Summer is around the corner, which means it’s time for many parents to start researching enrichment opportunities to keep their high schoolers engaged over the break. Between summer school, academic camps, volunteer programs, internships and more, there are tons of great options to choose from. But many of these come with a hefty price tag, leaving budget-conscious parents in a bind.

The good news is that it is possible to find affordable, high-quality summer programs for your teen without breaking the bank. With a little savvy planning and creativity, you can provide your high schooler with meaningful summer learning experiences on a shoestring budget. Here are some tips to maximize summer enrichment at minimal cost.

Look Locally First
Your hometown likely offers excellent summer options right in your own backyard. Check with your high school guidance counselor for academic camps, college prep programs and internships available through local colleges, businesses, nonprofits and community organizations. These hyper local options eliminate travel and housing costs while allowing your teen to stay engaged with familiar peers.

Municipalities also run affordable summer school, rec department programs and volunteer initiatives. Look into teen jobs and programs at your public library, local museum, community theater, or town hall. Well-run local programs led by people you know and trust can be an ideal budget choice.

Explore Programs at Nearby Colleges
Nearby community colleges, colleges and universities are go-to sources for high-quality, affordable high school summer programs. Benefits include commuting from home, lower costs than elite residential programs and the chance to experience college life.

Many colleges offer summer credit courses, camps and clinics in academics, arts, sports and more. Contact college admissions offices to ask about summer program availability and financial assistance. Gifted or lower-income students may qualify for full or partial fee waivers.

Join Free Programs
Believe it or not, many great summer enrichment programs won’t cost you a dime. Municipal governments, schools, libraries, colleges, businesses and community organizations run programs funded by grants, donors and sponsors. These are out there if you do some digging.

Search online databases like DIY Summer and TeenLife for free opportunities by location and interest. Check directly with local organizations your teen is interested in, as free programs won’t always be advertised widely. If programs have small fees, ask about sliding scale rates or scholarships.

Leverage Volunteer Programs
Volunteering is one of the best ways for teens to gain skills, explore interests and give back. The great news is most volunteer programs are free to join. Look for meaningful roles at places your teen cares about – hospitals, nature centers, summer camps, animal shelters, libraries, political groups and more.

High schoolers can volunteer independently or join structured programs through organizations like United Way, American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and local soup kitchens, shelters and churches. Some offer summer housing options for out-of-town students.

Turn Interests Into Opportunities
Help your student pursue low-cost opportunities tied to academic, creative or career interests. A teen passionate about health could volunteer at a clinic, job shadow a doctor or take a free community first aid class. A techy kid could attend a code camp, build websites for nonprofits or intern with a start-up.

Let your teen’s interests guide affordable options. They can research programs, contact local organizations they admire for openings or pitch their own ideas. Teens can even create their own programs, like a neighborhood art camp or coding club.

Earn High School Credit
Taking accredited online or summer school classes can let your high schooler earn graduation credits affordably. This clears room in their schedule for electives or saves money on college tuition.

Most high schools allow students to take pre-approved online or community college courses in the summer for credit. AP and NCAA-approved options are available from quality providers like BYU, Apex Learning and Florida Virtual School. Many districts also offer their own summer credit recovery programs.

Maximize Financial Aid
For paid programs, maximize financial assistance and payment plans. Email program providers to ask if they offer financial aid or sliding scale fees based on need. Many set aside funds or scholarships specifically for local students or teens from underserved groups.

Submit aid applications early and be thorough describing your financial circumstances. You may need to provide documents like pay stubs, tax returns or unemployment statements. If aid is limited, request an installment payment plan to spread out costs interest-free.

Share or Swap Programs
Split costs with friends by having teens swap similar programs. One attends science camp while the other does volunteer EMT training, then they switch off. This works well if kids’ interests and aptitudes differ. Families can also team up, with each paying for one program all the teens attend together.

Parents with different resources can also share program costs. A parent who can afford a program sponsors a friend’s child, then that parent returns the favor when able. Splitting program fees can make excellent options affordable.

