole family feeling their brain grow stronger.

1. Board Game Night
Your closet full of board games can really come in handy when it comes to long periods off of school. Luckily, different games help with different skills, so as long as you mix it up you should be doing your children a lot of favors. If you don’t want to spend money on board games, there’s a wide variety you can even make at home. Most board games do help with logic skills though, which come in handy in many aspects of school and life. You can even buy board games that specialize in certain topics, which can help with spelling, math skills and reading comprehension. The best thing about board games is they help the whole family bond, which can come in handy as children grow into teenagers. Apart from skills and bonding, your child will also learn how to be a good sport when losing and how to work as a team.

2. Learn Coding
There’s no doubt about it, technology is the future. Often, school curriculums don’t cover enough aspects of this topic, especially in the early grades. So, you may want to use your child’s summer vacation to help them get ahead in the world of coding. This may sound like a tough feat, especially if you don’t know how to code yourself. However, there are so many aids online that you can have your child coding within a few weeks. The lessons are easy and straight forward enough that you can even learn how to code along with your child. One of the ways to do this is to download apps directed towards kids. There are also many websites that offer free lessons and games to get your child to fall in love with the activity.

3. Reading Programs
Each summer the majority of libraries offer a reading program for the public. Usually, they allow children as young as three and as old as high school to participate in the program for free. This is a great way to keep kids busy, especially when it comes to encouraging them to read. Most children are given a reading goal based on their age group and they receive prizes as they fulfill each goal. Many libraries will also offer arts and crafts as well as story and movie times to keep kids busy and entertained. Older children may even be able to volunteer in order to keep their minds’ active.

4. Garden
Digging in the dirt can be therapeutic for people of all ages, but it can also be a great learning experience. One of the best things you can do for your children is teach them how to grow their own food. This will not only peak their interest in healthier foods, but it can help them save a whole lot of money when they are out on their own. Gardening also reduces stress, so teaching children to do so will help give them some of the tools they will need to lead a healthier lifestyle. You can easily grab seeds to begin your adventure in gardening, but you can also regrow fruits, vegetables and herbs that you already have in the home.

5. Swim
Hopping in the pool can be one of the most refreshing aspects of the summer time. Of course, it can also help keep the mind and body strong too. Swimming is actually one of the best ways for kids to improve on their motor functions, especially when they are not working with utensils and art supplies every day. The movements in each type of stroke works to help muscle growth and cardio functions too, which can help your child stay in shape so gym class won’t be as hard. Other than that, spending time in the pool with friends and family can encourage team work. Games like pool volleyball, Marco Polo and more will entertain and show kids many ways to work with others in difficult circumstances.

6. Arts
Another way to keep young minds going strong is to get them interested in the arts. Luckily, there’s a whole lot of things you can do with items you have in the home. For instance, you can use all of those leftover school supplies for writing or drawing projects. Another option is to pull out the paint and have kids try to design age appropriate paintings. You may even decide to think big and paint a mural on your fence or child’s wall. Instruments are another great option when it comes to the arts. You can get your child interested in taking a class or you can make homemade instruments at home for the occasional jam session. Theater is another option, which will get your child out in the community. You can even have them put on plays at home to keep things lively and fun.

7. Nature Walks
One of the best things you can do for your kids is to get them outside. This why nature walks are one way to keep your kids minds going. To begin with, fresh air is always great for the body and mind, so you’re already off to a good start. Other than that, nature walking gives you access to so many forms of science. For instance, one day, you can have the kids go bug hunting. They can take pictures of each species they see and then read about them later on. Finding and collecting rocks can be a great start to geology, which can help open up the mind to other sciences. Bird watching is another great idea for a nature walk and can help kids learn about the birds that live in their area. You can also teach a lot about the weather, global warming and more simply by checking out the world around you.

8. Cooking
Life skills are a must to teach your kids. You can never start too early when it comes to cooking. There’s a lot of cooking techniques you can teach to children of all ages. This not only helps teach your child how to care for themselves, but it can also help them love healthier, homemade foods that nourish their bodies throughout each stage in their life. Cooking is also a great lesson when it comes to chemistry and mathematics. With measuring and working out food changes, your child’s mind will be sharp when these topics come up in school.

9. Science Kits
Science experiments will not only keep your child’s mind active, but can help them fall in love with the world of science. Most schools don’t get to facilitate many science experiments, so working on them at home can reinforce what they’ve already learned while helping them see the science in real life. There’s lots of great science kits on the market that don’t cost a fortune. These kits include everything from biology to robotics, so you can cater to your child’s needs. However, if you really want to save some money then you can work on an experiment with items from home. For instance, a volcano is a simple experiment that is suitable for most ages. You may also want to try out making your own slime, which also works as a toy for kids.

