HOW TO CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY ON A BUDGET

Fireworks, beaches, BBQ… is there any better holiday than the 4th of July? Unfortunately, like most American holidays, the 4th of July can quickly turn into a holiday that is more about consumerism than celebrating the true meaning of the holiday — America’s independence.

The 4th of July is hands down my FAVORITE holiday. And I have good news. You don’t have to break the bank celebrating the 4th of July. Here are some tips for you to have a blast as you celebrate the 4th of July on a budget

STAY HOME

It’s tempting to sneak away to celebrate the 4th of July. But if you really want to celebrate the 4th of July on a budget, this is actually a terrible time to travel. Flights and hotels are usually more expensive around the 4th of July. And this year, the 4th of July is smack dab in the middle of the week, which means you would likely also have to take time off work in addition to the holiday, which obviously costs even more money if you don’t have paid vacation days. Instead, plan a celebration at your own house or somewhere in your city. You’ll avoid overpriced hotels, flights, and traffic! It could be something as simple as hosting a brunch in the morning or BBQ in the evening, or getting friends together to watch fireworks at night.

POTLUCK A MEAL

And if you do decide to host a brunch or a BBQ, do it pot luck style! Invite your friends to bring side dishes– it will save all of you money plus you’ll get to try different things, and have friends over. Win Win Win!

FIND FREE LOCAL ACTIVITIES

If you aren’t the staying home type, scour the internet for free local activities. There is always so much going on around the 4th of July. In a city I used to live in, they did a big hot air balloon launch where you could walk around and see different hot air balloons. In almost any city, you can find a free firework show or a parade at the very least. Do a little research before the 4th so you don’t miss out on some free 4th of July fun!

USE COUPONS AND GET CASH BACK REBATES

One of the best ways to celebrate the 4th of July on a budget is to use coupons and cash back rebates on any of the things you have to buy. Stores usually have sales on items that coincide with 4th of July celebrations, such as, soda, ice cream, and any BBQ goods like meat and bbq sauce. For me, the easiest app to use for cash back rebates is Ibotta. If you haven’t tried the app yet, you can earn a free $10 for signing up with my link after you redeem your first purchase.

PICK CHEAP OR FREE OVER PRICEY ENTERTAINMENT

There are SO MANY cheap and free things you can do in the summertime, especially around the 4th of July! (If you need specific ideas, see our cheap or free summer bucket list activities here). You could use games you already have or invite friends to bring games to your house. You could catch a free fireworks display or create your own friends/family fun run (instead of paying for an expensive race) or swing by a parade. Or perhaps grab a tarp and some water (possibly soap) and create your own slip’n’slide. The only limits to the free fun you can have are the limits you place on your mind!

SKIP THE DECORATIONS

Another easy way to celebrate the 4th of July on a budget is to go ahead and… dare I say it… skip the decorations! Outside is the only decoration you need for the 4th of July. Plus, you can dress festive wearing red, white, and blue or honestly, just being in your swim suit is festive enough for the 4th! Festive 4th of July food can also set the mood for your celebration.

FIND A FIREWORKS SHOW OR KEEP YOUR FIREWORKS BASIC

I’ll admit that there is something exciting about stopping at a firework stand and getting loaded up on all kinds of crazy fireworks. I probably don’t need to to tell you that buying lots of fireworks for your own use can be crazy expensive! So keep it basic. Buy sparklers and smaller fireworks or skip buying the fireworks an catch a free show. You’ll have fun either way, no need to go crazy spending a bunch of money you don’t have.

ALWAYS BORROW BEFORE YOU BUY

If there is anything you need for your celebrations, perhaps a larger BBQ grill or a special pan for a dish you are going to make, always check with friends and family first to see if you can borrow something that you’ll only need for the day, before you consider buying it.

You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the BEST holiday of the year. You absolutely CAN celebrate the 4th of July on a budget with a little (seriously, not much) planning and creativity. What are you doing to celebrate the 4th of July on a budget this year? I’d love to hear from you in the comments! 

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