Celebrate end of summer with savings

It’s safe to say summer plans have looked a little different this year, with some people opting not to travel or be around large groups of people. As summer comes to an end, you may find yourself with a little extra cash on-hand and no plans for what to do with it.

Origin Bank’s Personal Finance tool can help. It’s built right into our mobile app, sorting your transactions and helping with budgeting. It can automatically analyze your cash flow, helping you decide how much you could send to your savings account. It’s easy to use and is free to Origin bank customers.

While your travel expenditures may be lower this year, expenses on home projects have increased for many people. Tracking and reviewing your transactions is fast and simple with our Personal Finance tool. The account aggregation feature allows you to view all your accounts in one place, whether it’s a secondary bank account or a home improvement store credit card.

As the summer comes to a close, here are some budget-friendly ideas to help you explore destinations from the comfort and safety of your home.

1. Go on a video adventure

Videos tours are a great option for families. Plenty of websites offer high-quality, professionally produced video tours of many of the world’s most fascinating places – top museums and art galleries, diving excursions, amusement park rides, aquariums, zoos and historic sites, just to name a few.

2. Take a live virtual tour

Live virtual tours transport you to some of the world’s most exotic locations with guides who share local insights and answer your questions in real time. If you’ve ever wanted to book a personal guide to take you through the Egyptian pyramids, along the Mediterranean coastline, or to walk you through the streets of Rome, now you can do so without ever leaving the comfort of your couch. Most of these tours are free or available at very little cost, and lend themselves perfectly to group bookings.

3. The new normal of party-going

Virtual visits with loved ones have gotten fancier. Friends and families are staying in touch by planning virtual dinners, weekend happy hours, cooking classes and online game nights. Visiting virtually keeps everyone in touch and works well for small to medium-sized groups.

4. You can still go outside

Even with social distancing, there’s still plenty of access to outdoor fun. Some neighborhoods have organized sidewalk picnics and front porch concerts. It’s a fun way for neighbors to see each other in person – from a safe distance, of course.

5. Visit a local park or attraction

Many parks and trails are open for hiking or biking. The National Park Service website is a great source of visitor information on nearby parks. Contact your local visitor center for recommendations and information on nearby outdoor attractions as well. They can be a great source of low-cost activities, and many have adjusted their offerings over the past few months to accommodate social distancing.

Still looking for more? Here are three more low-stress and low-cost ideas that might spark your imagination:

  • Spend an afternoon on a beach towel in your backyard.
  • Invite a friend for drinks at home.
  • Pack a picnic or have dinner al fresco.

At Origin Bank, we’re doing our part to help our communities stay healthy and safe. For more tips and resources to help with your personal finances, please visit Origin.bank, and be sure to follow us on social media.