Turn Travel Into Learning
Affordable student travel programs offer immersive summer learning tied to academics, leadership, service and cultural exchange. Programs like the Experiment in International Living or Rotary Youth Exchange provide life-changing experiences focused on service, language and intercultural learning. Most offer generous need-based aid.

Closer to home, have your teen join a summer service trip with your church or synagogue youth group. Attend an academic summer program together at a university away from home. Explore national parks, cultural regions or historic sites by car. The key is preparing with resources to maximize learning.

Get Creative with Housing
Housing and residential fees can seriously balloon summer program costs. Getting creative with more affordable housing options can unlock major savings:

• Commute from home to day programs
• Attend local and college-based programs with commuter options
• Split rental houses with other program families
• Stay with nearby relatives during programs
• Volunteer as a counselor/mentor in exchange for room and board

Consider Less Competitive Programs
Cutthroughthe competition and prestige factor by focusing on enrichment rather than admissions boosting. Seek smaller programs led by passionate instructors over brand names. Attend programs focusing on discovery over test scores.

With less pressure and pomp, these programs have less overhead and often cost far less than those aimed at college admissions. They still yield meaningful summer experiences for the right students. Ask trusted counselors and teachers for recommendations matching your teen’s needs.

The most meaningful summer programs are those engaging your high schooler’s unique interests, enriching knowledge and sparking growth. With flexible thinking and a savvy budget approach, you can find or create these without breaking the bank. Your teen will thank you for summer opportunities that challenge them to learn, create and explore their passions.

It’s that time of year again – winter formal season! As a mom, you want your high schooler to look stylish for this special night, but you don’t want to break the bank. With some savvy shopping and creative thinking, you can pull together a head-turning formal look on a budget. Here are 10 tips to dress your teen to impress for less this winter formal season:

Look for Sales and Promotions
The holiday season is a great time to score deals on formalwear. Check retail sites and stores for specials on dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories. Sign up for email alerts from your favorite retailers to get notifications about promotions and coupons. Follow fashion brands on social media for announcements about upcoming sales. With some strategic shopping, you can save big.

Rent Rather Than Buy
Renting formal attire is much more affordable than purchasing it outright. Rental fees are typically just a fraction of the retail cost. Sites like Rent the Runway allow you to rent designer dresses for a special occasion. You can also check consignment shops or specialty formalwear rental stores in your area. Renting prevents having to store a pricey gown or suit after the event. It’s a budget-friendly way to get a high-end look.

Take a Trip to the Thrift Store
Never underestimate the power of a good thrift or consignment store! Shop off-price stores like Nordstrom Rack for deep discounts on new and gently used formalwear. Check your local consignment shops for previously owned dresses, jewelry, shoes, and more. Or organize a clothing swap with other formal-going teens so you can trade items. Pre-owned formalwear is kind to both the environment and your wallet.

Choose an Accessible Hairstyle & Makeup
An expensive updo or professional makeover can blow your budget. Choose a hairstyle your teen can do themselves or have a talented friend help. Watch tutorial videos to learn how to create elegant updos, braids, curls or other styles at home. Do makeup yourself using drugstore products or invest in just a few splurge items like lipstick or eyeshadow. Focus spending on statement details like hair accessories or false lashes rather than a pro stylist.

DIY Decorations & Accessories
With a little creativity, you can handcraft decorations that make any outfit stand out. Make earrings, hair clips, corsages or boutonnieres with supplies from a craft store. Use ribbon, artificial flowers, feathers and more to make unique embellishments. Craft stores also have inexpensive prom-themed accessories to bling out any look. Use coupons and watch for sales on craft materials. Your teen will love accessories with a handmade touch!

Find Multi-Use Items
Opt for formalwear and accessories your teen can use again. A little black dress or navy suit is perfect for many occasions. Classic jewelry pieces work for prom and beyond. Quality shoes can be reworn many times. Avoid over-trendy styles and choose versatile pieces that will get repeat use. Bonus – you maximize your investment when items are worn again and again.

