Parents can\u2019t wait until the days of no more alarms or harping on kids about homework, but then there\u2019s all the free time summer creates. Without schedules and structure, it can feel overwhelming and if you aren\u2019t careful, you may forget about budgeting and spend money just to keep your kids occupied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rather than throwing all caution to the wind this summer, plan a staycation. This way you\u2019ll have fun planned for your family without the expenses of a vacation and the rest of the summer won\u2019t feel as unstructured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before you plan a staycation, though, learn the top budgeting techniques<\/strong> to make it affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Before making your summertime plans, look at your budget. If you set aside money each month for the summer, you\u2019re in a good position. If you didn\u2019t, don\u2019t worry. Just create your budget<\/strong> for the next couple of months so you know exactly how much money you have to spend and plan your activities accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, exhaust all free activities in your area. Since COVID-19, many attractions offer free virtual events or low-cost visits to the attractions since they still aren\u2019t operating at full capacity. Do your research and see what\u2019s available. If you aren\u2019t sure, check with your local library, they are often a great resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget to take advantage of national parks, local playgrounds, and local bodies of water. Even if you have to rent a boat or kayak, you can bring a lunch and make a day of your time on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This year especially, venues want to bring in more people as things open up more. They\u2019ll typically offer deals and specials to bring people in, especially during slower times. If you\u2019re trying to social distance and minimize crowds, look for places that offer reservations so you know the crowd level is controlled. Plus, if you go during slower times (usually early morning or early evening), you may get better deals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have friends or neighbors who stick to a budget too, consider planning your summer activities and staycations together. When you have a group, you can often get group rates. You can also alternate the planning\/hosting among the group so the responsibilities don\u2019t fall on one person. If you take turns hosting theme days, everyone saves money since they only have to spend when it\u2019s their turn to host.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a delicate balance to watch your spending and have fun at the same time. Budgeting is the key to success this summer. You\u2019ll feel more in control and will be able to relax and spend time with your kids rather than worrying about money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you go over budget and get in over your head, Creditaid is here to help you with your debt management<\/a> and\/or debt consolidation<\/a>. We work with families all the time, helping them get out of the debt they\u2019ve created and taught them how to budget moving forward.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Parents can\u2019t wait until the days of no more alarms or harping on kids about homework, but then there\u2019s all the free time summer creates. Without schedules and structure, it can feel overwhelming and if you aren\u2019t careful, you may forget about budgeting and spend money just to keep your kids occupied. Rather than throwing … <\/p>\nCreate a Budget<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Look for Free Activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Look for Deals and Specials<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Plan Summer Fun with Friends and Neighbors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Watch your Spending, but Have Fun<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n