12 Tips for Celebrating 4th of July on a Budget
Celebrating 4th of July is a summer staple for most Americans, but it doesn’t come cheap.
When you add it to already high summer spending, Independence Day can quietly drain your wallet.
In fact, according to Capital One, Americans spent an estimated $15.5 billion on July 4th festivities in 2024.¹
The good news?
You don’t need to go broke to celebrate with pride.
Keep reading for 12 tips for celebrating 4th of July on a budget.
#1 BOYP
Did you know that two-thirds of Americans spend the 4th of July having a cookout?²
While it’s great to spend time with friends and family, food to feed a crowd isn’t cheap.
In 2024, consumers spent a total of $9.4 billion on food over the 4th of July.³
Yikes!
The budget-friendly thing to do: Host a good old-fashioned potluck. Or provide the meat and ask your guests to supply the sides.
Or you can invite others over and tell them it is BYOP (Bring Your Own Protein).
Keep the grill up and running so families can use it as needed.
#2 And Make it BOYB
One of the costliest expenses for 4th of July celebrations is alcohol.
For July 4, 2024, consumers spent an estimated $3.87 billion on alcohol (mostly beer).⁴
Rather than spending a lot on alcoholic beverages, opt for providing cheap basics, such as lemonade, and telling guests the festivities are BYOB.
It is much less expensive to buy alcohol just for yourself (or your family) than to supply it for the whole party.
#3 Go with Colors
With the rise of social media, party décor has gone extreme.
You can find tons of patriotic party supplies.
But you don’t have to go to all stars and stripes.
I tend to stock up on red basics, such as red plates, napkins, and cups.
Then, I can use them for other holidays, including Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
Just add in a few pops of blue and white, and the party will look festive and patriotic.
#4 Set the Mood with a Patriotic Playlist
Find a patriotic music playlist and have it going while guests are over.
Or make your own.
We suggest including songs like these:
- “Back in the USA” by Chuck Berry
- “American Pie” by Don McLean
- “We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel
- “Independence Day” by Martina McBride
- “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus
- “American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
- “Made in the USA” by Demi Lovato
- “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen
- “Firework” by Katy Perry
- “America” by Neil Diamond
- “American Woman” by Lenny Kravitz
#5 Challenge Another Family
Keep things small and simple and invite your favorite family over for a little friendly competition.
Make July 4th the start of an annual flag football game, tug of war, or capture the flag tournament.
#6 Play Lawn Olympics
If the weather cooperates, a fun and inexpensive way to celebrate the holiday is to play a lawn game Olympics.
Think about old-school field day games, such as three-legged races, spoon races, and sack races.
If you have any newer lawn games, such as cornhole or ladder ball, add these into the rotation.
#7 Get Wet
July 4th tends to be hot.
Take advantage of the heat by hosting a cheap water day!
Open up your pool or head to the lake.
Set up the sprinklers and add buckets of water balloons.
Put out a slip and slide.
#8 Work Together to Put On a Fireworks Show
One of the costlier traditions for Independence Day is a fireworks show.
Before you head to the fireworks stand, have a budget in mind.
Even better, go in with neighbors to save money and put on a bigger, safer show.
Be sure to look for fireworks at stores such as Sam’s Club, where you can split the cost of a bulk package.
#9 Find Free Community Fun
Depending on where you live, you may not be able to put on your own fireworks display.
You can enjoy the fun by heading to a local fireworks show.
Here’s a tip: Plan ahead of time to find a spot outside of the actual event space where you can still see the show to avoid traffic congestion.
#10 Watch Patriotic Movies
Another fun and inexpensive way to celebrate the 4th of July is to watch some of your favorite American pride movies.
Here are some fun options:
- Independence Day
- National Treasure
- The Sandlot
- Captain America: The First Avenger
#11 Enjoy S’mores and Sparklers
If you want a simple, casual 4th of July evening celebration, invite your friends over for s’mores and sparklers.
S’mores ingredients are cheap, and so are sparklers. Spilt the costs with neighbors and friends.
#12 Plan Ahead for Next Year
Start thinking ahead for next year.
If you know you want to host a 4th of July get-together next year, head to the stores on July 5th to stock up on inexpensive party items.
We regularly post videos with financial information and updates. Check us out on YouTube.
Click Here
Sources
- https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/july-4th-shopping-statistics/
- https://www.investopedia.com/fourth-of-july-spending-on-food-is-expected-to-decline-this-year-8673003
- https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/july-4th-shopping-statistics/
- https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/july-4th-shopping-statistics/
