The Fourth of July is up there with Halloween as one of my favorite holidays. I love it so much that I have a Thomas Rebek water-color of the Boston Esplanade hanging in my bedroom. The weather is usually perfect, you often get a four day weekend of freedom from work, and the food… doesn’t everyone love barbecues?

There is only one problem, it can get expensive. As WCCO TV reports, food, fireworks, and travel are going to be more expensive this year. Everyone knows about the food and the travel expenses, but I was surprised to learn that fireworks are up 30%. I think you should skip the fireworks and leave it to the city. No only are they illegal in many states - why would you pay 30% for the privilege of losing a finger?

How can you lower the cost of the Fourth of July and still have fun? It helps to get creative. Here are a few tips:

Look to the Community
I noticed that a neighboring town is having a full day of activities starting at 8AM and carrying through to the 9:30PM fireworks. Activities are family friendly and this one includes a pancake breakfast, parades, dog shows, four concerts, and of course a barbecue. I’m sure the barbecue and pancake breakfast are going to cost a nominal fee, but they are for good charities. Chances are you live near a community that has similar activities.

Throw a Pot-Luck Barbeque
My mother always said that many hands make light work. When it comes to the Fourth of July, many wallets make for a cheap party. Get a bunch of friends and throw a party. Everyone should bring something. If you get enough people, each person can take advantage of bulk purchases at warehouse stores such as Costco. You can save a lot of money by buying 40 hamburgers at one time. If you are looking for some cheap foods, here is a great list of frugal Fourth foods (say that five times fast). As a final tip: Don’t get stuck as the guy who has to buy the beer if invited.

Try not to Travel, but…
If your plans involve traveling and it’s too late to change your plans, you can at least look to travel cheaper. Look for some ways to save on fuel. While on the road, keep your eyes open for cheap eats along the way. I recommend Taco Bell’s Fresco Menu - for around a dollar you can get a choice of a few options that are high in protein and low in fat. Lastly, please don’t add to any credit card debt to celebrate the Fourth of July. Credit cards can charge more than 20% interest, which compounds extremely fast.

You can skimp on a number of things; just don’t skimp on the fun.

Photo Credit: 1

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Lazy Man has been a lender at Prosper since February 2006. He is the author of the personal finance blog, Lazy Man and Money (where he wonders Is MonaVie a Scam?) and the health and fitness blog, Lazy Man and Health (extolling the virtues of Beer as a Healthy Drink).