Check out our list of fun and affordable Memorial Day activities that will help you stay within your budget while enjoying the holiday and warm, spring weather.
Host A Backyard Barbecue
Hosting your own backyard BBQ is a great way to keep costs low on Memorial Day while enjoying time with your family and friends. When planning this event, consider making it a potluck – ask your guests to bring a variety of sides to go with what you’re grilling. This allows everyone to participate in the activities and provides additional options and alternatives to guests who may have certain dietary restrictions or allergies.
When shopping and prepping for your BBQ, be sure to consider the type and cut of the meat you’re buying. After all, meat is one of the more expensive items in the grocery store. According to the Moms Need to Know blog, buying inexpensive skirt or flank steak, or any other less expensive cut, can potentially save you up to 60 percent.
Another way to cut down on costs is to use what you already have. Don’t blow your budget on disposable plates and cutlery. Consider investing in reusable dishware – this is not only a cost-efficient alternative, but it’s also eco-friendly.
When planning your menu, make sure there’s enough BBQ for leftovers to store in the fridge. These leftovers can be used for your next couple of lunches, whether you take them for work or school, and future dinners as well.
Have A Picnic
Picnics are a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy the warm May weather. Prepare your own food and snacks and head to your local park. If you do decide to buy certain items, like fruits and vegetables, make sure that you avoid splurging on precut ones. It takes longer to cut your own fruit and vegetables, but it will save you money in the end.
Just like your backyard BBQ, avoid buying disposable plates and cutlery, and instead invest in reusable utensils you can pack and take with you, saving money in the long-term.
Stockpiling ice, such as filling up your ice trays as much as you can leading up to the picnic, can also increase savings. When doing this, also consider using reusable ice packs to keep the smaller items and containers cold.
Go Camping
Kick off Memorial Day with your own Do-it-Yourself (DIY) camping experience. If you have a backyard, you can keep it simple and affordable by creating your own makeshift tent or by using one that you already own. However, if you don’t have your own backyard, consider researching local camping grounds near you. Many locations have day-use parks that are within driving distance.
Check For Local (Free) Events
If you decide to stay close to home during Memorial Day, research online and in your local newspaper for events happening in your town. Warm weather brings many outdoor events like carnivals and firework shows. Many of these events might even be free!
You don’t have to break the bank to have a memorable Memorial Day. Save money by following our tips on cheap Memorial Day activities and continue to look into other budget-friendly activities to have an enjoyable holiday.
Erin Ellis
Accredited Financial Counselor ®
Philadelphia Federal Credit Union
eellis@PFCU.COM