First Bank of the Lake: 5 Inexpensive Ways To Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner, and (if you're like most people) you've probably got a long list of activities lined up to celebrate this long-awaited kickoff to the summer season. Don't let the holiday weekend ruin the budget you've been working so hard to keep! First Bank of the Lake is here to help you keep your spending in check this Memorial Day Weekend with these inexpensive ways to celebrate your weekend.

1. Go Camping
If you have some "outdoorsy types" in your family, camping can be a great way to keep costs down while still enjoying a fun holiday weekend. Campsites (even ones with access to water and electricity) can often be reserved for a mere fraction of the cost of a hotel or condo. If you already have a tent and some basic camping gear, consider reserving a campsite for your weekend instead of traditional lodging.

2. Take Advantage Of Holiday Sales
If you're planning on going shopping this weekend, pay close attention to the sales different retailers are offering and plan your purchases accordingly. Be careful not to use a promotion as an opportunity to go on an uninhibited shopping spree - instead, strategizing which stores to hit based on which ones are offering discounts for the items you need can be a great way to help you save money.

3. Visit The State Parks
The Lake Area is home to two beautiful state parks: Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Osage Beach and Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton. Between the two of them, they offer countless hiking trails, biking trails, horseback riding trails, public lake access points, picnic areas, and tons of other outdoor opportunities. The best part is that admission to these state parks is always free for the whole family, so you can plan a full day on even the tightest budget.

4. Host A Potluck
Memorial Day is one of the most popular days for grilling out of the entire year. If you are planning a big get-together with several friends and family members, don't ask one person to foot the bill for the entire BBQ; instead, ask everyone to bring an item to share. Potlucks are a great way to keep costs (and overall prep work) down for everyone involved.

5. Plan A Picnic
Picnics require a little extra preparation ahead of time, but they are often far less expensive than eating out at restaurants. Pack some of your favorites - sandwiches, potato salad, chips, and a few beverages - and head out for any one of the beautiful public outdoor areas available at the Lake of the Ozarks. You won't be tempted to rack up a higher tab at a restaurant this way, and you'll get to enjoy all the benefits of being outside in the fresh air while you're at it.

Happy Memorial Day From First Bank Of The Lake!
Your Memorial Day Weekend celebrations don't have to break the bank! Our bank at the Lake of the Ozarks has put together this list of five sample ways to keep your costs down this holiday weekend, but the possibilities don't stop there. What other money-saving tricks do you have up your sleeves? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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