Compare Prices & Sites
Online shopping makes price comparing a breeze. Search a variety of retailers to find the best deal on specific formalwear pieces and accessories. Sort by price from low to high. Check large marketplaces like Amazon or eBay in addition to clothing brand sites. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs. If you have time, order a few options then return what doesn’t work. Being an informed shopper will help you score savings.

Wait for Post-Holiday Sales
Timing is everything when shopping formalwear on a budget. Wait until after the winter holidays when retailers deeply discount party wear. Prom season kicks off in early spring, so you can find markdowns on gowns, dresses, and suits in January and February. Create alerts for price drops on items your teen has their eye on. Post-holiday sales are the perfect time to get a coveted formal look at a steal.

See If You Already Own Something That Works
Take a look in your own or your teen’s closet for pieces that could work for formal. Whether a cocktail dress, suit, or accessories, you may already own suitable options. Get creative by remixing closet staples in new ways. Add embellishments to an LBD or pair a little jacket with a knee-length skirt. Shoes, jewelry and other accessories can also likely be borrowed from your teen’s everyday wardrobe. Give existing pieces new life for formal on a budget.

Buy Base Pieces, Rent/DIY Accents
To save big, splurge strategically on versatile core pieces like a dress or suit jacket then complete the look with affordable accents. Rent or DIY statement accessories like jewelry, bags, and shoes. Add a belt, hairpiece or other embellishments to make rented or owned items feel fresh and formal. Mix splurges with budget-friendly accents for a designer look without the outrageous price tag.

Making winter formal affordable and stylish for your high schooler is totally doable. With savvy budget tips like shopping sales, renting dresses, doing your own hair and makeup, and more – you can pull together a head-turning formal look without headaches or breaking the bank. Use these 10 tricks to dress your teen to impress for less. Their confidence and style will shine, and you’ll avoid pre-formal stress and expenses.

Extreme cold weather can put a serious strain on your finances if you’re not careful about how much energy you use trying to stay warm. With the right preparation and frugal living strategies, you can make it through brutal winter temps without your utility bills skyrocketing. Read on for over 10 practical tips to save money and stay cozy no matter how low the mercury dips.

Lower the Thermostat

The number one way to cut costs during extreme cold is to simply lower the setting on your thermostat. Set it to around 65°F during the day, then 60°F at night (you can go even lower when sleeping if you pile on the blankets). Get a programmable thermostat to automate temperature changes and maximize savings. Every degree you lower the heat equates to around 1% in energy savings.

Use Space Heaters Strategically

Rather than cranking up central heat, use space heaters to warm the specific rooms you spend time in. Turn them off when you leave. Concentrate heat only where and when you need it, leaving unused rooms to stay chilly. Make sure space heaters are off when you’re asleep or away from home.

Insulate Windows

You can quickly insulate windows with plastic sheeting,window insulation film kits, or styrofoam panels fitted into the window frame. Sealing gaps around windows with caulk and weatherstripping helps too. This prevents precious indoor heat from leaking outside. Insulated curtains provide an extra layer against cold window glass. Open curtains to catch free solar warmth during the day.

Seal Air Leaks

Look for cracks and gaps around doors, windows, outlets, pipes, vents, and wires where heated indoor air can escape. Seal these with caulk, weatherstripping materials, spray foam, or other insulating products. This simple fix makes a huge difference in conserving warm air. Having fewer drafts means you don’t have to continually crank the heat.

Take Advantage of the Sun

Open all curtains and blinds during daylight hours, especially on sunny winter days, to harness some free solar warmth. Cook, do chores, and perform other everyday tasks during sunlit times versus at night to limit use of lights, oven, and other appliances that give off heat. Sit near sunny windows to soak up radiant warmth when the sun’s out.

Use Area Rugs

Carpeting helps keep floors warmer, but even area rugs can make a noticeable difference. The insulating layer traps heat rising from the floor so less escapes into the room. Use large area rugs in rooms you use most to enjoy cozier temperatures without turning up the thermostat.

