Summer is just around the corner, and doing a little bit of prep work can make the transition a lot easier. Here’s my ultimate frugal summer prep checklist to help you get every area of your life ready for the change in routine. Don’t feel like you have to do everything on this checklist—just pull the ones that apply to you and your family!
The Ultimate Frugal Summer Prep Checklist
Financial Prep
Whether you have kids or not, the summer usually brings a change in spending habits. Vacations, camps, and meals can all contribute to needing to take a look at your budget.
Financial prep checklist:
- Review last summer’s spending
- Set a summer-specific budget (May–August)
- Create a weekly “fun money” limit
- Plan for higher grocery + electricity costs
- Decide in advance how many paid outings you’ll allow
Posts you might find helpful:
15 Family Routines that Naturally Reduce Spending
Calendar Prep
Looking ahead at the calendar and filling in things that you already know about can help the transition go much more smoothly. Consider vacations, camps, free community events, Vacation Bible School, etc. Many families find success in creating weekly rhythms, such as having an at-home day, an errand day, a water day (pool or other water activity), and so on.
Calendar prep checklist: Read More→
I am loving these 3D gift boxes!! What a fun way to dress up your food spread at a Graduation party or celebrate mom! They are all less than $10 too!
You can fill these boxes with anything from candy and snacks, flowers and keepsakes, to money and gift cards.
Get yours today:
Luv U Gift Box, White, 21.5″ – $9.97
Mom Gift Box, 18.5″ – $9.97
Grad Gift Box, Black and Gold, 22.5″ – $9.97
2026 Gift Box, Black and Gold, 11″ – $9.97
These offers are good for a limited time only. Shipping is free with Walmart+ or free with orders of $35+. Read More→
Check out these porch signs at Walmart!! They are reversible and less than $20! One side is ready for July 4th and the other is summer themed!
It’s pretty hard to pick a favorite, so I may have to grab more than one and rotate them throughout summer.
Here are the signs:
Welcome/Sweet Summer Time Wooden Porch Sign – $19.96
Double-Sided Happy 250 America/Hello Summer Wooden Porch Sign – $19.96
Summer Porch Decor Sign Stars and Popsicles – $19.96
Patriotic Double-Sided Wooden Porch Sign – $19.96
These offers are good for a limited time only. Shipping is free with Walmart+ or free with orders of $35+. Read More→
Using coupons has gotten super easy with mobile apps and digital coupons. The top two mobile apps that can save money at every store across the US are a huge way to cut your grocery budget. Tonight we are going to cover how to master Ibotta and Fetch Rewards to save you even more on grocery and household items.
Feel free to bring any other money saving questions you have (off topic is fine with me)!
You can watch and ask questions right here, or head to facebook and watch/comment there. Whatever is easiest for you.
Get The Apps We are Talking About
Fetch Rewards – Use code N0REC to get 2,000 Points to start with
Here is an easy deal to save on groceries at Amazon. Get an instant $10 off when you spend $30 in select grocery items.
Save even more by choosing to Subscribe & Save. You can do this once you are already in the checkout phase.
Offer good for a limited time only. Shipping is free with Prime or free with orders of $35+.
See more deals at Amazon.
Swing by Walmart for Mother’s Day and you can find things moms actually want! From little everyday luxuries to practical upgrades that make life easier, these picks will be genuinely appreciated (and actually used).
I asked real moms what they really wanted and these were some of the favorites!
Deal Ideas:
Ninja SLUSHi 72-Oz Frozen Drink Machine with RapidChill Technology $249 (reg. $299)
Ninja Crispi 3-in-1 Glass Air Fryer $134 (reg. $149)
Thyme&Table Mini Espresso Machine $139
Mainstays Self-Warming Mug $27.88
Better Homes & Gardens Candle Warmer Lamp $19.97
It’s time for Publix meal plans! Make meals that are based on Publix sales starting on 4/22. This week we’re making green chile chicken, beefy tomato soup, and more.
Look through the Publix weekly ad to see all the current deals.
Publix Meal Plans:
1. Chicken Veggie Stir Fry
Rice
- Publix – Just Bare Chicken Breast Fillets Boneless Skinless, 16 oz, B1G1 at $8.50 ($4.25)
- Publix – Yellow Squash or Zucchini, 24 oz, $3.49
- Publix – Tri-Color Peppers, 3 ct, $3.99
- Publix – Broccoli, $3
- Publix – Vigo Rice 90 second, 8.8 oz, B1G1 at $2.89 ($1.44)
- Publix – Publix 73% Lean Ground Beef 3 lb, $13.99
(makes it $4.66 per lb) - Publix – Prego Italian Sauce or Meat, Alfredo or Cheese 14-67 oz, B1G1 at $6.29 ($3.14)
- Publix – Progresso Broth, 32 oz, B1G1 at $2.79 ($1.39)
- Publix – Delallo Pasta, 8.8-16 oz, B1G1 at $5.99 ($2.99)
3. Green Chile Chicken
Mexican Rice
Read More→
Speed over to Walmart where they’re offering reduced prices on Better Homes & Garden furniture – up to 50% off! Plus shipping is free.
Grab pieces for all over the house – dining tables, beds, dressers, chairs and more.
Deal Ideas:
Better Homes & Gardens Adlin 70 in Rectangle Dining Table, Light Honey $65.60 (reg. $536)
Better Homes & Gardens Lillian Spindle Bed, Queen, Natural Pine Finish $69.60 (reg. $348)
Better Homes & Gardens Springwood Accent Chair – $128.50 (reg. $234)
Head in to Publix this week to get Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats for only $1.14! Score a great price on an easy option for throwing into snack bags, or get stocked for school lunch boxes.
-.50/1 Kellanova Rice Krispies Treats Crispy Marshmallow Squares 
