Summer is in full swing (well, summer break, anyway). We have a long list of fun things we love to do, and most of those things are cheap or even free!
We’re taking advantage of as many of those things as we can. But the best part about summer is that we can also choose to skip any of those things if we aren’t up for it.
A slow summer of doing projects around the house, or even just doing nothing at all (gasp!) can be just the thing for busy families.
Every Friday at Medium Sized Family, we like to reflect on the ways we saved money. You could read the entire series of 5 Ways We’ve Saved Money This Week. Or you can grab a super cheap copy of the book that compiles much of that series into 500 Ways to Save Money.
5 Ways We’ve Saved Money This Week
Diapers
Though the kids are out of diapers now, I still get an occasional invitation to a baby shower. So when I saw Seventh Generation diapers on clearance at my local CVS, I grabbed a pack.
The great part about making this a shower gift is that you can get them in whatever size is available.
As a mother who had several children born already too large for newborn diapers, I can tell you that it’s nice to have larger sizes at the ready.
Republic Wireless
Switching to Republic Wireless was a great choice for our budget. We’ve saved several hundred dollars since making the switch.
Unfortunately, our area doesn’t have the best coverage. I was noticing more and more dropped calls, and had decided that we would have to switch back to our original carrier.
But first, my husband suggested that we ask Republic Wireless if they could help us out.
Turns out our area is one of the few places in the country that doesn’t get good coverage. So they sent us a sim card for a different network to try.
It’s worked much better! What a relief to be able to continue to save money while getting good coverage on our phones.
Try out Republic Wireless for free this summer! (They don’t have contracts, so you have nothing to lose by trying them out!)
Reds Rookie Success League
The Cincinnati Reds host an awesome summer camp for kids. They teach baseball during the camp, but they also teach a lot of lessons about character. I love that!
The camp is free…and so is the food and goodies they supply to the kids who attend. My kids are loving it so much, they haven’t complained once about getting up early to head out the door for camp.
We love baseball!
Summer Reading
I know I’ve mentioned this before, but our local library is the best. They offer a summer reading program each year to keep kids interested in reading over the summer.
So far we’ve collected coupons for free Chipotle and ice cream, plus discount tickets to our state fair and for camping at state parks.
There was also a free animal show and carnival with popcorn and fun treats for the kids.
Local Parks
Just when I think we already know all of our local parks by heart, a few friends gave me some new suggestions.
This week we discovered a park with water sprinklers (totally free!). Plus it had a sand box…and that’s on top of the giant slides and swing set.
It was an instant hit!
Next week we plan to check out a park that I’ve heard is gigantic and a ton of fun. Can’t wait to see it!
Those are the five ways we saved money this week!
So are you going for a slow summer…or looking forward to trying new things?
One thing I’m being more intentional about this summer is my expectations for my kids. If they can make a mountain of a mess, they are capable of cleaning it!
In case you’re wondering what chores are appropriate for each of your kids, be sure to check out these chores for kids by age. It’s a handy chart you can print right off and get started using right away!
How did you save this week?
I'm Jamie, and I want to help you afford a beautiful life with your family. 
