Whether you're single or married with kids, a fun-filled summer doesn't have to break the bank! We've collected a picnic-basket full of free and cheap ideas for enjoying your summer days.
Go on a picnic -
Stroll around a Farmer’s Market - just browse, or buy a treat that fits your budget
Enjoy a local festival -
Treat Yourself to a Food Truck Treat
Enjoy Nature!
Explore all that Park Districts have to offer
Go for a Bike Ride
Enjoy a Baseball Game
Head to the Beach Don’t forget the Mini Golf - hint: go early - some mini golf places are cheaper before noon
Visit a Zoo
Local concerts - free
Public Libraries - did you know you can use your EGVPL card at other Illinois libraries?
Visit local museums -
Festivals - free
Movies, Drive-Ins & Outdoor movies
Shakespeare in the Park Performances - free
Sightseeing & Exploring - with low or no admission fees
Getting There - Public Transportation to Save (Gas, Parking & Frustration!)
Plan your own budget adventure. Here are some ideas:
Other Resources
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Here's a little bit of good news regarding your credit and any medical debt you may have (as do 1 in 5 American households). As of April 11, 2023, any medical debt - such as from a doctor's visit or a hospital stay - that has been paid or has a balance of less than $500 should no longer appear on your credit report. This change, part of the No Surprises Act passed by Congress, was announced recently by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. You can read the full article here. CFPB says that in 2021, 43 million Americans had unpaid medical bills on their credit reports. The $500 threshold might seem low to some. About 6% (16 million) of adults in the U.S. owe more than $1,000 in medical bills, and 1% (3 million) owe more than $10,000. Read more about these statistics here. But for many, having some medical debts wiped from their credit history will help to boost their scores, which affect access to credit, housing, insurance, sometimes even jobs. Now is a good time to check your credit reports from each of the three credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can check your credit reports for free EVERY WEEK! Make sure to use the website AnnualCreditReport.com. The CFPB article explains more about what to look for and how to correct any errors you find. It's never too late to fix your finances. A budget is a way to tell your money where to go - instead of wondering where it went! These books can help you create a budget - or a spending plan - that makes the most of your money. Learn about different techniques for making a budget that fits your style and life. Join us Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 7 pm on Zoom to learn how to do your own financial checkup. You probably see your dentist and your doctor regularly, but how long has it been since you had a financial checkup? Financial educator Karen Chan, CFP, will show you how to do your own review, using checklists you can personalize to fit your situation. Knowing that your financial house is in order will give you peace of mind, and make life easier for you and others who may assist you when the time comes.
Register here for this Zoom program Financial technology is changing the way we handle our money. What do you need to know to keep your money safe? Financial educator Karen Chan, a certified financial planner, will navigate us through this topic.
It’s the wild, wild West when it comes to online money-management apps. Each one has a different set of services, requirements, and fees. Regulations created for traditional banking services don’t necessarily apply. Learn how these tools work and what to look for before you transfer money with Cash App, Venmo or Zelle; make deposits with neobanks such as Chime, Sofi, and T-Mobile Money; or link bank accounts and credit cards to digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay. Register in advance for this Zoom program.
Click through the slides below... Money Smart Week 2022 will be held Saturday, April 9 – Saturday, April 16. This week-long free virtual campaign aims to help people better manage their personal finances with a focus on those hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s line-up includes:
Money Smart Week is an annual event sponsored by the American Library Association and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Long-term care is something most people will need, but when, where and for how long? Ben Kracht from Leaders Partners & Evaughn Ferrero from Wintrust Wealth Management will talk about LTC costs.
Do you have an emergency fund? Nancy Broten-Munson will present an actionable list of 22 ways to build up a stash of cash for your emergency, vacation, or rainy day fund!
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upcoming programs:To be announced.
Interested in a specific money-related topic? Tell us about it.
Meetup Facts: ABOUT USMoney Smart Meetup is sponsored by the Elk Grove Village Public Library. Archives
June 2023
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