Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

How Will 3 Million More People Shopping at the Commissary and Exchanges Affect You?

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By Marguerite Cleveland

    Beginning January 1, 2020, you may see more shoppers at your local Commissary and Exchange, up to three million more. The FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act expands the eligibility to former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, disabled Veterans (service-connected) and caregivers for Veterans will now have shopping privileges as well as use of base MWR programs that generate revenue. It is the largest expansion of authorized users in over 60 years authorizing a 50% increase in potential customers.

     On a positive note, more shoppers are a way to reverse the declining revenues for on-base stores. More revenue for the Exchanges means more money towards military quality of life. For the commissary it will help to keep the commissary privilege which is a huge noncash compensation benefit for service members. Three million seems like a lot of new patrons but that will be spread out across all branches of the service and all the facilities in the U.S. making the impact negligible.

     For military families who have grown accustomed to shopping at the commissaries and exchanges and their service member maybe facing a medical board. It will be an added benefit to know that they will still be able to enjoy the discounted prices if their service member is medically discharged.

     The Military Times reported that Homeland Security (Coast Guard facilities), the Defense Department and Veteran Affairs have been working for more than six months to plan for the new expansion. The planning process has looked at which states have high populations of disabled veterans such as Florida, California and Texas. They also looked at high cost areas where new patrons could be drawn by the lower prices such as Hawaii, Alaska, California, D.C., New York, New Jersey and Washington. They will use this analysis to prepare for the additional items which will be needed to keep shelves full and avoid any shortages.

     One issue is how the new shoppers will gain access to the installations so they can shop. According to the Military Times, the Veteran’s Health ID Card will be used for disabled and other eligible Veterans. Once the technology is enabled at the front gate, the cards will be scanned to allow access to the installation. The cards will also be read by commissary systems before checkout. For caregivers, you must be registered in the Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Program. Initially there will be a memo you can print out. The goal is to develop a caregiver ID card.

     By law there can be no further expense to the commissary, so new customers paying with a credit card at the commissary will be charged a fee, to cover the commissaries cost for the credit card fee. There is no fee if a new shopper uses cash, check or the military star card.

Photo Credit: ©AntonioDiaz /Adobe Stock

     Do you think adding new shoppers to the commissary and exchanges are a good idea? How do you think it will impact your shopping experience?

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

How to Save on Your Back to School Shopping

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By Marguerite Cleveland

     The first day of school is right around the corner and it is time to get ready. Clothes, shoes, lunch boxes and school supplies can be a large expense. Here are some tips to help you save some money.

Photo Credit: ©zaikina /Adobe Stock
  • Make your first stop your Army & Air Force Exchange, Navy Exchange or Coast Guard Exchange. All offer back to school sales and extra savings come into play with tax-free. Here where I live in Washington State that is almost a 10% savings. Also don’t forget the online versions of each, ShopmyExchange.com, myNavyExchange.com, and ShopCGX.com. Not many people are aware that the Exchanges price match. Last school year one of my children needed an expensive calculator. It was on sale at a local retailer. You will need to bring the item and the local ad to the customer service desk to get the discounted price and then you also save the tax. When you shop at the exchange all the profits go back to the military community so it is always my first stop.
  • Office Depot, Staples and many other retailers offer special deals to get you into the stores hoping you will do all your school supply shopping there. I go in for the deals and buy the max amount of all the .25 cent and .50 cent deals even if I don’t need in. Any excess supplies I donate. Discounts are usually on paper, notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, folders etc. Buy a Sunday newspaper to look at all the ads. Weekly ads are usually available on a store’s website.
  • Take a trip to an Outlet Mall. This is another option for getting some good deals. When arriving head to the customer service desk and ask for the military discount booklet. This will show you every retailer that offers a discount. Some are as much as 25% off. Also see if you have any clearance outlets. This is the last stop for merchandise and the prices are crazy good but the selection is super limited. If you have any family members who wear extra small or xxx large this is a great option.
  • Employee Stores. Check if you are near any major retailers headquarters. We are located near Portland, Oregon and Nike allows military to shop at their employee store a few times a year. Columbia and Under Armor allow military to shop year round. Typically employee stores offer 50% or more off of current and first quality merchandise.
  • Online. Check out sites like Amazon Prime for some great deals with free shipping. It is easy to price compare online and if you hate to shop you can just sit down and order everything.