10. Field trips
Getting out of the house to learn is also important during the summer months. There’s a lot you can do in this regards though. For instance, if you have younger kids then you may want to consider going to the zoo or aquarium. This can be very exciting and teaches a lot about the animal kingdom. Another option, especially for older kids is to check out museums. These come in all different forms too, so you may be able to cover many topics during summer break. There are also less popular options like touring factories or farm to teach children how things work. You may want to come up with assignments or writing projects based on your field trips to help reinforce the lessons.

Summer break is a time for fun, but you can also make it an educational experience. These ten ideas will work to help your child’s brain stay strong during the vacant summer months. With a little planning, you should be able to come up with a lesson plan that will have them excited to pick up new knowledge.

Memorial Day is heading your way, which is a good time to spend quality time with your family while thinking of those who died for your country. Another great thing that Memorial Day brings is a ton of sales that can help you save big time before you head out for your summer vacation. Not all sales are created equal though. Some of the major sales happening on the holiday will hardly save you anything; whereas, some of the sales will be too hard to pass up. Here are ten of the items you should be shopping for this Memorial Day if you really want to get your money’s worth.

1. Mattresses
If you need a new mattress then Memorial Day is the time to get it. This is actually the best time to get more for your money when it comes to mattress sales. There’s really no rhyme or reason as to why this is, just mattress stores tend to host their biggest sales during this time of the year. If you shop locally then you will probably find some major discounts and may even be able to haggle your way to an even lower price. This is especially the case when it comes to smaller businesses. If you’re really lucky then you will work out free delivery and removal of your old mattress. The internet will also be filled with great sales to check out too. You might even be able to save up to a thousand dollars on some of the best mattresses in the industry.

2. Appliances
Summer time means a lot of weddings and graduations, so appliances for the home are in high demand. Due to this, there are also many new items hitting the market, which can save you a bundle on some of the older items that are still in the store. You may even find a sale for the newer items too, so keep your eyes peeled if you have high hopes for getting something top of the line. The appliances range from small kitchen appliances to bigger items like washers and dryers, so there will be something for everyone. With any luck, you’ll be able to find a few gifts as well as something special to improve on your own home.

3. Spring Clothing
Since Memorial Day kicks off the beginning of many summer activities, including the heat, chances are you will be able to find some pretty awesome deals on Spring clothing lines. This will give you the chance to update your wardrobe, so you can stay trendy. It will also allow you to stock up on clothes for next season too, especially when it comes to kids’ school clothing. Of course, a lot of the Spring line can be worn throughout the summer months too. You might have to hem pants into shorts, but most of the items will stay cool even as the warm month of May turns into the scorching month of August. If you shop carefully, you may even find cool styles that the kids can wear back to school next semester.

4. Grills
Memorial Day tends to be the first big day for cooking outdoors. So, it is no surprise that you will run across a lot of grill deals on Memorial Day. Of course, these deals come a little too late if you plan on hosting a party, but if you don’t then you may want to shop one of these sales so you will be set for the summer. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for propane or a charcoal grill as both will be on sale come Memorial Day. If you’re lucky you might be able to find a few deals on accessories that will help you get more out of your grill. For instance, you might find a rotisserie that will help you make delicious meats even when grilling season is over. Another cool accessory that has been popular is the pizza grill, which will help cut back on your take out prices.

5. Hotels
A lot of people tend to take a three day weekend on Memorial Day, but booking rooms for this time can be pricey. If you wait until the last minute then you might actually get a fantastic deal on a room. Usually hotels will slash the cost of a room for this day. This is so they can fill up their hotel when customers will be traveling the most. You may also be able to book a hotel room for a cheaper price at a later date. This can really come in handy for your vacation, but make sure you get to shopping as soon as you can on the holiday before all of the great deals are gone. You might even call up the hotel of your choice to see if they can offer you even more holiday savings. You may be surprised as to how much you can save simply by asking.

6. Car Rentals
With a three day weekend to look forward to, you may want to check into renting a car to enjoy some time away. Usually, you can get a good deal on the entire Memorial Day weekend, which might actually inspire you to travel even more. Like hotel rooms, you should be able to find a deal on later rentals too. You simply have to shop as quickly as possible to ensure you get your deal booked at the reduced price. Make sure you check out all of the rental companies in the area you are traveling too though as you might be surprised how hard rental companies compete on this day. If you prefer one company to another then you may even consider calling up your preferred company to inform them what the competitor is offering you. If you’re lucky you may walk away with the same deal or an even better one.

