The kids are winding down at school, the weather is getting warmer, and everything outside is getting green; summer has arrived! Whether you’re juggling multiple activities, kicking back in the yard, or heading on vacation we’ve got fun ideas and tips for enjoying summer while keeping financial stress at bay.

Summer means fun, sunshine, and a lot of time making the most of living in Maine!  For some folks though, it can also mean added costs, extra stress, and financial uncertainty.  We’re here to help you make the most of the season! 

 

It’s time for vacation! You’ve made your plans, scheduled the time off and booked your stay – now what? Below are some tips on keeping your vacation from derailing your bank account.

You might be on vacation, but your bills aren’t! Don’t forget to keep up with your due dates and make sure you’ve got enough in your account to cover anything coming out. Scheduling or automating your monthly payments is an easy way to make sure they’re always paid on time which frees you up to enjoy your time off!

Remember, even a dream vacation has a budget!  Whether it’s a staycation or you’re off to a fun destination, plan out how much you’re going to spend BEFORE you begin. Here’s a list of the most important things to know ahead of time:

  • How much will your actual travel costs be? Airfare, gas, car rentals, fares for local transportation…if it involves getting where you’re going, know how much you have to spend and what those costs will be.
  • How much will you need for food costs? Eating out for all your meals can get pricey fast!  Do a gut check on how much you can afford for food, and make sure you’re factoring in the tip. This can help make the decision between ‘sandwich’ or ‘fine dining’.  Take advantage of meals included with your stay & pack some granola bars and other on-the-go snacks!
  • Hotel? Airbnb? Vrbo? All inclusive stay or just a room?  Where you stay is going to be one of your biggest expenses, so make sure you look at the total cost (including taxes, tips, and fees) when you’re planning. Every option has pros and cons, and it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to do some research and find the best option for your family.
  • Set a budget for fun! Activities, parks, events, museums all usually have a cost to get in, plus the cost of all the fun extras you may want to buy while you’re there.  Have a firm idea of how much you can spend, and make sure the whole family is on board.  

 

Let’s be honest – we live in the best state!  Maine has tons of no or low-cost opportunities to take advantage of this summer, so whether you’re looking to fill a week, a day, or an afternoon, there’s plenty of options!

Don’t forget about your local Parks and Rec department! With tons of activities and places to visit, there’s probably something right in your backyard that you haven’t even thought of.  From youth sports and summer camps to festivals and craft meetups, there’s plenty of things to do in your town!

Looking for a fun way to get outside, walk around, meet new people and celebrate Maine’s agricultural culture? Check out your local Farmers’ Market!  Not only is it a great way to engage in your community, but you can also support local farmers while putting fresh, healthy food on the table! Find your local market. Make a day of it by hitting up the Portland Farmers’ Market: enjoy Deering Oaks park, fresh veggies & local buskers and vendors.

Looking for something to do downtown? Whether it’s taking advantage of an art walk (Did you know that the Portland Museum of Art is free on Fridays?), looking for some free music to jam out to, or checking out what festivals are on the horizon, make sure you’re keeping tabs on your town, downtown organization website, or social feed!

 

Get outside and play!  Maine has endless options for outdoor recreation.  Whether you’re looking to hike, fish, beachcomb, or take a ‘forest bath’, there’s an option for you.  Here’s some great resources to find your next outdoor adventure!

 

Don’t let the rain slow you down!  Maine has some great options for summer fun if you’re looking to beat the heat, dodge the rain, or get out of the sun for a while.

  • Local libraries and museums have a ton of summer activities on offer, as well as resources on how to make the most of your summer!
  • Knock down some pins!  Did you know there are participating ‘kids bowl free’ bowling alleys all over the state?  Find the closest one to you and sign up here: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/

 

Looking for more ideas?  Check out our Summer Fun blogs from the last few years for even more suggestions – many of these options are still available!!