I live in Grapevine Texas, and there are a lot of great ways to save money by using community resources. Every city in the united states has something similar so these are tips on using resources that are available because you pay taxes in your city. These are small ways to save big bucks, just by living where you live:

1.) Grapevine Public Library – This can save you money if you need books to spice up your resume, you need to gain new skills, or you need to use the computer and don’t have internet at home. A lot of times if you buy a book, 2 or 3 weeks later you don’t look at it again. You can always go check your local library and see if they have a copy and save your $20 or $30 for something else. It is also a good idea to go to the library to use WIFI on your laptop and have a quiet place to work in and stay focused.

2.) Community Activities Center – The Grapevine Community Center offers a lot of great services. One of them is a Gym membership for $35 A YEAR! Try getting that at 24 hour fitness, or any other gym memberships. Most gym memberships cost you between $25 – $50 a month, so going to your community activity center can mean saving between $300 – $500 each year. Also a lot of  Grapevine Apartment Communities provide a gym inside the apartment complex. This is even better, because you don’t have to drive, and you save time and money.

3.) Local Parks  -  If you have kids a good way to keep them healthy and entertained is by going to local parks. If the temperature is not too high, or too low, this could be a good alternative to going to McDonalds or other places. Just pack some sandwiches, head to the park and have a good time without spending a lot.

4.) Local Lakes – A lot of cities have a lake or are located near a lake, this is a good way to have outside parties and not have to rent a place for birthday parties or special events.

5.) Public Transportation – Grapevine is too small to have public transportation, but if you live in Dallas, Fort Worth or any other major city, you probably have access to public transportation. This could eliminate the need to spend  a lot of money on gas, and reduce any stress that may come from driving in high traffic areas.

Check out your community and see what kind of resources are available to you. You may be able to cut back on expenses you took for granted, and this could mean saving for your next vacation.