7. Furniture
Memorial Day means business when it comes to furniture sales too. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor option as they will all be on sale on this frugal holiday. Now, might be the right time to upgrade your toddler to a twin size bed, thanks to the great sales on mattresses and bed frames. Of course, if your home is all set for indoor furniture, you might start planning to deck out the exterior for all of the barbecues and get-togethers you plan on having during the summer months. Everything from tables to lounge chairs should be on sale to make decorating your home feel like a whole lot of fun.

8. Technology
If you just can’t wait until Black Friday to get a new TV then Memorial Day is going to be the time to pick out a new device. Often, you can find sales that come close to TV sales on Black Friday, so you won’t lose out on too much money if you choose not to wait. Of course, you shouldn’t go overboard when shopping just because of the prices. Make sure you purchase a TV that can be used in your home and won’t leave your budget hurting. Since kids are heading off to college in a few months, now is a great time to grab a laptop too. From gaming laptops to those strictly designed for word processing, you should be able to find a reduced price that will suit your needs. Even some gaming consoles and tech toys like drones will be on sale during the Memorial Day weekend.

9. Tires
Since summer is almost here, you may be planning on hitting the road to have a little fun. You may want to consider checking out some of the tire sales that Memorial Day has to offer if this is the case. Usually you can find a great price on a wide variety of items to help keep your car in working order as you travel the country or simply commute to work. Of course, the key here is to know just what you’re looking for. Since summer is headed your way, summer tires may be the right option for your vehicle. However, there will also be great deals on all season tires if you prefer those. No matter what you pick, you’ll be thankful for the Memorial Day savings.

10. Outdoor Play
Memorial Day kicks off a season of fun, so you may want to check out some of the sales you will find on toys. Everything from pool accessories to sports gear should have a pretty decent sale going on to help you prepare for the long months when your child isn’t in school. You may also want to look in the actual toy section to see if there are any items that will keep your child busy outdoors. There are a lot of great options this year, which will suit many age groups and keep your child’s body and mind active while they take a break from learning.

Memorial Day sales are well worth the wait. However, some of the sales simply don’t make the cut. If you’re looking to enjoy a nice shopping trip this holiday then you may want to seek out these ten items to get more for your money. The savings are sure to excite you and get you ready for the summer months ahead of you.

School will be over in the blink of an eye, which will leave your child with a lot of freedom to get bored. This is why many parents love to send their children to summer camp. Not only does camp teach children many great lessons, but it also helps ease the pain of boredom during the long break from school. The only problem is, camp can be pretty pricey if you’re on a tight budget. Some sleep away camps can even cost a few thousand dollars to keep your child happy for only half of the summer. There are some frugal options to choose from though, so you don’t have to rule out the idea of sending your child to camp.

1. YMCA
Most communities have a YMCA, which makes you eligible for a lot of great opportunities if you become a member. Luckily, summer camp is one of the amazing options that they have to offer. Most YMCAs will sponsor a camp for children or at least transport them to a camp for a price that won’t leave you hurting for money. Many of these camps are based on sports and other outdoor activities that will keep children working on a healthy lifestyle throughout the summer. If you’re not sure if your child is ready for summer camp, then you can always join a family camp. These camps are much shorter and involve the whole family. They are a great bonding experience though and can help you find ideas to entertain children for the rest of the summer break.

2. Boy/Girl Scout
Another popular institution that hosts camps are the boy scouts and girl scouts. If your child is a member of this organization then you’ve probably heard talk of summer camps for quite some time now. This is largely because each troop tries to fund their entire trip on fundraisers that the children work on throughout the year. You may even find scholarships based on merit to help out your troop member. These camps are based on wilderness and life skills, so you can rest assured that your child won’t just have fun, but will come home with a lot more knowledge than you would expect. If your child isn’t a member yet, then you may still qualify for the camping trip. However, you will probably have to send in the money for your troop member this year.

3. Colleges
If there is a university or community college in your area then you can probably find a summer camp for your child to attend. However, most of these camps are usually day camps. This does save you money in the long run though and will allow you to interact with your child daily, rather than forcing you to miss them for a few weeks. Usually, these colleges are based on academics or sports. This will allow you to find a topic your child is interested in so they can expand their knowledge while having a whole lot of fun. You may even find your child is advanced for the new school year, which is a bonus. The best things is, you pay by course which will save you a lot of money in the long run.

