Money Management

A budget-conscious writer was able to eke out some savings this year on camp supplies. Read on to see how she did it. 

The average cost of summer camp is $178.49 a day, according to the American Camp Association. But as astounding a number as that is, it doesn’t even account for the peripheral costs many parents face in the course of paying for summer camp. In addition to camp tuition itself, you often need certain supplies, from sports gear to bathing suits to extra clothing and towels.

My kids have to go to summer camp because my husband and I both work full-time and need the childcare. But while camp tuition may not be negotiable, there are steps I took to save money on summertime supplies. Here’s how I managed to save around $100 on my summertime haul.

1. I got organized ahead of time

I knew going into the summer that my kids had outgrown a lot of their clothing from the previous summer. So I knew I’d need to purchase everything from swimwear to footwear to basics like shorts and t-shirts for my kids to be camp-ready.

One thing that helped me save money was getting organized in advance and shopping around for the things I needed. At one point, Amazon had lacrosse sticks on sale for $10 off their normal price. Since I had to buy three, I saved a good $30 right there. But I was able to load my Amazon cart with numerous items and sit back for a couple of months just waiting for prices to change so I could pounce when the right opportunities presented themselves.

Also, as a Prime member, I get free two-day shipping on orders of any size. That allowed me to buy a few one-off items for my kids when their cost dropped without having to worry about shipping charges.

2. I shopped around

There’s a store in my area that a lot of people go to for all of their camp-related needs. What a lot of these people do is make an appointment where they can basically get access to a personal shopper and buy everything they need for their kids to go to camp in one afternoon.

It’s certainly a convenient way to do things. But I looked at prices at that store and they were definitely not the most competitive across the board. So instead of taking the convenient way out, I shopped around. Doing so allowed me to shave some money off of several items I needed. The result? A lower credit card tab.

3. I turned to Costco for low-cost swimwear and sunscreen

Swimsuits can be expensive for kids. One day, I happened to be shopping for food at Costco when I saw a small selection of swimsuits in my kids’ sizes. I was only able to buy a couple of bathing suits because Costco didn’t have the widest selection, but I probably saved around $8 each on the few I was able to buy.

I was also able to load up on sunscreen at Costco when it had multipacks on sale. That saved me some money as well.

Sending kids to camp is hardly an inexpensive prospect. But I’m grateful I was able to trim my costs modestly by shopping strategically.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Amazon.com. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon.com and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Need a last-minute gift for Father’s Day or a special guy in your life? Read on for some great Sam’s Club finds. 

Father’s Day is right around the corner, so if you haven’t yet managed to find the perfect gift for your dad or the father of your young children, you may be scrambling. You might also need a gift to celebrate an upcoming birthday or occasion for a man who’s important to you.

The good news is that you can find a host of men’s gifts at Sam’s Club. And because Sam’s Club offers so many affordable options, you won’t have to rack up a massive credit card tab in the process. Here are some specific gifts you may want to check out.

1. Izzo Ultra Lite Stand Golf Bag

Know someone who loves to play golf? This golf bag makes a great gift. It includes four storage pockets, a glove holder, a towel ring, an umbrella holder, and a rain hood. It also comes in a variety of colors. Right now, Sam’s Club has it on sale for $79.98, though do note that prices can vary between what you’ll see online and what you see available at your local warehouse club store.

2. Member’s Mark Pro Series Pellet Smoker Grill

If you have a grilling enthusiast in your life, this smoker grill could be a great gift. It includes a fully insulated firebox that allows you to cook in any weather, and it features heavy gauge porcelain-coated cooking grates that should make cleanup a cinch. It also features a temperature range of 180 to 500 degrees fahrenheit. Normally, this grill sells for $499.99, but right now, Sam’s Club is offering it online for $399.

3. Fitbit Inspire 3 Health and Fitness Tracker Bundle

Know a great guy who’s into fitness? A Fitbit tracker can help him track his mileage, heart rate, and calories burned, among other things. Right now, Sam’s Club has this Fitbit on sale for $79.98. It includes a spare band and a six-month Fitbit Premium membership.