Limit Use of Hot Water

Heating water sucks energy. Take shorter, cooler showers instead of long steaming baths. Only run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine, and use cold water settings when possible. Fix any leaky faucets which waste hot water. Limit use of kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans which remove moist warm air from your home.

Cook Efficiently

Using the oven and stovetop releases warmth into your kitchen. In extreme cold, focus on no-cook meals or use a microwave, instant pot, slow cooker, or other energy-efficient appliance instead of the oven. When you do cook, make double batches and freeze half to minimize future cooking needs. Thaw frozen items in the fridge overnight rather than microwaving.

Wrap Pipes and Water Heater

Ensuring pipes don’t freeze saves money on plumbing repairs. Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation. Cover the water heater as well, adjusting the temperature no higher than 120°F. This prevents the system from working overtime to replace escaped heat. Drain and shut off outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems.

Lower the Water Heater

Turn down your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F. This provides comfortable hot water while reducing the temperature at which the heater operates. For overnight or weekend getaways, turn the water heater off entirely since you won’t need it.

Adjust Humidifier Use

While a humidifier makes your home feel warmer, the moisture it releases makes heat dissipate faster, driving up energy consumption. Use a humidifier minimally or rely on other options like hanging damp towels to boost humidity. Don’t over-humidify to avoid moisture issues and mold growth.

Wear Layers

Rather than blasting the heat, dress in layers to trap body warmth. Base layers that wick away sweat paired with sweaters, socks, slippers, and robes help maintain comfort without turning your home into a sauna. Use extra blankets and flannel sheets on beds too.

Keep Moving

Get your blood pumping by keeping active inside during cold spells. Perform housework, walk in place during TV commercials, or do exercises like jumping jacks to stay toasty. Avoid long sedentary periods which cause your body temperature to drop. Cook, clean, and do chores during daylight to limit use of appliances at night.

Consolidate Usage

Rather than heating the whole house, spend most time in one main room keeping each other warm. Cook, eat, and relax together in the family room, for example. Close doors to unused rooms. At night, go to bed together versus spreading out to different bedrooms. Work from home in the main living area instead of a basement office.

Alternative Warming Ideas

Instead of cranking the thermostat, try safer heating alternatives like a heated mattress pad, electric blanket, radiant wall panels, or portable radiant heater. Light the fireplace or wood stove more often if you have one. Cozy up under an electric throw blanket while reading or watching TV.

Monitor Energy Use

Track your utility usage during extreme cold to see when it peaks. Identify areas to target, like weekend mornings or evenings after work, when the thermostat tends to get nudged higher. Watch for high energy activities like running the clothes dryer or oven. Consider investing in an energy-monitoring system to pinpoint savings opportunities.

With extreme cold, laziness and waste can send your utility bills soaring. But a little preparation and conscious effort to conserve goes a long way. Follow these practical saving tips to stay cozy on a budget even when the temperatures plummet. Which money-saving measures do you rely on to survive winter’s freezing temps? Share your best frugal cold weather hacks!

Allergies can put a major dent in your wallet. Between prescription medications, over-the-counter pills, allergy shots, and doctor’s appointments, allergy treatment costs can quickly add up. But you don’t have to break the bank to get relief from stuffy noses, itchy eyes, and endless sneezing. With some smart strategies, you can slash your allergy costs in half this season.

After years of paying outrageous prices for my own allergy care, I’ve discovered clever ways to cut costs dramatically without sacrificing my health and wellbeing. Read on for my best insider tips for saving big time on allergy treatment.

Tip #1: Seek Out Generic Medications

Brand name allergy drugs like Claritin and Zyrtec can run $30 or more for a monthly supply. Meanwhile, generic versions of these same active ingredients often sell for under $10. Ask your pharmacist if a generic is available for any prescription allergy meds you take. For over-the-counter treatments, always opt for the generic store brand. You’ll get the same results for a fraction of the price.

