Business Tech

5 simple to stay connected as a family on a budget

 

School's out, summer's here and the family is ready for some fun-in-the-sun memory making! It's the perfect time to bond, catch up and enjoy the slower pace of the season. However, with fun on the brain, it's easy to find yourself dipping into pockets a bit more for ice cream treats and new toys. To help keep summer full of fun but low on cost, here are five simple tips to ensure an unforgettable summer that won't break the bank:

1. Staycation

When summer rolls around, the coast often calls. However, sun, surf and relaxation don't come cheap if that also includes plane tickets, hotel expenses and all the other unexpected costs of traveling. The lakes and rivers of the U.S. make great alternatives to the far-away oceans, and for most, there are options just a short drive away. Pack the family and a cooler filled with your favorite refreshments and snacks, crank up the tunes and make an afternoon at the lake a cost-friendly summer getaway the whole family will love.

2. Family fun at home

With the kids home from school, the summer brings lots of opportunities for fun family time. A trip to the amusement park or movie theater is a tempting way to get out of the house, but those options turn expensive quickly. Instead, try finding ways to have fun together at home! Plan game and movie nights, camp in the backyard or organize a picnic with neighbors. You can have fun and bond as a family without breaking the bank.

3. New mobile plan

For busy families, staying in touch at an affordable cost is essential. Whether you need more data, have a set budget or simply need reliable coverage, a new family mobile plan could be the solution to your family's wireless needs. Try Walmart Family Mobile, which now offers better coverage on T-Mobile's nationwide 4G LTE† network. Getting started is easy - with no contracts, no activation fees and a discount for every new family member added to your account. You can pick from one of four unlimited plans, starting at just $24.88 per month, and great deals on new phones. Walmart Family Mobile will also be offering an upgraded plan, offering you TRULY Unlimited Data* for $49.88. You can even keep your own phone and switch - it's that easy. Check out the great new deals at MyFamilyMobile.com.

4. Plan meals

Family dinners are a great way to reminisce on the day's fun, but it can be hard to find the energy to cook a homemade meal after all that fun or a long day at work. Ordering pizza might be a tempting way to feed the family, but the costs of eating out adds up quickly. To prevent last-minute and last-resort fast food dinners, try making a weekly meal plan in advance. Ask the kids to get involved with suggestions; they'll enjoy getting the chance to contribute to a task typically left for adults, and if they are old enough, they can even have assigned days of the week to make simple meals for the family themselves. If not, they are never too young to do the dishes! Choose recipes that create generous leftovers and either freeze for future meals or pack for lunches the next day.

5. Break out the grill

Enjoy the thrill of the grill when making those homemade meals and turn dinnertime into a way to enjoy cool summer nights while cutting costs. Not only fun and seasonal, by grilling outdoors you can decrease your energy consumption - no need for the oven or A/C al fresco - and save you money.

Enjoying time with the family shouldn't mean worrying about your wallet. By incorporating the tips above, you and your family can cut costs and stay connected while having a blast this summer.

† To get 4G LTE speed where available you must have a 4G LTE capable device and a 4G LTE SIM card. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. During periods of congestion, Walmart Family Mobile customers may notice reduced speeds versus carrier branded customers. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

* Does not include tethering. Video typically plays at DVD quality. During congestion, top 3% of users (>32GB/mo.) may notice reduced speeds due to deprioritization.

Please always refer to the latest Terms and Conditions of Service at MyFamilyMobile.com.

Follow Us

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

What's Next, Updates & Editorial Picks In Your Inbox

Related Articles

© 2017-2021 Advisors Magazine. All Rights Reserved.Design & Development by The Web Empire

Search