What are your favorite back to school shopping tips?

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Help Your Child Get Ready For A New School: Tips to Ease Their Way

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By Marguerite Cleveland

     One of the most difficult parts of a PCS move is helping a child navigate a new school system. I attended six schools from K-12 and in one epic year three schools. My own children have attended six schools as well. It is a rite of passage for military kids and one they will survive. I was a very shy and quiet child and the frequent moves helped bring me out of my shell. I have seen the same positive effects on my eldest who was on the shy side as well.

     One of the best intros to a new school my youngest had was when shortly after we had moved in there was a knock on the door and this confident kid bounced in and said that he heard my son was going to his school and he wanted to meet him. They spent time hanging out over the summer. On the first day of school my son thought he might be abandoned, but his new friend made a point to introduce him to everyone.

Photo Credit: ©candy1812 /Adobe Stock

Even though there are positives it is still tough being the new kid. Here are a few tips to help make the transition easier.

  • Never tell your child how hard it is going to be or put your own fears upon them. Let the child reflect how they are feeling. Listen and acknowledge, but don’t feed their fears with your own.
  • Check to see if your child’s new school offers any summer programs. This will give them an opportunity to meet other children from their school.
  • Look at the Youth Programs on your installation and sign your children up for some fun activities. If you live on a military base chances are they will meet children going to their new school.
  • Sports Camps are another way for your children to meet other kids.
  • Schedule a tour of the new school for your children. Take advantage of any orientations or opportunities to meet teachers before the first day of school. Ask if your school has a program to pair new students with a peer sponsor.
  • Make sure you and your child are prepared for the first day. Read the school handbook and ensure you know all the rules especially the dress code which varies across the country. Purchase all required school supplies. Your child just wants to blend in and not stand out due to wrong clothes, supplies etc. Learn the school lunch policy. If you are going to purchase lunch make sure to set up the lunch account. If packing lunch ensure there are not any forbidden foods. Many schools now regulate lunches due to food allergies.

     With proper preparation you can help your child’s transition to a new school run smoothly. If it is not a new school for your child encourage them to meet and welcome the new kids. What are your tips to help your child adjust to a new school?

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Army Active Duty Enlistment Bonus Up To $40K

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By Marguerite Cleveland

     In an effort to meet the recruiting mission for infantry training seats for Fiscal Year 2019 which ends on September 30th, the Army is offering a bonus of $40,000 for a six year commitment as an Infantry Soldier. There is a caveat though, you must enlist and ship to basic training by September 30, 2019.

     Plenty of information is available online at www.GoArmy.com but there are so many things that impact whether you are eligible for a certain program or bonus. To get the most accurate information tailored for your needs whether that is a bonus, money for college or a particular job, you should make an appointment to see an Army Recruiter.

     In addition to the bonuses offered to those interested in the Infantry there are others available as well. Some are combinable but the current cap is $40,000. New Recruits are eligible for a bonus is they enlist for a certain job and they must be physically and mentally qualified. This is determined by taking the ASVAB test and a physical conducted at a Military Entrance Station (MEPS). It also depends on availability of training. There are only so many slots each year allocated for training. In addition to enlistment bonuses here are a few more you may not know about.

  • Active Duty Education Bonus (HIGRAD) – Some Army Military Occupational Specialties designated as an incentive skill offer bonuses for civilian education varying from $3000 to $5000 if you have an Associate’s degree or higher.
  • Civilian Acquired Skills Bonus : Active Army applicants who possess civilian skills that the Army needs, such as proficiency in certain foreign languages, X-Ray certification or specialties in animal care, may be eligible for a $5,000 bonus.
  • High Demand MOS : Applicants who enlist for three or more years in the following jobs may qualify for additional seasonal bonuses ranging from $3,000 to $15,000. Current (subject to change based on Army requirements) high demand MOSs include:

              17C (Cyber Operations Specialist)

             35Q (Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector)

             18X (Spec Forces; Elementary Lang Proficiency)

             37F (Psychological Operations Specialist)

             25D (Cyber Network Defender)

             35P (Cryptologic Linguist)

             35M (Human Intelligence Collector: Lang Proficiency

             14P (Air Missile Defense Crew Member)

             15W (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) 

  • Middle Eastern Translator Aide Bonus: Individuals who speak certain Middle-Eastern languages and enlist, as Translator Aides in the U.S. Army are eligible for an enlistment bonus up to $40,000 depending on the number of years enlisted for and any other qualifying bonus criteria met.

