Hi Reader!

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Summer is one of my favorite times of year. It’s a great time to get outside and have adventures. But summer can also be one of the sneakiest seasons for your budget. Camps, cookouts, road trips, and activities have a way of adding up fast, often before you realize you've overspent.

The good news? Having fun this summer doesn't have to mean blowing your budget. A little planning goes a long way. Our state might be small, but it's packed with incredible free and low-cost adventures all summer long.

Here are some of the best ways to explore without overspending:

• Museums: Connecticut has some great museums, from world-renowned institutions to hidden local gems. Did you know that many libraries have museum passes you can borrow just like a book? Check ahead of time to see what they have available, and you may be able to reserve them. Many museums also have free or discounted admission on specific days, like the first weekend of the month. Check your local museums for their specific schedule. The Museums for All national initiative (https://museums4all.org/) has free or discounted tickets for anyone with SNAP/EBT benefits.
• State Parks: Connecticut has 110 state parks and 32 state forests ready for exploring. Parking is free for all CT-registered cars. So lace up your sneakers, pack a picnic, and go enjoy the incredible natural beauty of a Connecticut summer. You can find information and events on the park website (https://ctparks.com/events), and you can get hundreds of trails on AllTrails (https://www.alltrails.com/).
• Geocaching: If you are looking for a treasure hunt to add to your exploring, try Geocaching. Geocaching is a free, family-friendly activity where participants hide and seek containers, called caches, all over the world. Download the free app and join the community of fellow treasure hunters. The app will lead you to a location to search for the hidden cache. Some will be large reusable containers, others will be micro canisters the size of your fingernail. When you find a geocache, sign the log, then put it back where you found it for others to enjoy the fun. Find out more at the Geocaching website (https://www.geocaching.com).
• Outdoor Concerts: Many Connecticut towns run free, family-friendly summer series on town greens and in local parks. Pack a lawn chair, bring a picnic, and enjoy a summer evening with your community. Check local Parks & Recreation pages or the Connecticut Events page (https://ctvisit.com/) to find events near you.
• Seasonal Events: Late Summer into Fall is full of celebrations, farmers' markets, outdoor festivals, and much more. As the temps start to cool off, be sure to check the fair listing across the state (https://www.ctagfairs.org/). Don’t forget celebrations for America’s 250th birthday (https://ctvisit.com/ct250) are all year long!
• Other ways to find things to do: Eventbrite, Facebook Events, Meetup, and TripAdvisor all have robust listings for free and low-cost local events. A quick search of "free things to do in Connecticut this weekend" can turn up more than you'd expect.

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Summer memories don't have to come with a hefty price tag. With a little planning ahead, you can enjoy everything this season has to offer without the financial hangover in September.

Here's to a summer full of adventures, sunshine, and maybe a treasure hunt or two.

Want help building a summer budget that actually gives you room to enjoy the season? Schedule a FREE Penny for Your Thoughts Q&A Call​

Remember, small change adds up. Step by step and penny by penny, we’re building a better life. Have a shiny day!

Laura

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