Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Thrifty Girl Tips for Summer Fun

Summer is fast approaching, bringing to mind whimsical thoughts of sunning on the beach, roller coasters and cotton candy, and road trips to far off destinations. With the economy the way it is, it puts a hold on some of the adventures and quests that one might take, but it doesn't have to be a complete summer let-down.

Being conscious of your spending habits will help get you through this summer on a high note. While it is easy to sign up for every activity that summer has to offer, it is also smart in this economy to be as thrifty as possible. The idea is to be thrifty, but also have fun. If friends want to go on a road trip, make sure to pack non-perishable snacks for the car and plenty of water. This way, when everyone gets hungry, you can snack and keep going vs. stopping for fast food and spending money that can be used for other parts of your trip. Also, make sure to use the most economical car to help shave off gas costs.

If you're like me, carry-all stores such as Target and Wal-Mart are your downfall. Try to avoid them as much as possible. For example, if you need toothpaste or sunblock, try picking these items up when you go grocery shopping, instead of making an extra trip to a carry-all store. This way, you won't temp yourself to get things you don't need.

Summer is also a big bar-b-q/get together/party time. In an effort to avoid overdoing it, try to always have potluck style gatherings, allowing everyone to only spend within their means. When it comes to decorating, remember, less is more, and even if it's not, your family and friends are there to spend time with you, not your flower arrangements.

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