Parks & Rec (& saving big)

Here’s how to go on a budget vacay, score cheap reads and use “cash envelopes” without cash [The Penny Hoarder] DAILY DAILY September 8, 2020 [Alternate text] [Sam's Club]( Hey Penny Hoarders, Did you miss us yesterday? We certainly missed you! But we hope you enjoyed the long holiday weekend — whether you spent it in the great outdoors, curled up in front of the TV or bulking up that paycheck at work. Either way, it’s time to kick this week into high gear, starting with our guide to taking a budget-friendly (and totally doable!) national parks vacation, how to get ahold of inexpensive audiobooks, a smart strategy shift for anyone who just doesn’t carry cash anymore and a whole lot more! [Save Money]( Our Guide to Visiting National Parks (Without Spending a Small Fortune) The pandemic wiped out many long-awaited travel plans this year, and many a bucket list item has been put on hold for the foreseeable future. But as far as silver linings go, not having to shell out for flights, a hotel stay and meals on-the-go for your big annual vacay is a pretty bright and shiny one. Still, as much as you’re enjoying the savings, you have vacation days to use up, and you could really use some time to relax, reset and get away from it all. Luckily, your 2020 vacation doesn’t have to break the bank — and you probably don’t have to travel very far. A visit to a national park might be one of the safest and most affordable ways for many of us to get out of our homes, so we put together our best tips for exploring the national parks on a budget for your next road trip. [Read Now]( The Car Before the Storm We’re right in the middle of hurricane season — and it’s a harsh one. If you live where hurricanes are prevalent, you’ve probably got a plan to keep your home and family safe. But have you also thought about what you need to do to prepare your car? Before the next storm brews, [make sure your car is in good condition]( — and properly stocked — whether you’re able to ride out the weather or need to evacuate. [Budgeting]( [How to Hack the “Cash Envelope” System if You Just Don’t Use Cash]( by Nicole Dow Need a Good Read — Er, Listen? Walking, running, hiking, biking, doing yard work, folding laundry, washing dishes, driving, sitting in car-line at your kids school… there’s always time for a good book. Or, well, there’s always time for a good audiobook. But audiobooks can be pricy — so we rounded up [10 options for finding audiobooks for less](. [Alternate text] [Sam's Club]( The Perfect Balance Saving money is great. But saving money doesn’t mean just finding the cheapest item — it’s about striking a balance between value and quality. See, if you buy a cheap item that’s low-quality, you’ll end up having to buy it again (and again) when it inevitably stops working. And if you buy an item that’s high-quality — but overpriced — well, that’s not doing your budget any favors, either. Like we said, it’s all about that perfect blend of quality and value — which is exactly what you’ll get at Sam’s Club. And the value begins before you even walk through the doors: Right now, when you [sign up for a Sam’s Club membership for just $45]( you’ll get a free $45 eGift Card.* Are you doing the math on that? That’s serious value, right from the start. But honestly, that’s just the beginning. At Sam’s Club, you’ll find your favorite brands and bulk-buy go-tos, ready-made gourmet meals, affordable home decor and a whole lot more — for a whole lot less. Access to members-only prices on gas, plus additional savings events throughout the year, mean there are tons of ways to get more value every day. And, because Sam’s Club focuses on creating and sourcing the highest-quality products, you can be sure you’re getting that amazing value on better-made items. (Think: fresh, flavorful produce, award-winning pies and USDA Prime Beef.) And those gourmet meals we mentioned? Yep, you can pick up a hearty heat-and-eat meal to feed the family — all made in-club with fresh, tasty ingredients. Plus, you can shop faster, easier and contact free, thanks to the Scan & Go™ feature and curbside Pickup, free to all members for a limited time. So if you’re ready to discover that special blend of value and quality for yourself, [become a Sam’s Club member]( for $45 today and get your free $45 eGift Card.* [Join Now]( SPONSORED Today's Quick Picks - Investing sounds like a lot of work — but it really doesn’t have to be. In fact, you really don’t have to do much at all… especially if you try out one of [these three lazy ways to invest]( right now. - Looking for ways to make money from home? There are a lot of options out there, but to help you narrow down your search, we put together [a list of 32 legitimate ways to make money at home this year](. 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