How to Make this a Summer of Savings (and Family Fun!)
We're all looking to reconnect and have fun this summer. Today, we're going to go over ways to enjoy family barbecues, some ideas on great outdoor adventures you can go on, and tips on how to grow your savings!
Summer of Savings
For many families summer is the season. Especially after the year we had in 2020, many of us are eager to embrace the warmer weather and be outside and go on vacation.
As we mentioned last week, it's possible to have fun and still save.
Today, we're going to dive in with how you can have a wonderful and memorable time this summer, while still building up your stash.
In this episode we get into:
- Leveling up your barbecue game
- Exploring the great outdoors is perfect for your happiness and wallet
- 10 ways you can boost your savings
Let’s get started!
Handy Tools to Boost Your Savings Rate
If you’re looking to get ahead with your finances as a family, here are key resources to check out!
- Best Budget and Money Apps: Personal Capital, Tiller, Mint
- Jumpstart Your Marriage and Your Money
- How to Double Your Savings Rate
- Creating a Savings Plan That You Both Love
- How to Savor and Enjoy This Summer without Breaking Your Budget
- How to Rework Your Money, Home, and Routines to Thrive This Summer
If you want to discuss this more – ask questions, swap ideas, and maybe kick off a monthly money challenge – don’t forget to join us in the Thriving Families group on Facebook.
We swap ideas and tips because our goal is to help one another out with our family and financial goals.
Hope to see you there!
Thank You to Our Sponsor Coastal!
Support for this podcast comes from Coastal Credit Union! If you’re living in the Raleigh Durham area and looking to bank better, come check out Coastal today.
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How to Kick Up Your Barbecue This Summer
Many of us are eager to catch up with friends and family. Having a barbecue at your place can be a fantastic solution.
If you’re looking to level up your barbecue game, here are five key tips to keep in mind.
Prep Ahead of Time
Have your tools clean and ready, the meats properly seasoned, enough charcoal and wood chips on hand, and the vegetables prepared so that you’re good to go with your smoker and grill.
Make Your Own Burgers
I get it – it can be tempting to p[ick up a pack of premade patties when you’re having a lot of people over, but trust me – you’ll enjoy your burgers so much more if you prep them yourself.
When picking up your meat, keep in mind fat is your friend. It’ll keep the burgers juicy and flavorful.
Get Your Temperature Right
Two things you need to consider with your temperatures. First, you need it hot enough to cook it properly. I’ll include a chart in the show notes, but some key ones to know are:
| Meats | Internal Temperature (°F) |
| Fresh pork | 145F |
| Ground meat | 160F |
| Poultry | 165F |
| Fish with fins | 145F or meat separates easily with a fork |
| Shrimp, lobster, crab, and scallops | Cook until flesh is pearly or white, and opaque |
Here’s where having a meat thermometer is key.
Second, you need to understand the differences between rare, well done and everything in between.
Finally with your meats, give them time to rest for a bit.Then when you’re about to serve, you can cut it.
Flavors
The charcoal and wood chips you use can make a huge difference on the flavor you get from your meats.
Wood chips from fruit trees can add a depth and different flavor. Think apple, cherry, or peach.
Don’t forget to soak wood chips in water for a minimum of an hour before draining them. You can then wrap them in an aluminum foil and put that on your grill.
Coordinate What Everyone is Bringing
Look, I’m pretty laid back when it comes to having people over, but one thing I’ve picked up is that just a bit of coordinating can make a party a lot better.
As you prepare your menu come up with ideas on what sides or drinks could compliment it. That way when your friends and family ask what to bring, you can give them some suggestions, which makes it easier for them.
Barbecue Tips
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