Atlantic Blog

As a person who grew up in a big family without a lot of disposable income (and was later a poor college student) I know a thing or two about trying to have fun in the summer without spending much money. Growing up our idea of a vacation was visiting our grandparents, and while I can absolutely crush road trip games and singalong songs it also helped us to appreciate the small things.

When the sun's out and the snow is long gone, you want to do nothing more but get out of the house and do something fun, but that doesn't mean your wallet always agrees. So, I'm going to share a few tips and tricks that I've picked up over my few years on this planet, and we'll even touch on our favorite b-word (BUDGET).

Take Advantage of the Great Outdoors

Look we're called Vacationland for a reason, and while the summers still get hot in Maine, there's so many amazing places to explore. Strap on some hiking boots, pack a picnic and get an amazing view. Venture outdoors: it's good for you, and it costs absolutely nothing. No one is saying you need to go hike Katahdin in a day, do something small, fun, and light. Try a beginner's trail or go camping with friends.

Is working up a sweat not really your thing? You can get summer-long passes to national parks - some of which, like Range Pond, you can swim at or skip the park and just go to the beach!  

If you know you're going to regularly, buying a season pass ahead of time can save you money in the long run and it lets you work some sunny fun into your budget planning.

It's in a Book

No you don't have to spend the summer cozied up with a book, but if you visit your local library you're sure to discover a lot of local events taking place. The library itself might even be hosting a few!

Keep an eye on what's scheduled throughout the summer in your town; maybe there's a festival where you can enjoy the weekend eating fried food that tastes oh-so-good but is oh-so-bad for you. Parks in the summer sometimes host free movie nights where all you need to do is bring something to sit on and some snacks. Take advantage of free events in Maine, and you won't even have time to relax this summer.

20% Off

Are you looking to get some excitement at a theme park? Soak up some sun and fly down some slides at a waterpark? It's important to keep an eye out for special promotions big companies are running during the summer. Sometimes, you might be able to purchase tickets for a discount so you can enjoy a day of fun for less.

It doesn't just have to be huge, bustling theme parks; if museums or smaller events are more your speed, it's smart to keep an eye out for promotions they might run - especially around holidays.

Want Something More?

Maybe you've had your eye on a big fancy summer getaway for a few years, or maybe you're just starting to dream about it now. There are a few things to keep in mind as you consider the cost attached to an extravagant summer vacation you won't forget.

1. Create a savings plan. As kids we always wanted to go to Disney World, it wasn't something that was super feasible for my parents - so over the course of five years we would save all of our change in big containers as a Disney Fund so that when we did finally get the chance to go we have hundreds of dollars set aside to make it a reality. Determine how much your vacation might cost, how much you would need to set aside, and for how long.
2. Dip into your savings and investments. Liquidate some stocks, or tap into the money you've squirreled away for a fun little vacation. Just make sure that you're not actively damaging your long-term financial plans for a short reward.
3. Pay with a credit card. BE CAREFUL. Putting a vacation on your credit card can seem like an easy solution, but it's easy to rack up debt this way. Instead, try to make sure that if you're using a card, you plan to pay it off.
4. Consider a personal loan. Want to go on a cruise or take the whole family for a life changing vacation? Getting a personal loan might help make your dreams come true. These loans are often more affordable than using a credit card, and you can safely pay it off with increments over twelve or more months. If this is the best fit for you - learn more about our personal loans.

We're Here to Help!

Everyone deserves the opportunity to get away and unwind. Whether you want to travel to exotic lands, cross-country, or spend your vacation close to home on a budget, we're here to help make it an affordable reality.

If you want to learn more about using a personal loan to finance your summer excursion, please stop by and see us. You can visit any of our convenient branch locations or call 800-834-0432 to speak with a team member today.

Each individual's financial situation is unique, and readers are encouraged to contact the Credit Union when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.