4. Reebok Men’s Short Sleeve Speedwick Tech Style Active Tee

Now that we’re in the warm weather season, even a few minutes outdoors could be enough to induce a sweat. That’s what makes this Reebok t-shirt such a great buy. It’s made from materials that are designed to wick perspiration away and keep your favorite guy nice and cool. It’s perfect for a workout, afternoon at the beach, or evening at the grill, and it comes in a variety of colors. You can find it for just $12.98.

5. Bose Solo Soundbar Series II

There’s nothing like kicking back and relaxing after a long day with some great TV or a movie. Or, your favorite guy might love nothing more than to spend his Sunday afternoons watching football. You can enhance the experience with this Bluetooth speaker. It offers clear, crisp sound and takes up minimal space. Sam’s Club has it available for $159.88.

Clearly, the above items represent a range of prices. Take a look at your bank account and see what you can afford to spend on a gift for Father’s Day or your next big occasion. It’s nice to shower your favorite guy with something special, but you also don’t want to end up with serious debt along the way.

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Looking to make home improvements? Read on to see what crucial information you’ll need when hiring a contractor. 

It’s common to buy a home and immediately come up with a list of projects you want to tackle to make it an even more comfortable place. Americans spent $538 billion at home improvement stores in 2021, says Zippia. So if you go the renovation route, you’ll probably be in good company this year.

Now some people like to do their own home renovations to save money and also have more control over the process. But if you don’t have the skills or time to handle home renovations, you may need to turn to a contractor instead. And you’ll want to ask these key questions before moving forward with a renovation project.

1. Can you give me a range as to what this might cost?

It’s common for contractors to give an estimate before their work begins. But often, they’ll present a single number for you to look at. A better bet may be to ask your contractor for a range of costs. That way, you’re extra prepared.

This is an especially important thing to do if you’ve recently purchased a home and are still getting used to the idea of having to pay a mortgage loan and manage other housing expenses. You don’t want your finances to get thrown off-course when a $3,500 project ends up costing you $4,500.

2. How long will the work take?

Having work done in your home is apt to cause some upheaval. So it’s important to have a realistic time frame so you know what to expect. You may even want to ask your contractor to err on the side of things taking longer, so you’re not disappointed if the work seems to drag on.

3. How disruptive will the work be?

Some renovation projects may not impact your daily routine all that much. But some might be very disruptive.

For example, if you’re having your kitchen redone, that could make it so you’re not able to cook or even store perishable food for weeks on end. And if the work that’s being done is very loud, that could make it so you’re unable to do your job from home as you normally would. Figure out what to expect so you can make it work.

4. Are permits required, and who needs to get one?

Some home improvement projects may require a permit from your town. Usually, you’ll need a permit if you’re making structural changes to your home or are doing plumbing or electrical work.

It’s important to get the right permits before your work begins. Failing to do so could cause you a problem should you eventually decide to sell your home.

Ask your contractor what permits are generally required for the type of project you’re looking at. And then ask if you’re the one responsible for obtaining them or if your contractor will handle that on your behalf.

In many cases, it makes sense to hire a contractor to renovate your home. But be sure to ask these questions before signing any contracts or putting down a deposit for the work at hand.

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Sam’s Club is my favorite place to buy patio furniture because the prices are good and the pieces have proved to be really durable. Find out more. 

I have a house with a pretty big patio area, and I also have a vacation house. As a result, I have charged a lot of patio furniture purchases on my credit cards. After buying many different outdoor items from various sources, I have made the decision to buy patio furniture only from Sam’s Club going forward.

There are three big reasons why that’s the case. Here’s what they are.

1. Sam’s Club has great prices on patio furniture

The biggest reason why I stick with Sam’s Club for purchasing patio furniture is because the prices it offers let me keep more money in my bank account while still getting great quality items.

