If you still had any lingering doubts, the recent heat wave that gripped most of the country has left no question that summer is finally here. Summer is one of my favorite seasons. It’s the perfect time of the year to enjoy some fun in the sun and take that much needed family vacation.

This year, instead of overspending on a vacation why not get out and explore a bit closer to home and take in some local activities your community has to offer. A “staycation” is an excellent way to enjoy the summer without the high cost and hassles of a more traditional stay away vacation. Saving money doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time!

Here are seven money-saving activities for your summer staycation:

1.      State Parks

Disconnect from all those digital devices and reconnect with your family in the wonder of your state’s natural beauty. Hiking trails, nature walks, camping, guided historical tours, and so much more are awaiting you at your nearest state park. Most will have a small entrance fee, but if you plan on frequent visits inquire about an annual membership and you could save even more money.

2.      Museums
Visiting your local museum is another great staycation idea. Museums today are interactive and kid-friendly so you can be sure the entire family will enjoy the trip. Check to see if your museum offers free admission days or discounts for students and seniors.

3.      Historical Sites and Societies

You have lived in your community for quite awhile now, but do you know its history? I encourage you to discover the history behind where you live. You may be surprised. Contacting your local historical society is a great place to start; they are passionate about what they do and will have some great knowledge and wonderful facts to share with you.

4.      Beach/Lake

Who doesn’t love going to the beach or lake? This summer, grab your beach chairs, blankets and take your family for a day trip or afternoon retreat. Make sure to pack some sunscreen and snacks, but let the water be your guide. You can’t beat the cost, plus it’s instant fun for the family with memories that will last a lifetime.

5.      Free Concerts

Many communities offer free summer concerts at their local park or town common. In my own town there are free concerts every Wednesday night on the village green. Bring a blanket and a picnic to share and you’ve got all the right ingredients for a low-cost and fun-filled evening under the stars. Wine and cheese anyone?

6.      Community Theatre

In my opinion, community theatre is a lot like Broadway but just closer to home and a lot less expensive. Local theaters are great places to spend a relaxing afternoon or evening with family and friends. Check out your local theatre company and see what performances are coming up this summer. Enjoy, but don’t break a leg.  

7.      Minor League Baseball

Baseball is one of America’s favorite pastimes. However Major League ticket prices have become too expensive for many families. Instead of dropping an average of $200 for tickets and food for a family of four to see a big league game, check out your nearest Minor League team. There you can watch the future stars of tomorrow… today, for a fraction of the cost. In my hometown, I can take my family of five to a game and feed them for less than $75. That’s home run savings! 

Have fun this summer and be sure to drop me a line with your staycation tips.

Not long ago I attended the funeral of a neighbor. During the service, the Lord’s Prayer was recited. A particular line caught my attention: “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Today people struggling with debts may not be finding this forgiveness from their creditors. Is the bankruptcy system failing them? 

I will be upfront, before the day of this funeral, I am not sure I had ever given much thought to the meaning of these words. Yet let’s think about these words for a moment, “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

In bankruptcy, people who become so hopelessly buried by their debts to creditors can ask for the mercy of the court. They do this by a petition for discharge of their debts. This would be the part were these individuals would be asking for society to “forgive us our debts.”

The court, acting on behalf of society, reviews their petition and decides whether to grant the discharge of their debts thus fulfilling the societal role of “as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

The Founding Fathers envisioned this system when they wrote bankruptcy into the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8, Clause 4).

So why is the system failing? Because once a debt is discharged by the court a creditor no longer has the right to collection efforts. However, unscrupulous creditors such as collection agencies and debt buyers will continue to pursue collection efforts. Debt buyers will often base their business models around the collection of debts that can no longer be collected legally, such as those that have been discharged in bankruptcy. Additionally, we see where creditors will continue to report debts as still owed, in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

These unscrupulous creditors are failing to “forgive us our debts.” Their actions don’t allow debtors to receive the fresh start promised by the court which was acting on society’s behalf. These people can not just move forward because creditors seem to be unable to embrace “as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

It is understandable that every bankruptcy costs creditors real money. A discharge of debts means dollars that will never be collected, real dollars lost to the economy. However, the perpetual entrapment of people in a virtual debtor’s prison is unconscionable. Creditors must learn to let go and forgive. If they can not then our bankruptcy system must be modified to create greater disincentives for their bad behavior. Amen.

The purpose of Personal Finance Today is to provide useful, actionable information to help you increase your financial literacy and reach your financial goals. It is not a substitute for professional legal or financial advice. If any information in this blog contradicts advice you received from your lawyer or financial planner/counselor, you should consider the attorney’s/financial professional’s advice or information to be more accurate.

For more information, call 207-828-3975 or email askleslie@leslielinfield.com.