4. City Camps
Living in a city can be especially hard for children in the summer time. There is less space for most kids to run and play, which is why many programs have created special camps for city kids. These camps aren’t really different than other summer camps, but they are designed to cater to kids who tend to be surrounded by cement most of the year. There are even many scholarships to help children get to the camp without leaving the parents with a huge burden. In fact, New York City sends hundreds of kids to camp for free each year, which helps change the lives of many children. You may want to check with your community center to see if there is such a program in your community.

5. Church Camp
Church camp is one of the most popular options when it comes to kids heading to camp. These camps are usually much shorter, but many kids still end up talking about it for the rest of the summer. The camps tend to mix the classic camp activities with church activities to keep the day diverse and fun. The best thing about church camp is most churches tend to run fundraisers to help children make their own way to camp. This teaches kids the value of hard work while taking a lot of burden off of the parents. Of course, sometimes kids can’t reach their full goal, which is why many churches will step in with scholarships based on need. So, if you’re a member of a church and your child has their heart set on camp, then you may want to talk with the pastor to see if the church can lend a hand.

6. Skill Camps
Although many camps offer a series of outdoor activities and crafts, there are camps that specialize in skills alone. These can range anywhere from theater camp to technology camp, which allows you to pick something your child will really excel in. The best thing about skill based camps is they are more likely to give your scholarships or financial aid. Since most children that want to attend these camps already have an interest and skill base in the topic, there are credentials that could earn your child a full or partial scholarship. Of course, you will need to look into these scholarships well before camp begins in order to secure one. You may have to turn in work from your child’s school or have your child do an audition tape in order to make the cut. However, if your child does manage to get in, you can rest assured they will thrive in their chosen field.

7. Boys & Girls Club
The Boys and Girls Club is a lot like the YMCA. They are more child oriented though, so of course they offer a camp for children to go to. Since the Boys and Girls Club often works with children from unprivileged homes, they are more than likely going to work with you to help your child get to camp. You will have to speak with someone at your local branch to see if you can qualify for assistance in helping your child or children get to camp for the summer. The organization is great about helping out sibling groups too, so you won’t have to worry about one child getting to go and not the others. Of course, this doesn’t mean you will get the camp tuition for free, but you may end up getting a hefty discount that can help you out.

8. National Park Camp
A lot of families take to national parks to have some fun camping during the summer. However, you probably didn’t know that they actually offer camps too. These camps are designed for children who want to improve their outdoor skills while learning about the natural wonders of the world. The best thing about these camps is they are simple to get assistance for. Since the park is government funded, you may be able to qualify for a discount for the camp. So, if you live near one of the national parks, this is a great option that will help children appreciate the world they live in a whole lot more.

9. Sports Camps
Athletics are a popular choice for camps too as there are many based on all sorts of sports and athletic activities. If your child is already part of a team then the coach might have planned out a trip to one of these camps to keep the team working hard and at their best capacity. Sometimes, the camp is covered in the price that you already paid for your child to join the team. However, if it is not the team generally runs fundraisers to make sure everyone can attend the camp. If your child is going to the camp through their school then there is a chance for financial assistance or a scholarship, particularly if they are on the first string of the team. Even some coaches will help lend a hand to ensure their team is complete at the camp.

10. Local Camps
Another easy option is to look to your community to find out what options they have to offer. Many communities will run smaller camps that won’t cost you as much money for your child to attend. This will also allow your child to bond with children that they may go to school with, which makes the transition to camp a lot easier. Sometimes, these camps only take place during the day time though and they often have your children bring their own lunches. This, in itself, will cut down on the cost substantially so you will be able to afford the camp with ease.

Summer camp is one of the best experiences for a child during the summer months. Not only does it help them find themselves while they have freedom from the home, but it also teaches essential skills. Luckily, not all camps cost a fortune, so you can let your child experience the fun without forcing you to tighten your belt too much.

Cinco de Mayo is practically here, which means if you haven’t started planning for your party yet then you may be in big trouble. Luckily, there’s a few ways to turn a last minute party into a major money saving event. With a few adjustments and budget cuts, you should be able to transform your party into something spectacular without hours of planning and shopping. So, check out these ten tips to see if you can manage to get your party in order before May 5th arrives. You are certain to be thrilled with the results of your last minute celebration.