Whenever I’ve shopped for different kinds of furniture, whether it’s been something like an outdoor dining table or a conversation set, I’ve consistently found Sam’s Club to be far cheaper than many competitors. For example, when looking for an outdoor fire pit set with a couch and a few chairs, I found one for just $1,499 from Sam’s Club compared with $5,019 from other big-name stores.

I was also able to get an eight-person outdoor dining set for less than half the cost of a comparable one I found elsewhere. Since I have needed to buy a lot of patio furniture, taking advantage of Sam’s rock-bottom prices was a no-brainer.

2. Delivery has always been quick and easy

Whenever I’ve ordered furniture from Sam’s Club, I’ve been able to have it delivered to my house within a few days, or sometimes a week or so at most. By contrast, some competitors take several weeks — or even several months — to deliver patio furniture. I don’t really want to wait until the season is half over to get my items. And while I theoretically could plan ahead and order well before summer to have my furniture ready on time, that’s just not practical for me.

Sam’s Club delivery is also pretty affordable even for bulky patio furniture, while many competitors charge much higher prices. In many cases, I’ve also been able to pick up my items from my local Sam’s Club warehouse at no extra charge, which is great since there are Sam’s Club stores everywhere.

3. The Sam’s Club furniture has held up better than items from other retailers

Since I have ordered a lot of furniture from Sam’s Club, I’ve also identified another reason why I like its products and will only buy from there going forward: Its items are incredibly durable.

I have a Sam’s Club outdoor sofa and chair set from over a decade ago and it still looks like it is in great shape. I have not even had to replace the cushions. During that same period, I’ve had to replace numerous other pieces of outdoor furniture from other retailers due to the cushions getting moldy or stained, or the wicker unraveling. And my kids aren’t exactly careful with the Sam’s Club couch — it’s just held up better than most.

For all of these reasons, Sam’s Club is my go-to source for outdoor furniture. If you’re looking to improve your own yard, give the warehouse club’s stuff a look to see if it could work for you.

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It’s that time of year again, where we show all the dads in our lives that we care. Keep reading for some sweet finds from Target. 

Did Father’s Day slip your mind? Well, it’s coming up soon, but luckily, you still have time to order a gift from Target (or swing by in person, or order for pick-up…Target has lots of options!). Here are some amazing presents the dad or dad-like figure in your life will surely be happy to receive. And best of all, the most expensive item on this list is less than $100, so Dad won’t be upset that you’ve overspent your budget on him.

1. A retro portable radio

Whether Dad is a fan of streaming music or good ol’ AM/FM, this Portable AM/FM Bluetooth Radio will have him covered. It’s battery-powered, so you can take it anywhere (Father’s Day picnic at a local park, perhaps?), and you can connect it to your phone and play Spotify or any other streaming music service through it. Or lean on the antenna and tune into your favorite local radio station. Pick it up at Target for just $44.99.

2. A magnetic wireless charger

If Dad is a techie, he’ll likely really appreciate an easier way to charge his devices. The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2 in 1 might be just the ticket. It’ll let you charge a smartphone as well as earphones at the same time, and since it’s magnetic, you don’t need to mess with plugging in the devices you’re powering up. Target has it for $99.99.

3. A kit to grow your own mushrooms

This is super cool. If the special man in your life enjoys cooking or gardening (ideally, both — talk about farm to table!), he can now grow his very own organic oyster mushrooms. A Back to the Roots Organic Mushroom Grow Kit will produce two crops of mushrooms and each crop consists of three to four servings! It goes for $19.99, so you might even consider including a boutique grocery store gift card too. That way, Dad can make his culinary dreams a reality.

4. A comfy two-person hammock

Sometimes, a man really needs a nap, and I’m betting your favorite guy is no exception to this rule. The nice thing about summer is that you can nap outdoors, and a snooze will be even better with the Sierra Designs Double Lightweight Hammock. This will hold two people and up to 400 pounds, and it comes with everything you need to hang it up. It would make a wonderful accessory to take on a camping trip, or Dad can hang it up in the backyard and enjoy that nap, for the low price of just $16.99.