     Enlistment Bonuses are subject to change at any time. With the new fiscal year approaching on October 1, 2019 bonuses will change based on the new recruiting mission and budget. It is also important to note that you must qualify as well to receive a bonus. For the most accurate and up to date information contact your local Army Recruiter.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Turning Ideas Into Income

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About seven years ago, I wasn’t in a good place. I had finished my graduate degree, and was most eager to land my dream job; but to my despair, things didn’t work out in my favor. Many of us plan our lives out to the very last detail, with the hopes of making the best life possible for ourselves and (future) children, but it doesn’t always turn out how we plan.

When life takes a different (and at times, less desirable) turn from what we intended, it can be daunting. When our plans change, we get discouraged, and even angry; I know, I’ve been there. For those of you who are walking down that lonely, trying path, I’m here to tell you it’s okay – relax, breathe, there are many exciting options that await you!

As a military spouse, being on the move from location to location presents its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to the jobs that are available to us. We may have had a dream of completing a college degree, owning a business, or getting accepted into law school, but too often, our mission to serve in the military takes us on a detour, sometimes steering us far away from our own professional development.

 When this happens, it’s easy to fall into what I call, surrender mode, turning a blind eye to potential career opportunities and any other means of earning an income. We simply adapt to our new roles; stay-at-home moms and dads that once had ambitions to do something, great. 

What if I tell you, you can earn income with investing very little, or even no money at all in a lucrative venture. I’m sure this comes as no surprise to many of you. In today’s internet driven, global marketplace, a lot of people earn a living, never having to leave their homes.

Photo Credit: ©Prostock-studio /Adobe Stock

There are a host of jobs that may not be your dream job, but can open new doors and create exciting opportunities for you to turn your ideas into income! Below, is a list of jobs that are on the rise, and guess what folks – they pay a pretty penny, and most cost nothing to start-up. So, check out these 20 self-starting careers that I’ve compiled to help jump-start your earning potential!

1. Author/writer

2. Freelancer (check out sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Guru.)

3. Game designer (if you already have experience/skills in this field)

4. Book cover designer

5. Editor/Proof reader

6. Consultant

7. Virtual Assistant

8. SEO Specialist (Search Engine Specialist)

9. YouTuber/Vlogger

10. Life Coach (we all have unique experiences and therefore lots to share!)

11. Beautician (certification can be completed in short span of time if you have a passion for helping with professional makeup and offering beauty tips.)

12. Hairdresser/Barber (training and certification required, with relatively short training time. Low cost to start-up.)

13. Landscaper/Yard maintenance. (requires some equipment to start up, but definitely doable.)

14. Baby sitter/ Nanny (no formal training required, but getting early childcare certification, CPR, and First Aid certifications are highly recommended! Referrals are also very helpful and can determine the amount of work you get.)

15. Pet sitting.

16. Online adjunct instructor/Tutor (for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.)

17. Small crafts and handmade goods business owner. (can sell on Etsy or create own website. There are certain requirements that must be met before selling online, such as establishing an LLC, Doing Business As (DBA), or Sole Proprietor etc., tax Id’s, and other relevant permits depending on what you plan to sell. Be sure to do your research on the Secretary of State website, since requirements differ from state to state!)

18. Online retailer. Become an expert at learning the craft of arbitrage and drop shipping.

19. Cleaning Service. (Again, check for required permits, licenses, and other necessary documents prior to starting business.)

20. Catering and Event Planning. This is such an exciting job if you love planning parties and are a people person. If you’re interested in this gig, and have never planned an event before, there are plenty of resources and certifications that can be completed in a matter of weeks, and will have you planning social events in no time!)

So, which one of these jobs appeal to you? I hope this information gives you an idea of the diversity of work that’s available, whether you start your own business, or join forces with an organization!

 In my next article, I’ll discuss the importance of using social media to promote your brand, and staying consistent with your goals. Thanks so much for reading, until next time!