Tip #2: Buy Allergy Medicines in Bulk

Purchasing larger quantities of the allergy medications you take regularly can seriously cut costs. Warehouse stores like Costco sell big bottles of generic allergy pills for cheap. You can also find great deals by shopping online pharmacies and using services like Amazon Subscribe & Save for scheduled deliveries. Paying a higher upfront cost means paying less per pill over time.

Tip #3: Use Coupons and Loyalty Programs

Never pay full price for brand name allergy products when coupons abound both online and in weekend newspaper circulars. Allergy sufferers can save 20% or more on must-have medications by using promo codes and printable coupons from sites like GoodRx.com. Sign up for rewards programs through drugstores and superstores for exclusive discounts on the items you buy regularly.

Tip #4: Ask for Free Samples

Don’t be shy to request free samples of medications anytime you visit your allergy doctor. Pharmaceutical reps provide doctors with plenty of samples to hand out to patients. With a couple freebies in your pocket each appointment, you can stock up on the latest allergy treatments without cracking open your wallet.

Tip #5: Buy Allergy Supplies in the Off-Season

Like winter coats and swimsuits, allergy medications and products follow a seasonal cycle. Prices always peak when demand is highest. Shop for allergy essentials like saline spray, air purifiers, allergen covers and OTC meds during the fall and winter when inventories are high but demand is low. You’ll score rock-bottom prices on the items you’ll need in spring.

Tip #6: Look for Special Discounts and Rebates

Keep an eye out for special promotions exclusively for allergy sufferers. Sign up for pharmacy discount programs and download mobile apps to receive coupons and alerts about deals. Some allergy medications offer rebates when you provide your receipt and other documentation. Put in the effort upfront to score cash back months later.

Tip #7: Fill Prescriptions at Low-Cost Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies and drugstore chains like Costco often provide generic prescription medications for far less than big retailers. Shop around and compare prices between local pharmacies. Also, check if your employer or health insurance plan offers discounted prescription benefits at certain participating providers. Filling your prescriptions at the right place could save you a bundle.

Tip #8: Buy Online from Verified Pharmacies

While using caution, you can take advantage of cheaper prices on allergy medications at reputable online pharmacies like HealthWarehouse.com and AllergyZone.com. Only order from licensed pharmacies that require prescriptions and have licensed doctors on staff. Verify an online pharmacy through organizations like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

Tip #9: Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

Sometimes effective allergy relief doesn’t require expensive brand name drugs at all. Talk to your allergist about prescription-strength generic options that might work for you. Also discuss supplement alternatives that may provide symptom relief at a fraction of the cost. Your doctor may suggest natural solutions like quercetin, butterfly stinging nettle, and freeze-dried neti pot saline packs.

Tip #10: Get Shots at Your Doctor’s Office

Allergy shots provide long-term relief by gradually desensitizing your immune response over time. Administered in-office, these injections can minimize the need for endless OTC and prescription allergy drugs. Get vaccinated at your doctor’s office instead of independent clinics to save big on administration fees. Also check if your health insurance covers allergy shots.

The key to slashing allergy costs dramatically is vigilantly hunting for deals and rebates, shopping smart, using generics whenever possible, and discussing inexpensive alternatives with your doctor. While allergy care will always require some investment, implementing these practical strategies can help you achieve 50% or more in seasonal savings. Say goodbye to outrageous allergy expenses and keep more money where it belongs – in your wallet!

The new year is here – it’s time for a fresh start and an opportunity to improve your finances! Saving money is one of the most popular new year’s resolutions, but it can be tough to actually follow through. The good news is that making small, simple changes to your daily spending and money habits can lead to big savings over time.

Follow these 12 money-saving tips to set yourself up for financial success in 2024:

1. Track your spending
The first step to saving more is knowing exactly where your money is going. For at least a month, track all of your spending – every coffee, household product, and cash tip. Use a notebook, spreadsheet, or one of the many budgeting apps and money trackers available. This spending log will reveal your habits and show you areas where you can cut back. Do you really need that $10 lunch delivery every day or $100 designer jeans? Once you have a solid understanding of where your money is going, you can make an informed budget that aligns with your savings goals.

