Sip Up Summer Fun

Think about your favorite summer activity.  Do you cherish lounging by the pool, barbequing in the backyard or sitting on the front porch watching your kids catch fireflies? Regardless of where you most enjoy spending the dog days of summer, there’s nothing quite like an ice cold beverage to beat the heat.  Of course, you can’t have fun in you are totally tanked.  Nor is it much fun for kids if they get stuck drinking water while the adults gleefully sip colorful fruity concoctions from neon straws. This summer, have fun making these nonalcoholic tropical drinks that can be served … Continue reading

Make a Splash Without Spending a Ton of Cash

There’s no better way to cool off this Memorial Day weekend than hanging poolside with your friends and family.  Fortunately, you don’t have to drain your wallet to keep your clan entertained in the water.  If you are tight on cash, skip the fancy pool toys and try these splashtastic games instead: Fish, Fish, Whale:  This simple yet fun game puts a spin on the classic “Duck, Duck, Goose.”  To play, have kids stand in a circle in the shallow end of the pool.  Select one person to be “it.”  That player then goes around the circle and taps each … Continue reading

Summer Bonding

Who says you have to fork over thousands of dollars or travel hundreds of miles to strengthen the parent/child bond? During the summer months, many moms and dads feel obligated to spend an exorbitant amount of money on fancy vacations in an effort to build a better relationship with their children. However, child psychologists say the best gift you can give your child while he or she is out of school is good old fashion time. Instead of handing over a wad of cash to your kid and letting him run amuck at the mall while you get some chores … Continue reading

More Summer Cash Savers

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but you can certainly save some cash this summer by taking advantage of Mother Nature’s goodness. Don’t let soaring food prices put a damper on your seasonal fun; rather, consider growing your own fruits and vegetables in order to preserve your family’s household budget. You might be surprised by how a little farming can yield big savings for the average American family. According to the Wall Street Journal, for every $1 you spend on green bean seeds, you have the ability to grow an average of $75 worth of produce. In addition, for every $1 … Continue reading

Summer Cash Savers

Don’t let the calendar fool you—summer is officially here, at least in my neck of the woods. We have been sizzling in 90-degree (plus) heat for more than a week. Despite the crazy hot temperatures, my daughter and I saw a man cutting his lawn with a push mower at 11 a.m. yesterday when the mercury had to be pushing 89 degrees. Come to find out, the guy is not as nutty as I thought. In fact, he’s probably smarter and richer than most of us who use a power mower to cut our grass. According to the Environmental Protection … Continue reading

Summer Travel Surprises in Europe

Cash strapped travelers who have been dreaming of taking a summer holiday to Europe have reason to celebrate today. Never mind that it’s not your birthday or anniversary you’re still eligible to receive the gift that Best Western is passing out to its guests. The hotel chain is commemorating its 30th year in Great Britain by offering rates of 30 pounds a room (that’s about $60 at today’s exchange rates). More than 90 Best Western locations in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands are offering the reduced rates. To be eligible for the discount you must stay for two … Continue reading

Are Travel Clubs Really Money Savers?

With the price of airfare skyrocketing to new highs it’s no wonder travel clubs are attracting more interest than ever before. Commercials and print ads for travel clubs offering, “super deals and deep discounts” are virtually everywhere. The advertisements promise huge savings on everything from airfare and cruises to rental cars and hotel accommodations. If you are a cash strapped traveler who has always dreamed of taking a Caribbean cruise or a fantasy flight to Paris, then one of these flashy ads or mailings (typically in the form of a postcard) may have caught your attention—-especially the ones that promise … Continue reading

Sizzling Summer Travel Deals to Florida

Florida is sizzling hot this summer with affordable travel deals to some of the state’s most popular cities. Take a look: MIAMI Attention pet lovers! Forget about leaving your four-legged furballs at home while you jet off for some fun in the sun. Miami’s Aqua Hotel is offering you the chance to bring your furry friend along for the ride. The hotel’s “Pets Are People Too” package includes a welcome basket with gourmet dog food, a chew bone, and bottled water for your pooch and complimentary breakfast for you, all for just $135 per room per night. HOLLYWOOD Reconnect with … Continue reading

Summer Travel Savings: Beach Bargains in Belize

If you are looking to jet off to a tropical locale this summer, but can’t afford to miss a mortgage payment to fund your vacation then consider the following deals to Central America. The country known for its lush rainforests and exotic beaches is in its off-season right now, which means travel there is extra affordable. Take a look at these low priced travel packages that will get you to the beach for a bargain: BELIZE This breezy Central American destination is famous for its first-rate snorkeling and scuba diving. Right now you can save big on a beach getaway … Continue reading

It’s a Gas—Hotels Helping You Save This Summer: Go West

In my previous blog I listed some of the many creative deals being offered by lodgings across the country that are designed to help offset the skyrocketing price of gas. You might be surprised at how generous some of the nation’s hotels (both big and small) are being this summer. Take a look at the following gas saving discounts and rebates and consider how they might help fuel your family’s summer road trip: CALIFORNIA Things are heating up this season in San Diego. Right now you can cash in on the “Summer Sizzle” package being offered at the San Diego … Continue reading