1. Playlists
Music can be one of the most important aspects of a party, especially if you are celebrating a certain culture, like you are with Cinco de Mayo. Many people go out of their way to hire a band for these types of parties, because it allows them to hear authentic music from professionals. There’s a lot more options than splurging for a band though. As time passes, more and more playlists find their way onto our favorite streaming programs. In fact, in recent years, there have been playlists dedicated purely to celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Most of the playlists are free to use and will give you access to traditional music as well as modern jams. You can even build your own ultimate playlist from the playlists that you find, so you’ll have an entirely unique experience to enjoy.

2. Think Colorful
When it comes to Cinco de Mayo, many people actually gravitate towards party supplies and decor that are blatantly Mexican. This can be a problem if you want to save money on your party though. Instead of grabbing the items with sombreros and flags, try to go with colors. A lot of people love to use the classic green, white and red which represents the Mexican flag. Whereas, other people love to use bright and vibrant colors that are often found in Mexican culture. No matter what you choose, try to shop for solid items so you can reuse them later. You don’t have to go overboard either, as the decor of the party isn’t what people typically remember.

3. Blend Away
Your blender can be one of the greatest assets when it comes to planning a Cinco de Mayo party in a hurry. One of the first things you should consider making with your blender is a variety of salsas. These are very cheap to make and often you already have the ingredients you need to make them in your refrigerator or garden. You can find a lot of recipes online too, so don’t be afraid to explore a few different items for the party. Once you have the salsa ready to go, clean your blender really well. Now, you can whip up drinks like margaritas and frozen lemonades to keep your guests nice and cool. You may want to look up mixed drinks to see which ones are popular in Mexico or were invented in the country.

4. Taco Bar
Food is one of the best elements to add to a party, especially if you are planning a long party. If you want to come out cheap on this ordeal then a taco bar is probably the best way to go. This will allow you to grab a variety of shells and tortillas, which shouldn’t cost you much at all. You might even want to try making your own from scratch. Toppings for the tacos shouldn’t range very high either especially since a head of lettuce and cabbage should take care of most party goers needs. Of course, the filling for the taco is where you’re going to spend most of your money. However, you can easily buy cheaper meats to make this portion. For instance, a pork loin can be turned into delicious shredded pork tacos in just a few hours with the crock pot. Make sure to shop around though or talk to your local butcher to see if you can get a better deal.

5. DIY Pinata
If you want to add a little more fun to the party, especially for the little ones then a piñata is a must. These can cost you a pretty penny though, especially during this time of the year. However, making your own is actually very inexpensive. All you need is a lot of newspaper, which can actually be found for free if you look at groceries stores or other areas that pass out items like penny savers. You can also use paper from your recycle bin to help stay ecofriendly. Then, you add some glue to water and get to sculpting. One popular design to make is flowers, but you can let your creativity to decide where to go. The exterior of the piñata is usually covered in colorful tissue paper. Once you have your piñata dry, add in candies that you have lying around the house, or pick up a bulk bag.

6. Seasonal Foods
The best way to keep your guests and your budget happy is to shop for foods that are actually in season. Luckily, May gives us a wide range of items to work with that will sit many classic Mexican dishes. One fine example is corn, which can simply be grilled or made into salads or soups. Another great item to add to the party is mangos as these can be turned into delicious desserts or made into drinks that will satisfy all ages. Limes are also in season now, so you can whip up delicious limeade for the kids or margaritas for the adults. Even cactus is in season in May, which means you can grill up some delicious cactus leaves to impress your guests.

7. Digital Invites
Chances are, if you waited this long to plan your party then there is no way you will be able to send out invitations in time. That’s okay though, because it will only save you more money. Instead of buying or printing and shipping out invites, use the technology in your life. Text people to let them know about your big event. You might even start up an event on your social media account and invite people from there. Email is another simple answer to your problem, which is especially great if you’re inviting co-workers. Finally, if you have the extra time, call the people you would like to invite and let them know about your party.

8. Bring Your Own Beer
A lot of guests will expect alcohol, particularly beer, at a Cinco de Mayo party. However, this can be one of the priciest aspects of a party, especially if you’re having a lot of people over. Instead of footing the bill for everyone to drink at the party, add a Bring Your Own Beer clause to your invitation. This will encourage people to bring their favorite beverages to enjoy. If enough people bring something to drink then everyone can share and enjoy a whole new aspect of the party. This is especially great if people bring their favorite Mexican beverages to add to the celebration of Mexican culture.