2. Make a realistic budget
Now that you’ve tracked your spending, dig into the details to build a realistic monthly budget that works for you. List all of your income sources, then map out essential and non-essential expenses. Housing, utilities, insurance, debt payments, groceries and gas should be priority. Then factor in discretionary spending like dining out, entertainment, clothing and hobbies. Look for areas where you can reduce spending and reallocate towards savings. Having a detailed monthly plan and sticking to it will help you spend wisely, avoid debt, and bank more cash. Budgeting apps like Mint, You Need A Budget, and EveryDollar can make it easy.

3. Pay with cash only
Multiple studies show that people are likely to spend less when using physical currency instead of credit and debit cards. When cash is your only payment option, you can visually see it leaving your wallet which makes you really think twice about unnecessary purchases. Try using cash only for small discretionary expenses like coffee, lunch out, snacks, drinks out, etc. Limit yourself to a certain amount each week to curb spending.

4. Unsubscribe from all non-essential emails
Retailers constantly send promotional emails to lure you into sales, deals and offers to keep you spending. Reduce these spending triggers by being ruthless and unsubscribing from any brand emails other than absolute necessities. Out of sight can lead to out of mind spending. Don’t tempted by the constant barrage of coupons, discounts and flash sales.

5. Institute mandatory waiting periods
Impulse buys are hard for anyone to resist. But you can outsmart your urges by instituting a mandatory waiting period for any non-essential purchase over $50. Give yourself 24-48 hours to consider whether you really need or want that item. Chances are the urge will pass in a day or two. For big ticket items, wait even longer.

6. Pay down high interest debt aggressively
Credit card debt, payday loans and other high interest debt can amount to huge monthly interest charges and take years to pay off. Make it a top priority to pay more than the minimum due on these balances each month to pay them off faster. Any extra cash in your budget should be allocated to debt payoff before other expenses. Transferring to a lower interest credit card can help too.

7. Renegotiate monthly bills
Take a day each month to call up your service providers and negotiate for better rates. You may be able to get a lower cable and internet bill, cheaper cell phone plan, reduced gym membership fee or lower insurance premiums. Even $10-20 in monthly savings adds up fast. Consider bundling and ditching services you don’t really need.

8. Pack your lunch
Skipping the $10 deli sandwiches and $8 food delivery orders can save you big bucks each month. Put those groceries to use by packing healthy, affordable lunches and snacks to bring to the office or school every day. Making a big batch of soup, casseroles or other leftovers on weekends makes this easy. You’ll save at least $50 a month or more.

9. Shop and eat like a local
Tourist hotspots always have inflated prices. Skip the overpriced brand name souvenirs, restaurants and attractions. Talk to locals to discover the hidden gems offering authentic experiences and food at better values. The same goes for your home city – avoid the trendiest areas.

10. Choose generic brands
Opt for generic or store brand items instead of pricier name brand counterparts. Medications, pantry staples, household cleaners, over-the-counter medicines and grocery products are virtually the same quality when generic. You get the exact same product for often 40% less.

11. Make coffee at home
Daily expensive coffee shop runs add up fast. Make it at home for a fraction of the cost. With affordable coffee makers like Keurig and Nespresso, delicious lattes, espressos and frozen blended drinks can be whipped up for pennies per cup. Brew a thermos to take in a tumbler.

12. Eat out less
Restaurant meals, takeout and delivery should be limited to special occassions. With shelves of ingredients ready, take time to cook more easy, affordable meals at home. Soups, tacos, eggs, pasta and roasts are budget friendly. Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for fast prep.

Implementing even a few of these handy saving strategies can put hundreds of dollars back in your wallet over the course of 2024. The small changes truly do add up, allowing you to pay off debt, build emergency savings, invest for the future and have extra spending money. With a little diligence, it is possible to achieve your biggest money goals this year!