5. A beer flight set

Not every Dad is into beer, but a lot of them are. The choices are endless, and if you’ve got a specialty beer store in your area, hop on over and pick up some interesting beers to pair with the Libbey Craft Brew Beer Flight Glasses set. It comes with four 6-ounce glasses and a lovely wooden holder so Dad can have his own fancy flight of beers at home. It can be yours for $24.99.

6. A relaxed robe

I’m all about giving the gift of comfort, be it in the form of a new pillow, slippers, or a cozy bathrobe. If the dad in your life needs a new robe, you can score the Men’s Knit Robe for him. This is a nice summer weight robe, and isn’t made from heavy fleece or flannel. Rather, it’s a French terry cotton blend and it comes in either blue or gray. Right now, it’s out for just $30.

Target has lots of great items available for dads and other special men, so if none of these tickle your fancy, have a look at the Target website (prices listed here are online) or pop into your local store. To maximize your Father’s Day spending, be sure to use one of the best rewards credit cards to complete your purchase.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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For many businesses, getting appointments booked is a huge time and money sink. Here’s how appointment software can reduce friction for everyone. 

There are a ton of great tools out there that can help make it easier to run your small business. Some of those tools, like small business credit cards, are helpful for pretty much everyone.

Other tools, however, are really only useful for certain types of businesses. But, if you happen to run one of those businesses, they can be really useful.

Appointment software is one such tool. If your business runs on appointments, having a scheduling system that works for you is vital. Taking advantage of good appointment software can help in myriad ways, from reducing the time you have to spend on the phone, to even improving conversion rates.

1. Reduce time (and money) spent on scheduling

Without appointment software, you’re either making appointments yourself — or paying someone else to do it for you. Either way, you’re using resources that could likely be put to better use elsewhere. Good software will eliminate the need to have a human constantly available to make appointments, freeing you (or your staff) up to focus on tasks that need extra attention.

Additionally, the extra organization and tracking tools built into most good software can help you save time and money elsewhere. You’ll be able to see what’s on the agenda in moments, get close-to-real-time updates, and create more efficient staffing or scheduling strategies.

2. Improved customer experience

Good appointment software will likely make your customers’ lives better as much as your own. For one thing, software also gives you automatic adaptability; good interfaces will work on both desktop and mobile, and across operating platforms.

Plus, making online appointments is inherently quicker and easier than tracking down the right number to play “20 Questions” over the phone. And your customers are less likely to forget the appointment later, as the software will typically include tools like automatic reminder texts or emails.

3. Better conversion rates

Improving the user experience is absolutely a win from a customer service standpoint. But it can also have an excellent impact on your conversion rates. The less friction your customer needs to overcome to book an appointment, the more likely they are to do so.

For example, potential customers are far more likely to make an appointment if they can do so from your website — at any time of day — instead of needing to call during business hours.

Online scheduling software can also eliminate the unnecessary back-and-forth trying to find a convenient time (and potentially giving up before they get there). Customers can scroll your calendar and easily choose what works best for them.

4. Fewer scheduling errors

It is remarkably easy to get a name or number wrong over the phone. (There’s an entire game called Telephone dedicated to how garbled things get this way!) Appointment software that allows the customer to book their own appointment can reduce these types of errors significantly.

5. More data

Gathering good marketing data about your customers is becoming increasingly important — and easier than ever. Everything they digitally interact with can help you pull in new insights into your customers’ behaviors and your own marketing strategies. The best appointment software will include tools for analyzing the data from your appointments, from tracking your busiest days and times to discovering your most popular services.

A win for everyone involved

If you rarely need to make appointments, then paying for appointment software isn’t going to help your business much. But for companies that rely on appointments to operate, good software is becoming a mandatory part of the business. And that’s a good thing, in my opinion, as it makes things easier not just for you, but also for your customers.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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