9. Shop at Dollar Stores
Although decorations aren’t a must-have at your party, they will still add a little extra pizzazz that is sure to keep your guests feeling the fun. One of the best ways to add decor to your party is to head to your local dollar store. You can easily grab streamers, banners and other supplies to make the party fun for a dollar each. If you’re lucky, you may even find Cinco de Mayo specific decorations that will suit your needs. Some stores might even have fun party favors for the kids. If you choose to go this route then you can always box up your decor and use it in the upcoming years, which will get you more worth out of your small investment.

10. Dance
It’s not always easy to keep all of your guests entertained. Of course, one pass time is easy to get everyone on board though. That is, dancing. There’s a wide variety of Mexican dances you can have your guests try out. In fact, you can look for dance lessons for these dances online to get everyone excited about trying out something new. Even those that don’t like to dance will love watching everyone pick up on their new techniques. You can also have everyone dance their typical favorites, which should go well with some of the modern Mexican music you added to your playlist.

Cinco de Mayo can be one of the best times to get together with friends and family to celebrate Mexican culture. However, there are a lot of major expenditures when it comes to the holiday. With these ten tips, you should be able to avoid the high cost of these items, so you can get back to enjoying the fiesta with those you love.

Mother’s Day is almost here, which means sticky breakfasts in bed and homemade gifts that are sure to warm the heart. Although your children’s gifts may make your day extra special, you might want to go the extra mile for yourself on your special day. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and splurge on things that you wouldn’t normally buy for yourself. There’s actually a lot of things you can do to relax on a tight budget. This should help you unwind while ensuring you get to feel the love on Mother’s Day. You never know, taking some extra time for yourself could help you destress and find your inner strength to get through the rest of the year.

1. Go Back to Bed
Motherhood often means you simply don’t get enough sleep on the average day. This can really alter your mood, energy levels and stress levels. In fact, on average, women need at least 20 more minutes of sleep than men do, which means you’re running on even less sleep than you thought. So, you might want to spend some of your Mother’s Day catching up on the sleep you’ve lost. You may want to send the kids away after you’ve eaten their delicious breakfast, or you can take some time for yourself and nap in the middle of the day. You may even decide to do both. This extra sleep will come at a great time too, since you’ve been running strong since the beginning of the children’s school semester.

2. Grab a Coffee
If you have younger kids in the home or a tight schedule then chances are you don’t ever get a chance to go out and get a coffee on your own. Mother’s Day may be the perfect occasion to do so though. Simply dress yourself up and head out while your partner tends to the children for an hour or so. You might even see if you can get some friends to come along to make the experience even more rewarding. It doesn’t matter if you do this on Mother’s Day or in the following week though, so make sure you choose your timing right. The extra coffee jolt can help get you through the day while the time to yourself will refresh your mind.

3. At Home Spa
Going to a day spa can cost a fortune, so you might want to cross it off of your Mother’s Day list if you’re on a tight budget. Instead of going to a professional spa, you can easily utilize your home to get all of your spa needs completed. For instance, you can always ask your partner for a massage as a Mother’s Day treat. This can help bring you closer together and will help your body relax. You can even look up massage techniques online to really work out the muscles and tension in your back. Another option is to run a hot bubble bath for yourself. You might want to play some music through headphones in order to block out all of the sounds around you. For a boost in mood, you can always light scented candles. You might also pull out your nail polish and give yourself a manicure or pedicure to help you feel beautiful.

4. Wine and Painting
One popular activity that many mothers are turning to is wine and painting sessions. There’s a whole lot of these to choose from, so look around in your area to see which businesses are available. Often, the classes are held in coffee or craft shops, to help create an even more relaxing environment. If you have a group of friends to go with you, you may also receive a discount as groups are always favored when it comes to these events. The entire premise of the event is to try out wines while painting a specific painting. By the time you go home at night, you’ll have the same painting as your friends, only it’ll have your special touch. This may not be an event you can go to on Mother’s Day, but there’s certain to be special Mother’s Day events available.

5. Catch Up on Shows
It may sound entirely simple, but taking some time out of your life to catch up on your favorite TV shows can be one of the best ways to celebrate. Usually, it’s hard to get through a show without interruption or without having to change it to something your partner or children want to watch. So, on Mother’s Day, take to the couch or your bed and turn on your favorite shows. You can binge watch with the headphones on or send the family out for the day. This will help you enjoy peace and quiet while boosting your entertainment levels. You’re sure to feel amazing before a season of your favorite show is over. You might want to grab some snacks to make the experience even more worthwhile.

