COST-CONSCIOUS CONNECTIONS
Fun and Frugal Ideas for Grandkids
Summer vacation is the golden opportunity to make precious memories with your grandkids without breaking the bank! While life’s hustle and bustle can sometimes throw a wrench in your plans, creativity can go a long way. Here are six ways to have a blast with the kiddos on a budget. EXPLORE NATURE TOGETHER Nothing beats getting outside! Many local nature preserves offer free or low- cost access, and they’re great places to hike, learn about local plants and wildlife, or even participate in volunteer activities. The fresh air, the sounds of birds, and the chance to explore are perfect for curious young minds (and those young at heart!). SHARE YOUR HOBBIES Do you have a knack for knitting or a passion for golf? Chances are that your grandkids would love to learn!
Sharing your hobbies can be a fun, practically free way to spend time together. Whether it’s a morning fishing trip to a nearby lake or an afternoon crafting, these moments can become cherished memories. DISCOVER LOCAL GEMS Smaller, lesser-known museums or factory tours can be fascinating and won’t hurt your wallet. They’re often just the right scale for shorter attention spans and are usually less crowded. Plus, they sometimes offer discounts or free days — don’t forget to ask! UTILIZE COMMUNITY RESOURCES Your local library or community center likely hosts a variety of free or inexpensive activities. From story hours to craft days, these events are for family fun and learning. Also, be sure to check out any local festivals.
BUILD AND CREATE Look out for free classes at local hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, where kids can engage in projects like building a birdhouse. These workshops promise a good time and give the kids something to take home and be proud of. HOMETOWN TOURISM Lastly, don’t underestimate the joy of simple activities. A picnic in the park, flying a kite, or a day playing board games can be just as exciting and meaningful as any expensive outing.
COOL CASH CHOICES FOR HOT DAYS Sunshine Spending Sense
This time of year may be full of sunny skies and fun festivities, but it’s also one of the sneakiest seasons for unexpected drains on our resources. Here are three hard facts about summertime spending — and ways to stretch your bank balance on balmy days. YOUR AIR CONDITIONING IS COOLING A MONEY PIT. If walking into a fully cooled
at bay — is to turn it up when you walk through the door instead of keeping it on the entire time you’re away at work or running errands. YOU’RE DROWNING YOUR LAWN IN NEEDLESS DEBT. When a hot summer day makes you feel dehydrated, there’s a strong chance your yard feels the same way, right? Check your watch before you switch on your sprinklers to give your grass a drink. Avoiding watering your yard during the hottest time of day may seem counterintuitive, but high heat makes water evaporate, leaving you with nothing more than wasted water and money. If you want to conserve funds and maintain your property’s good looks, schedule your watering for earlier in the day before the outside temperature reaches its peak. YOU’RE FALLING VICTIM TO COSTLY FASHION. Great weather often inspires us to look our best, meaning big scores for clothing retailers that profit from our desire for upgraded wardrobes. If you want to save money while still looking sharp this summer, avoid heading to the store or clicking that “buy now” button until the second week of July. Once Independence Day passes for the year, clothing stores start prepping for the fall and begin discounting their summertime wares.
home after a long, hot day outside is one of your greatest summer conveniences, you may be slowly killing your air conditioner and
utility budget. Research shows that air conditioners typically struggle to reach peak efficiency during the warmest times of the day, meaning you’re wiping out your unit by running it at full blast and making it work hard to lower the temperature in an empty house. A study conducted by engineers in Arizona and Georgia determined that the most energy-efficient way to utilize air conditioning — and keep your electricity bill
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