Celebrating the Fourth of July doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are five tips to help you have a great holiday weekend, on a budget.

Go cheap on decorations. Instead of spending your entire budget on banners, streamers, and flags, take a smarter approach to décor. Click here for a list of 100 cheap and easy DIY Fourth of July decorations!

Ask your family and friends to contribute. Everyone loves fireworks and barbecue on Independence Day, but those costs can add up if you have to foot the bill on your own. Instead, send out requests to your guests to bring their own supplies. Whether it’s sparklers or hamburger buns, having everyone contribute to the event will save plenty of money.

Take advantage of savings with Benefits Plus®. When purchasing the hot dogs, hamburgers, and other food options for your holiday barbecue, make sure to utilize your Benefits Plus® checking account with SeaComm! Once you upgrade your basic checking account to Benefits Plus^®, you will gain access to an exclusive Grocery Coupon Club, with printable coupons that can help you save up to $1,000 annually! Your Benefits Plus^® membership will also provide you with retail and restaurant savings, discounted wholesale club memberships, and much more. Visit your local SeaComm branch to enroll!

For complete information, terms, conditions and exclusions please visit www.benefits-plus.org or call 866-329-7587.

Enjoy free entertainment. Check the internet and newspaper for free local activities. This might include an Independence Day parade, concert in the park, or an evening fireworks show. Bring the family along for a picnic, and make one of these budget-friendly summer dishes!

Get outside. America is known for its endless beauty, so what better way to honor it than by exploring the great outdoors? Click here for a list of the best hikes in Northern New York, and here is a list of the top-rated hiking trails in Vermont!