Make This Summer One for the Books—Not the Bills

The grill’s fired up, the days are long, and adventure’s calling. But so is your wallet. Let’s keep summer fun and your budget in check. At Columbine Federal Credit Union, we’re all about helping you stretch your dollars without missing a single memory. 

Here’s how to do summer smarter:

Backyard Upgrades Without the Big Price Tag

Forget plane tickets,your backyard can be the ultimate summer escape. Scope out deals on a new grill, some string lights, or a secondhand fire pit. Facebook Marketplace, garden center clearance racks, and even swap meets are gold mines this time of year.

Turn your yard into your own private getaway spot – on your terms and within budget.

Avoid the “Add to Cart” Trap

Retailers love to bait you with flash sales and weekend-only deals. Don’t fall for it. Make a list, price-check everything, and hit pause before clicking “buy now.” Unsub from those promo emails – out of sight, out of spend. Impulse buys are budget killers. Keep your cool. Spend smart.

Rugged Style on a Thrifty Dime

Summer gear doesn’t need to be shiny and new. Check out consignment stores, outlet sales, and local swap groups. Secondhand doesn’t mean second-best. It means smart.

Unique finds, tough gear, and a thicker wallet? That’s a win.

Plan First, Play Hard Later

Grab a notepad and sketch out your summer priorities – camping trips, BBQ supplies, road trip gear, tickets, whatever you’re into. Then plug it into a budget.

By planning ahead, you’ll avoid those “How did we spend that much?” moments in August.

Let Columbine Be Your Summer Wingman

Whether you’re fixing up your backyard, fueling weekend getaways, or just trying to keep more money in your wallet, we’ve got your back. Budgeting tools, friendly advice, and resources built to fit your life. Ready to take on summer the smart way? Let’s do this.