There’s no need to drop a bunch of cash as the temperatur drops in Winter. To prepare for the cold weather think about winter activities that will soon be done. Sports and activities done in cool or cold weather tend to put a strain on family budgets. So think ahead and start planning now to save. Here are some tips to have winter fun on a budget.
1. Invest in season passes. Whether you live in an area that gets snow, or travel to ski and snowboard, you can greatly benefit from a season pass. In other areas colder weather means you can finally do outdoor sports and activities you could not do in previous months. These may include visiting national parks and amusement parks. All of these places also will most likely offer season passes as well. Season passes usually pay themselves off in 3-5 visits. People feel they are paying more because they are paying a larger sum all at once. However, do the math and you will see that season passes are a great bargain!
2. Stay away from rentals. If you go skiing or snowboarding often, paying the rental fee for equipment every time you head to the mountain can add up. Instead of paying up to loan ski’s and snowboards, buy used equipment instead. The equipment your child rents is used anyway—so what’s the difference? Keep your eyes open at garage sales, or visit your local used equipment stores. Most carry used equipment that works like new. For those that live in warmer climates, the same rule applies to bikes and roller-skates.
3. Stock up on indoor activities. Prepare yourself now for the moans and groans of “I’m bored”. Cold, icky weather may keep the kids inside more than usual. So before it is too late stock up on things the kids can do at home. Buy cheap bored games, movies and arts and crafts when their on sale, or at garage sales. Start collecting cookbooks with fun cooking ideas. The kids will love to be creative and make tasty treats. Not to mentions you will not be picked pocketed to entertain the children this winter. If the kids have these activities to occupy themselves at home, you will not be persuaded to bring them places all time to be entertained. If you bring them to the movies, or to an indoor playground you will have to shell out more cash.
