Family Fun on a Budget

Winter in the Midwest often means frigid temperatures and bad weather that forces families indoors for weeks at a time. Once stir craziness sets in, families can become desperate to get out and have some fun, whether that means a family bowling night or a fun trip.

But with ever-increasing food, transportation, and entertainment costs, is it possible to have a fun family outing or vacation without breaking the bank?

Yes, says Paul DeMink, vice president of branch services for Town and Country Bank, if families follow some simple tips.

Do your homework

Whether looking for a local festival, a fun place to have a picnic, or deals on area restaurants, DeMink says perusing social media can help.

“Explore the area around you,” advises DeMink. “A lot of times you don’t have to go very far to find something to do. Facebook is a great tool to find local events and sights to see.”

This tip doesn’t just apply to finding local activities, but also family vacation sites and attractions, he says.

“If you do travel, be smart about it,” says DeMink. “Look online for deals before you go. Whether it is Groupon, Restaurant.com or the (vacation destination’s) local chamber of commerce. Also, when you do go somewhere, ask a local what to do. A lot of times they may know of something off the beaten path, and quite a bit of the time, it won’t be so ‘touristy’ or expensive.”

Be willing to cut back in some areas to make future goals more attainable

While it may be tempting to swing through a drive-thru or pick up a to-go order for dinner on a weeknight to save some time or avoid a trip to the grocery store, this kind of impulse spending – unsurprisingly – hurts a budget and is a problem area for many families.

“People sometimes have difficulty separating wants from needs,” says DeMink.

When trying to set aside money for a family trip or savings, however, cutting back in certain areas can benefit the larger goal.

“Sometimes you may have to sacrifice one thing for the greater good,” DeMink explains, such as meal planning and cutting back on eating out so that you can afford a weekend away or a longer family trip.

Utilize your local bank

Many banks have online tools that can make budgeting and saving easier, such as Town and Country’s Online Financial Management (OFM) tool. DeMink says visiting a local bank branch and talking to someone face-to-face can also be helpful.

“We have very capable staff at each of our locations who would be more than willing to help (with budgeting),” he says. “A lot of us are in the same situation, so we understand what our customers’ wants and needs are.”

For more information on budgeting, visit TownandCountryBank.com or call 1-866-787-3100.