Summer Fun Without Breaking the Bank

Written by Coleman Nee/City of Boston Credit Union

It’s the best time of the year! With the summer finally arriving everyone can get outside, stretch those legs, and have more fun around the neighborhood! But, of course, with all the extra fun comes the dreaded. . . extra spending. Not to worry! City of Boston Credit Union has a few tips to help you enjoy the summer you battled through winter for without breaking the bank or throwing off your savings plan.

Ditch the gym!
Now that you can walk around without the wind hurting, one of the easiest ways to cut back on some of your costs is to workout outside. Go for a run, walk, or swim to burn off some calories and get that summer body to where you want it! A few months of not paying for a membership could mean an extra couple hundred bucks in your wallet.  You can find more free events right here on this site or head to Boston.gov or boston-discovery-guide.com.

Cut out cable!
Everyone knows cable isn’t cheap, so why stay cooped up inside paying for it? The City of Boston offers tons of free events all summer (and year!) long. You can check out a movie or attend a Boston Calling Block Party (21+, free entry) on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, visit a museum during free entry hours, or watch the Boston Pops and fireworks at the Hatch Shell for the 4th of July.

Throw your own party!
Spending every weekend at all the local restaurants and bars can get expensive, so why not go out one night and invite everyone to a cookout the next? For the price of dinner and a couple of cocktails, you can head to your closest mart, pick up some of your favorite foods and beverages, and fire up the grill! No cover charges and you get to pick your own playlist. Introducing DJ You!

Close the Uber app!
It’s finally nice out, so why not take a walk or bike ride up the street instead of calling for another Uber or cab? If your destination is a bit further away, jump on the T and get a little closer for under $3! You’ll get to mix in a little exercise while catching some fresh air and seeing more of the city.

Summer expenses can really add up, but with proper money management you can make it through without your bank account taking too hard of a hit! We hope everyone enjoys a fun, happy and safe summer!