(BPT) – As summer approaches, so does celebration season, which can mean gathering with friends and family for graduation parties, a fun-filled day celebrating the father figure in your life or BBQs and pool parties to kick off the warmer weather. Shopping for the tastiest food, thoughtful gifts and festive party decor are essential to entertaining, but all those purchases can make a dent in your wallet. Here are some tips on how to be a savvy spender while not compromising on fun as you celebrate summer.
Take advantage of your credit card rewards
It’s never too early to start planning ways to celebrate the father figure in your life. Finding a perfect gift or experience that will make them smile is a great way to say thank you and show your appreciation.
Be extra savvy with your gift-giving by researching gift guides early on to find special sales or deals for the occasion, make your own gift or help dad with an at-home task he has been meaning to tackle.
Another great way to save is researching seasonal rewards your credit card offers. Whether you are looking to spruce up your wardrobe or go for a nice dinner with the whole family, Chase Freedom cardmembers have the opportunity to take advantage of limited-time deals during the entire month of May with Chase Freedom’s Month Of More. Freedom cardmembers can earn at least 5% bonus cash back when shopping through Shop with Chase, 10% total cash back on Chase Dining pre-paid reservations or takeout through Ultimate Rewards, 10% extra value when redeeming for Apple products, and will save 10% when redeeming for select popular gift cards.
Include friends & family to help in the planning and prep
Planning summer celebrations and hosting graduation and family parties can be stressful and costly with so many details to account for. Whether crafting the invite list, buying decorations, picking out a gift to planning out the menu, you don’t have to feel as if it is all sitting on your shoulders.
One way to cut costs can be by getting creative with DIY decor – make an afternoon out of it and invite friends to come over, bring their craft supplies and create fun decorations as a team. Not only will it add excitement for the upcoming celebration but save your wallet as well. Also consider asking guests to bring a dish: making your event a potluck will ease the financial burden of feeding a large group and allows your guests to feel like they contributed to the fun.
Seek out free summer fun options
Kick off the ‘start of the summer’ by spending quality time with your loved ones. Whether you’re by the beach or hosting an annual BBQ, summer is all about getting outside and celebrating downtime from the daily school or work grind, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank with expensive activities and parties. Enjoy the warmer weather by exploring local and state parks, looking for ‘free days’ at a nearby museum, spend a day doing DIY arts and crafts, grabbing ice cream at home, or try out a weekend of camping with friends and family. No matter how you plan to gear up for some much-needed time outside, consider stocking up on all your summer essentials while earning cash back and getting more value for your cash back rewards with Chase Freedom’s Month of More offers.
Celebration season can be hectic and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips and be a savvy spender, so you can entertain and have fun with less stress and a little extra money in your pocket this season.
