July 4th Weekend without Spending A Lot of Money

This isn't a blog entry about e-commerce and mobile commerce marketing, but rather some thoughts to maybe make the up and coming holiday weekend a little more enjoyable without spending a lot of money.

There is little doubt that July 4th weekend 2008 will be accompanied by less travel, less expenditures, and families trying to figure out how they can afford the basic expenses as they relate to paying for their child's education, gas to and from work, electricity, and food going forward.  These are tough times, but we must remember that there are many things that are very enjoyable right at our fingertips that don't necessarily cost much to enjoy and maybe it is time we turn our attention to those things that are literally in our backyard...including neighbors you have maybe not reached out to in awhile.

Going into the July 4th weekend, there are some simple things we all can do to save money and, at the same time, spend some more quality time with our family and friends.

Here are some suggestions, I hope they help:

1. Plan to do some yard work with the kids
2. Clean out that garage -- you know it needs it
3. Visit some local spots with your family that you have always wanted to go to but never have, such as the local aquarium, library, and parks.  I am sure there are some places to go not too far away from home that can bring great joy, especially at sunset.  And when you go, try walking or riding a bike, if you have one.
4. Help your kids out with their homework and/or summer reading and ask them about their dreams and goals
5. Go online with your kids and learn about the US Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, and The Bill of Rights, do you know what they say and mean?
6. Register to vote -- you can do it online and get a registration form -- and learn about your local candidates running for office this November
7. Send thank you/hello notes to people that are special to you with whom you have not caught up with for awhile (mail is best....email is fine, but it is less personal)
8. Call your mom, dad, siblings, and best friends and take some quality time to catch up and see how they are really doing
9. Spend some extra time in a religious place and learn more about it, its architecture, and history, and my favorite
10. Have a barbeque at home and invite some friends and neighbors over you have not seen in awhile, they can bring appetizers and dessert to cut the cost.

Happy July 4th Week and remember that thousands of our troops are overseas and are probably having a much harder time this time of year than we are...so enjoy the time you have with friends and family.

Chip Arndt