6. Go Out
Mother’s Day is all about you, so you might want to use this time to catch up with your friends. Often, it’s hard to get some time just to hang out with friends without having a playdate or get-together. So, call up the friends you’ve been missing and make time for you all to get together without families to get in the way. You can go dancing, grab brunch or simply go for a jog together. No matter what you choose to do, try to make it like old times when you didn’t have responsibilities to worry about at home. You will feel lively and young again, which is sure to make your Mother’s Day extra enjoyable.

7. Date Night
A lot of the time, motherhood means putting aside your relationship to tend to the children’s needs. So, on Mother’s Day, you may want to take some time to rekindle the romance in your relationship. Try hiring a babysitter and heading out to your favorite restaurant. You might even plan for a date at the restaurant where you first began dating. Make sure you choose where you’re going and what you’re doing though because it is your special day. This can help you relax and remember the way you felt when you first fell in love with your partner. It can also improve your relationship immensely and encourage you to make more time for the two of you, even if it does mean hiring a sitter.

8. Order Out
Most mothers end up cooking most of the time, so you may want to take the night off when it comes to whipping up meals for the family. Of course, you could leave your partner in charge of this duty, but it may mean a good clean up will be in order the following day. Instead of forcing yourself to cook and clean on Mother’s Day, you may want to order from your favorite restaurant. Chances are, most places will be crowded, so ordering out will ensure you get the nice relaxed meal you deserve without having to fight through crowds or stress that one of the children may misbehave. It will also allow you to order something else for the children so you won’t have to listen to complaining if they don’t like your choice in foods. All in all, it’s a win win.

9. Enjoy a Hobby
Between tending to the children, helping with homework, cooking, cleaning and more, there’s a pretty good chance that you have about zero free time at the end of each day. Mother’s Day can actually be the perfect time to get back in touch with one of your hobbies. Try to take some time out of the day to celebrate the things you love. If you’re interested in sewing then work on a project that you want to do, rather than one you need to do for the household. If you love sports then get the whole family in on your favorite. You may find some family members might share your love of the activity. After you enjoy your hobby for a while, try to rework your schedule so you can at least enjoy it once a month. You will feel less stressed if you manage to do this and it will help you feel more confident.

10. Indulge in Dessert
If you’re the type of person who is always on a diet then this treat is especially for you. On Mother’s Day, you should take the time to indulge in your favorite dessert. It doesn’t matter if it is something simple or something incredibly intricate, try to find a way to purchase it or make it so you can have it as your special treat on Mother’s Day. You might want to hint around that you want a specific dessert ahead of time, so your partner can take on the challenge and leave you with less work to do. By having some of your favorite dessert you will feel a lot happier and less stressed. You may even want to hold onto the treat so you can indulge in it a little each day. Of course, you might want to buy a basic dessert for the kids, so you don’t have to share yours!

Mother’s Day is a special time to celebrate your motherhood. Although it is a time for your children and spouse to spoil you, you should take some time to spoil yourself too. This will help you feel more powerful in your role as a mother and will ensure you get some time to relax and enjoy yourself.

Coming of age is a crucial time in any child’s life, which is why hosting a Bar/Bat Mitzvah for your child can become a huge drain on your budget. This special occasion signifies a moment in time that your child won’t experience again, which is why family and friends have great expectations for the party. You don’t have to feel pressured into hosting a huge party though. There’s actually a lot of ways you can save a whole lot of money on the celebration, which will ensure your budget won’t be strained. So, enjoy these tens tips because they may lead you down the right path during your child’s big occasion.

1. Hebrew Lessons
By the time your child’s 13th birthday rolls around, they should have already experienced some Hebrew lessons. This is important for them to be able to complete the necessary elements of the celebration. However, if your synagogue charges too much for lessons there are a few alternatives you might consider. For starters, you can find lots of software that can help your child learn faster and will ensure they will be more than prepared for the big day. This software can be found as an app, a game or even an online course. Prices range with the software, so make sure to find something that suits your child’s learning style and your budget. You can also find a cheap tutor online to help offset the price. Usually students are willing to work for less, so you should be able to find a good instructor on a college campus. Finally, you can teach your child or another family member or friend can. This will make the lessons even more personal.

2. Photography
There’s no doubt that you’re going to want about a thousand pictures of every moment of the celebration. This can be a problem if you don’t have a photographer in your budget. Usually, hiring a professional can cost a couple of grand, which isn’t always wise when you want to throw money into a party. Instead, ask a family member or friend to take pictures as a gift to your child. If this isn’t possible then you may want to consider hiring a photography student. Usually, students charge less because they need the experience on their resume. You might also consider leaving out disposable cameras and having people randomly take pictures to offer a few new perspectives to your party collection.

