Budgeting For Summer Fun

[HeatherNYC]

So, yes, we can talk about doing free or close-to-free fun things about town on in your home, but what about little ways to save up money for some fun that costs more than close-to-free fun? Where do we find those bits of extra cash that can add up to a lot of cash...or at least enough for some extra ice cream cones?

-- Make a change jar. We've heard this one a lot and it can be a fun and good way to find some extra bucks to do some small things. Empty your purse and pockets whenever you get home and by the end of the week, see what you have.

-- Use the right amount of stuff. From soap to shampoo, dishwashing liquid to laundry detergent, use the right amount. Many of us use too much, which means we get to that empty bottle faster, which means we have to buy more...which costs money. Buy using a good amount each time, you can save some bucks. Put that $4.99 you would usually have to use on buying that soap too soon into the Fun Fund.

-- $10 Set-Aside. Whenever you get a $10 put it in an envelope until you reach a goal (maybe $50 or $100). Use that for fun money

-- Plan ahead. This is usually what trips many of is up - last minute purchases or on the go buys that we could have avoided if we had just planned ahead a little more diligently.

 How are you finding extra dollars for summer fun? 

©iStockphoto.com/ Hatman12

 

[momtoknk]

Let me share a short video to show you how I am making money.

[FindersKeepers]

We use our tax return to buy something that will benefit us through the summer.    In recent years we have used it for season passes to the local amusement park, an above ground pool, a jacuzzi, a new BBQ.    One item at time we are turning our our yard into a retreat that is enjoyable all summer. 

[dclocalmedia]

Here's my super secret money savers --

www.freecycle.org -- this is a free online group that helps keep usable things out of the landfill. You have stuff you don't want? Give it a new home! Need something? Ask and get it here. My "big wins" on freecycle include a largescreen tv (needed cleaning) and 1500 quarts of tempera paint (outfitted 30 schools with new paint).

My favorite site for swapping stuff that may help you save money and find $$ for summer fun…no $$ excahnged here, and always nifty items. I love this group! Haven’t bought new clothes for my kids in two years — I get them here for free! Plus I get beauty products, shoes, homemade jam, computer gadgets. There's a Christmas in July thingy coming up, and you can get gifts that are pretty awesome then. It’s a great way to save! http://s1.zetaboards.com/Swaps_N_Wishes/index/

One last thing that we do to save -- we've looked up all the "free days" at local museums and are visiting at those times, and found Six Flags discounts so that everyone pays child's price.

Oh, one more thing -- we swim at the lake instead of paying pool prices. :)

[cjsmom1]

I do the same, people don't realize how much change adds up

Quoting mallowcup17:

good tips! we do the set asides and definitley plan ahead. we also have several change jars

[StormySkye]

I sell crack and meth....it's great income as long as you don't get busted.....Oh yeah...then there's the whole weekend hooker thing but that's another story altogether ;)

[pamk5641]

Keep my eyes open when I go outside.  I found $160 in all twenties last month in a big wad on the sidewalk and no one was around so it was mine.  YAY!

[mommyprice09]

we always plan ahead