Lei Faircloth, writes fiction under the penname, Sophie L. Osborne.

To learn more about her, visit: https://www.sophielosborne.com/

Should You Tip Your Commissary Bagger?

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By Marguerite Cleveland

     Absolutely! Baggers work for tips only. As far as I can remember baggers have been a part of the commissary culture. For tons of military kids, this rite of passage has been their first job and for many retirees it is well needed additional income.

     It is a great job for kids to help teach them a good work ethic. My son spent a summer working as a commissary bagger. He quickly found when he hustled and didn’t take too many breaks his income increased proportionately and when he took Burger King breaks, his income decreased especially when he factored in the cost of French fries.

Photo Credit: ©hedgehog94 /Adobe Stock

     For many retirees on a fixed income the bagging job provides additional income, exercise and a sense of camaraderie.  I had one older gentleman whose wife had passed away tell me, “I just needed a reason to get up in the morning.”

     Why don’t commissary baggers get paid by the commissary? The big reason is too keep expenses low. At civilian grocery stores, the baggers are paid employees. So no you don’t have to tip but you will typically pay more on your overall bill.

     Commissaries now offer lanes where you can bag your own groceries or you can use self-checkout if you don’t wish to pay a tip to a bagger.

     According to my son, $5 is considered a good tip. When tipping, consider being generous. Many of the baggers are good kids starting to save for college or a car. How nice to help them meet their goals. I usually tip $5 but if I have a super large load or maybe there is a very compelling story I will double that. So should you tip your commissary bagger? I say yes and generously.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Scholarships for Military Children

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NEWS RELEASE

Defense Commissary Agency

Corporate Communications

1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800

Tel:  (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105  DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105 

FAX: (804) 734-8248  DSN: 687-8248

www.commissaries.com

Release Number:         56-19                                                                                                                        

Date:                              July 11, 2019

Media Contact:             Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                                (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                           kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Scholarships for Military Children

500 students earn grants for 2019-2020 school year

By Mike Perron,

DeCA public affairs specialist

Note: Go to the DeCA website to view this release online.

FORT LEE, Va. – Thanks to the Scholarships for Military Children program, 500 students from military families were each awarded a $2000 scholarship grant for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year.

The program, created in 2001, recognizes the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and celebrates the commissaries’ role in enhancing military quality of life. It’s administered by the Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps service members and their families.

“This was the first year of an entirely paperless online application process, and it was a complete success,” said Jim Weiskopf, Fisher House Foundation vice president and scholarship program administrator. “Not only did applications increase by nearly 25%, but we eliminated the need for commissaries to log in and account for each application, bundle them up and send them to the evaluators after the closing date.”

The reduced overhead allowed commissaries to dedicate more time to promoting the program, said Marye Dobson, the Defense Commissary Agency’s scholarships program liaison. “The management at the commissary stores did a great job getting the word out about the online process as well as hosting in-store ceremonies honoring the recipients at their local commissary, which helps bring attention to the availability of these scholarships.”

Scholarship applicants submit their official transcript indicating a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale for high school applicants, or indicating a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale for students already enrolled in college; and an essay of 500 words or less, no longer than two pages.

Eligibility is determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database. Applicants must ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current military dependent ID card. The applicant must also be planning to attend or already be attending an accredited college or university, full time, in the fall of 2019 or be enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer directly into a four-year program.

Applicants who are awarded a full scholarship to attend a college or university or receive an appointment to one of the military academies or affiliated preparatory schools are not eligible to receive funds from this program. A full scholarship is usually defined as one that provides for payment of tuition, books, lab fees and other expenses.

All rules and requirements for the program, as well as links to frequently asked questions are available at the Scholarships for Military children website, as is the full list of this year’s winners.

Fisher House also recently added a custom scholarship search engine to the site, tailored to military families, called “Scholarships for Service.” It’s free, easy to use, and available on mobile devices or computers at militaryscholar.org.

“The window to apply for the 2019-2020 Fisher House Scholarships for Military Children should open in December and close in February, but the exact dates have not been determined yet,” said Dobson. “Be sure to check the scholarship page in mid-December for the opening of the program.”

Fisher House Foundation is ranked a Four Star Charity by Charity Navigator.