3. Tighten the Guest List
One of the best ways to avoid the higher price of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is to cut down the guest list. This is going to mean less food, less seating and a smaller venue. Of course, a lot of people expect to come, but you have to keep in mind that this event is about your child’s coming of age, rather than how the community feels. You should invite close family and friends first and foremost. Then, you can consider the third cousins you never see or the rest of the members of your temple. The close knit environment will also be great for your child as the amount of people won’t be overwhelming, especially when it comes to filling out thank you cards.

4. Share the Party
There is no rule saying your child has to have the Bar/Bat Mitzvah alone. In fact, you may want to look around your synagogue and see if there are any other children that have a birthday in a close range to your child’s. If this is the case then you may want to see if the parents would like to collaborate with the party, rather than forcing everyone to do their own expensive party. This will allow you to pull out all of the stops because you’ll have more money in the pot to work with. This may even make the event more fun for your child because they will have someone to practice with before the big event. All in all, a shared party will help the community come together too, which will give even more support to your growing child.

5. Package Deals
When shopping around for items for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah then you might want to consider planning your party with one company. If you can find a company that will rope in décor, music and the actual venue then you will be looking at a great bulk deal on the big event. You should check out the same type of deals when it comes to food. If you shop around quite a bit then you will probably be surprised by how many companies can give you the full party package at a great price. This won’t just save you money but it will cut down on the stress of the event. It will even allow you to breathe easier on the big day, since you’ll know you only have to worry about dealing with one company, rather than several. You should always check reviews before you settle with the company though, so you can ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.

6. Food
Food can be one of the most important elements of the party because it is going to make your guests the happiest. Of course, food can also be one of the most expensive items too. Instead of budgeting a lot of money for food, you can always ask your relatives to bring a dish to the celebration. Many people will have a signature dish that will please everyone. You may even try your hand in the kitchen with some traditional dishes. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty then you may consider finding a catering company that does small dishes, like finger foods, rather than full course meals. This should help keep the price of food down. Another option is to consider doing brunch as this often keeps the food price down as eggs and breads tends to be cheaper than the food you would need for other meals.

7. DIY Invitations/Thank You Cards
When it comes to the party, you will need some invitations to ensure your guests know when and where to show up. There’s a whole lot of great templates to choose from when it comes to invitations. In fact, you can also cheaply have customized invitations printed for you. Even more important than the invitations are the thank you cards. These will be expected from everyone who brought your child money or a gift. Luckily, there’s a whole lot of templates online for thank you cards too. All you need to do is find a design you like and print it out. Then, your child can fill it out and send it off.

8. Borrow from Family
There are a lot of items you are going to need in order to pull off the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. For instance, you will need special candles, which can cost a fortune. Other items include a tallis, yad and Kiddush Cup. Rather than spending a small fortune on these items brand new, you may want to see if anyone in your family is willing to loan them to you for the event. Most people won’t mind. In fact, some grandparents may even be happy to pass on their items to the next generation. Borrowing may even bring even more value to your child’s celebration as it signifies growing with the family and taking one’s place on the family tree as an adult.

9. Host at Home
Another one of the big expenditures for the party is the venue. Even if you host at your temple, you could end up spending more than you’d like to. Instead of even worrying about a venue you may want to consider hosting the party at home or at the home of a friend or relative. Whether you clear space in the home or have the entire party in the backyard, you are sure to find a lot of joy in the money you saved. Not to mention, hosting the party in a home environment will also help make it easier to keep the guest list low. You will also have easy access to the kitchen if there is any food emergencies.

10. Skip Party Favors
A lot of party hosts tend to feel like they need to have party favors in order for the guests to have a good time. This simply isn’t the case at all. Sure, giveaways do help occupy some time during the party, but you could easily take the money you would spend there and put it into more games. You might also consider splurging on items to help entertain people instead of only buying giveaway prices and party favors. Typically, party favors don’t stick around for more than a month, so you’re wasting money there anyway. You would be better off concentrating on entertainment here and keeping the money you saved in your budget.

A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a huge moment in your child’s life, but that doesn’t mean you have to go wild with the spending. These ten tips should allow you to save some money while you plan the special party. Even with all of the budget cuts the new man or woman in your life is sure to be impressed by the party you created for them.