Long Weekend, doesn’t have to mean big cost 

_{Bromwich+Smith Staff | 1088 words | Reading Time: 4 minutes  | Date: 2023/05/16}

May long weekend is fast approaching, and for many Canadians it feels like the start of summer. Depending on where you live, you may be planning to camp for the first time this year, maybe you are planning on gardening, or planning a BBQ with friends and family. Whatever your plans may be, its important to plan ahead, make a budget and avoid overspending.  

Start with a plan and make a list of everything you will be spending money on that it outside of your normal expenditures. Once you know what you are planning to spend you can determine if you have enough in your fun spending for the month to cover it, if you will need to dip into savings or if you need to explore ways to find additional income to cover the costs.  

Typically, one of the biggest costs over any long weekend will be food. If you can avoid eating out or ordering in you will be ahead of the game when it comes to expenses. Take advantage of the warmer weather and plan a picnic or BBQ.  

We know that the warmer weather, and extra day away from work may be exciting. You want to take in as much as you can in the longer days and these costs can quickly add up. Again, this is where making a plan will come in handy and help you avoid last minute activities. If you plan ahead, you may be able to find coupons or discount codes online to reduce the cost. Give yourself the ability to sit back, relax and enjoy the weekend instead of stressing out about money. If you are heading out of town, or traveling and exploring your own province, you may find that bringing cash will help you avoid overspending. If you keep the credit card at home you wont be able to use it as a crutch and purchase items you don’t really need.  

What are some Long weekend activities to consider? 

If you haven’t preplanned a vacation or mini get away its not to late to start planning some fun activities to keep busy over the long weekend. Check your local city event page to find out more on what is happening where you live.  

For many, a long weekend is the perfect time to stay at home and spring clean. Reducing your clutter, gives you the chance to clean up- figuratively and literally. You may come across items that you no longer need and can resell online. It’s a great time to sell bikes that the kids have outgrown, play structures they no longer need, and sports gear they no longer need.  

Others spend the time outdoors, cleaning up the yard and planting their summer gardens. Start looking on community pages online to find neighbours offering plant clippings or seeds to cut back your costs. You may luck out with free sod or dirt from someone who has overordered. Take your outdoor deck items out of storage, cleaned off and ready for use throughout the summer. By seeing what items you have now, you will be able to determine if there is anything that needs replacing early on.  

After months of being indoors plan a family BBQ to celebrate the great weather. If you are looking at ways to reduce cost, make it a potluck! Put together a list of things to bring including paper plates, napkins, hot dog buns, beverages etc. That way all items can be covered and you wont have 3 different potato salads! 

Enjoy a drink on the patio, and support a local business. We are strong advocates of supporting local businesses, and it’s a great time to put your money where your mouth is. Not a drinker? No problem. Find a small business to support that you do like. This could be visiting a craft fair, farmers market, local coffee shop etc.  

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Take time to review your budgets. We know its not the most entertaining way to spend time but it will help you understand your financial situation and understand what money you have to spend on extra expenses for the summer. We know that summer months often have extra costs including childcare, summer events, weddings, birthdays, trips and more. More fun, can mean more money. Lets take time now and make sure you are in the right financial situation to fully enjoy your summer. 

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