Budget-Friendly Summer: Savings Hacks for Concerts, Trips, and More

(4 Minute Read) — The days are longer, the skies are bluer—and your social calendar is probably filling up fast. A budget-friendly summer is just what you might need. After all, summer fun doesn’t have to mean financial stress. Whether you’re catching a concert at Edgefield, planning a last-minute beach trip, or just trying to keep the kids entertained, we’ve rounded up smart ways to make this your best (and most budget-conscious) summer yet. 

1. Maximize the Free (and Nearly Free) 

You don’t have to spend big to make big memories. A budget-friendly summer is closer than you think and Oregon is full of affordable adventures—if you know where to look. 

• Free concerts, movies, and festivals: Portland Parks & Recreation, Hillsboro Hops events, and community festivals offer free or low-cost entertainment almost every weekend. 

• Library perks: Your local library card might get you free passes to the Oregon Zoo, OMSI, or Portland Art Museum. Check out the cultural pass program through Washington County or Multnomah County Libraries. 

• Hike local, not costly: Forest Park, Silver Falls, and Hoyt Arboretum offer stunning views for the price of a packed lunch. Pro tip: Visit on Oregon State Parks Free Days to skip the entrance fee altogether. 

2. Cut the Cost of Concerts & Events 

Got your eye on a summer tour stop or outdoor show? Here’s how to enjoy it without overspending: 

• Look for community-sponsored shows or smaller venues like Crystal Ballroom or Revolution Hall that often feature more affordable ticket prices. 

• Use cash-back perks: Pay with your Unitus Cash Back Visa Credit Card and earn 1.5% cash back on concert tickets, parking, and even your merch. 

3. Plan a Trip That Doesn’t Derail Your Budget 

Whether it’s the Oregon Coast or a road trip to Crater Lake, summer travel is doable—without dipping into your emergency fund. 

• Book mid-week stays: Hotels and Airbnbs are often cheaper on Tuesday through Thursday nights. 

• Pack snacks and water: Gas station stops add up fast. Bringing your own drinks, fruit, and trail mix can save you $10–$20 a day. 

• Split costs with friends or family: Share lodging or take turns cooking if you’re traveling in a group. 

And don’t forget—Unitus offers fee-free access to over 30,000 ATMs nationwide, so you can avoid those out-of-network charges while on the road. 

4. Build a Summer Fun Fund—Automatically 

You can start saving for next summer, today: 

• Save automatically: Set it and forget it with automatic transfers into savings—even $25 per paycheck adds up to $600 in a year, which can make next year’s trip more affordable. 

• Use Unitus Rewards Debit Round Up: Every purchase you make rounds up to the next dollar, and the spare change goes straight into your savings. It’s savings on autopilot, with zero effort. 

• Track rewards daily: Your Unitus Rewards debit, credit, and round-up earnings are deposited into your Rewards Savings Account every night. No waiting for your money—and you’ll always know where you stand. 

5. Do a Weekly Budget Reset 

It’s easy to lose track of spending during a busy summer. Try a five-minute Sunday night ritual: 

1. Open your Unitus mobile app. 

2. Scan your weekly spending in key categories like groceries, gas, and entertainment. 

3. Celebrate small wins—and make quick tweaks for the week ahead. 

You’ll feel more in control and less surprised when your next credit card statement arrives. 

Summer Fun, Smarter With Unitus 

We’re here to help you enjoy your summer—and stay on track with your financial goals. 

• Unitus Rewards, our high-yield savings account, makes your money work harder 

• The Unitus Cash Back Rewards Credit Card earns 1.5% cash back which turns every purchase into progress 

• Unitus’ digital tools help you track, automate, and grow your savings 

• Unitus’ Financial Coaches are available to help you build your plan 

Let’s make this a summer to remember—for the fun, not the financial regret!