It’s easy to let your spending spiral out of control with fun plans you have this summer if you’re not careful. Here are 10 simple (and practical) budgeting money tips for saving.

    1. Hit up a matinee instead of the evening show. If you’re willing to go to the theater during daytime hours, you’ll be saving enough to cover the cost of the overpriced popcorn and soft drink.
    2. Pack your own snacks for the family road trip. Make a supermarket run prior to your trip and divvy up your purchases into smaller snack bags.
    3. Consider starting a garden. Provided you have the time, growing your own vegetables can be a great way to save a bit of cash. It is typically more cost effective to start your garden from seeds.
    4. Invite friends over instead of going out. Summer wouldn’t be complete without at least a few nights spent hanging out with friends. By staying in and making your own food and drinks, you’ll save money over the long haul.
    5. Don’t speed. Speeding will cost you between fifteen and thirty percent in gas mileage, not to mention the possible hundred plus dollar ticket you’re likely to get if you happen to get caught.
    6. Exercise outside. Gym memberships can be expensive, and during the summer months you can take advantage of the nice weather and do your cardio outdoors.
    7. Try to book hotels with breakfast included. Aside from hotels and transportation, the biggest expense for a family vacation is usually food. You can immediately trim some fat from the food budget if you track down a hotel that offers a complimentary breakfast included in the price of the room.
    8. Street fairs and festivals are your friend. Local street fairs and music festivals might not offer the same prestige as a big band, but if you do the right amount of research there are plenty of great local acts you can catch at just a fraction of the cost.
    9. Take advantage of “locals only” pricing. Lots of amusement parks and city-specific attractions offer special discounts or low-cost annual memberships to encourage more visits from locals.
    10. Embrace the outdoors. Camping, hiking, and day-trips are all great ways to help minimize expenses while still allowing for some family activities and a chance to get away.
-Article adapted from quicken.com