Money Saving Tips for Memorial Day Cookouts

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. It is also the first chance most people have to enjoy a few days off work with warm summer weather. Traditionally, families and friends pack their bags for weekend road trips and short vacations. But because more people are watching their spending, holiday travel plans are being cancelled in favor of spending time at home. This year, you're likely to find more families planning special stay-at-home activities for Memorial Day weekend, one of the most popular of which is the great American cookout.

Cooking out, however, means expenses for food and beverages, decorum and eating utensils. If you're on a budget, can you still cook out this Memorial Day while watching your spending? You can, and it's easier than you think. With proper planning and careful spending, you and your loved ones can still have a great time outdoors over the year's first official three-day weekend. Consider these suggestions if you're looking for ways to feed a lot of friends without a lot of cost.

Buy In Bulk

If you know in advance you will be serving more than two or three people, buy in bulk. The more guests will be dining, the higher your grocery bill can climb. Your local bulk grocery will probably be running coupon deals or Memorial Day specials, which can help you get more for your money. Looking out for coupons in your local newspaper and buying generic brands will also help shave off a few dollars. Be sure to remember to anticipate the likelihood of friends or neighbors dropping by. Last-minute grocery runs can be quick, but costly.

Decorate With Dollars

You probably won't find a better price on cookout and party decorum than your nearby dollar store. Outdoor candles, paper flags, streamers and other party niceties are usually available right alongside plates, cups and plastic cutlery. And dollar stores generally aren't exempt from Memorial Day fever—chances are, you'll get a special holiday deal there, too. Skip the traditional grocery special and make the extra trip to the dollar store to save.

Try Pot Luck

If you've never tried a pot luck dinner, it's an easy and effective way to save money on groceries while creating an extra feeling of community for all of your guests. Everyone can participate, and you can avoid incurring all the grocery expenses. Have everyone that will be attending your cookout provide one or more dishes, beverages, or necessary items like tableware. As the host, you'll be providing the main course, in addition to opening your home for others to enjoy.

Join Your Community

It's not uncommon for neighborhoods or communities to host large-scale celebrations in honor of Memorial Day. Parades and festivals are sometimes followed by some variation on cooking out, and you may be able to avoid additional holiday expenses by getting involved. Alternatively, if there is no community celebration going on, organize one! The more friends and neighbors you can arrange to contribute, the richer your weekend celebration will be, and the fewer expenses you will incur.

It's not difficult to watch your wallet and still have a great Memorial Day cookout. With a little prior planning, you can reduce or eliminate hefty party expenses, and have a relaxing and memorable holiday. Check ‘n Go, a payday loan industry leader, offers more tips for fun and frugal occasions in their new planning section. If you'd like more ideas for ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality time, visit Checkngo.com.