-DeCA-

Let the Commissary Cater Your Next Picnic

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NEWS RELEASE

Defense Commissary Agency

 
Corporate Communications

1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800

Tel:  (804) 734-8000, Ext. 8-6105  DSN: 687-8000, Ext. 8-6105 

FAX: (804) 734-8248  DSN: 687-8248

www.commissaries.com

Release Number:         55-19                                                                                                                        

Date:                              July 11, 2019

Media Contact:             Kevin L. Robinson, public affairs specialist

Tel.:                                (804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773

E-mail:                           kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Ready-to-eat munchies

Let the commissary cater your next picnic

By Kathy Milley,

DeCA Corporate Communications

Note: Go to the DeCA website to view this release online.

FORT LEE, Va. – Summer is the perfect time to lay down those mobile devices, TV remotes and game system controllers and take the family outside for some old fashioned bonding at a perfectly planned picnic.

“To put together a summer picnic basket that will get the job done but won’t break the bank, don’t go any further than your local commissary,” said Tracie Russ, the Defense Commissary Agency’s director of sales. “You can put together a delicious, economical, al fresco meal with almost no effort at all. Save even more when you purchase high quality, low cost commissary store brands.”  

Picnic food should keep well, transport easily and taste delicious. The following three picnic options hit the mark. Find great prices on the ingredients and ready-to-eat items for each of these menus at your commissary. Find the recipes for the linked menu items on commissaries.com.

Comfort food picnic

Wine and cheese picnic

  • Choose one of each type of cheese:
    • Aged: cheddar, gouda, swiss
    • Soft: blue, boursin, brie, goat
    • Firm: gruyere, monterey jack, jarlsberg, parmesan
  • Choose bread, crackers or flatbread
  • Choose your extras
    • Savory: olives, pickles, roasted red peppers
    • Crunchy: nuts, seeds or roasted edamame, chickpeas or pumpkin seeds
    • Meat: prosciutto, ham or turkey
  • Wine and corkscrew

Sandwich and sides picnic

“There’s no better way to take advantage of the sunshine and summer breezes than to enjoy a family picnic. And no better way to save on your picnic menu than a quick visit to your commissary,” said Russ. “So put away the electronics, pack your basket and some games, hit the road and gear up for some incomparable family time.” 

-DeCA-

Military One Source, A Wealth of Information for Military Spouses

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By Marguerite Cleveland

     The Military One Source website is a wealth of information for military spouses. The website is broken down into a variety of categories and there really is something for everyone. It is a helpful resource to help you juggle this crazy lifestyle we live. Here are a few things I found on the site:

  • MySECO – The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities has employment partnerships and job listings for over 300,000 jobs open to military spouses. There is a career exploration category which helps you refine what you are looking for. There are also educational resources. Employment readiness can help you get your resume in order and evaluate your skills and what you may want to learn. Learn what it takes to start your own business.
  • Military Life Cycle – This section provides information on where you are at in the military life cycle. New there is a section for you. Getting ready for deployments, check. There is a section for Veterans and even a place friends and family can sign up to receive emails about your new life.
  • Health & Wellness – There are over 100 items posted in this section. Categories include Healthcare, Healthy Living, Mental Health, Wounded Warriors and Caregivers. You can sign up for a Military One Source Health and Wellness Coach who will help you reach goals to lose weight, eat more nutritiously, get physically fit, help you manage stress and much more. The best part it is free.
  • Recreation, Travel and Shopping – What a wealth of information. Recreation has categories for those trying to get in shape, if you’re single or information on the libraries for those that love to read. Travel shows you where to access great deals for travel and even lets you search by installation for information on your area.
  • Family & Relationships – This section has over 200 posts and deals with all types of relationships from spouse to children. It has information for parents with special needs children. There is lots of guidance from those who have been there done that to help you in your journey.
  • Confidential Help – Did you know you can call Military One Source for help?  800.342.9647, check the website for OCONUS options. This is a good category to look at if you don’t know where to turn. Check here if you want to adopt a baby. Does my husband have PTSD? Marital problems etc. Help is available 24/7.
Photo Credit: ©DenisProduction.com /Adobe Stock

     Military One Source is just one of the many resources available to help you navigate military life. Are you taking advantage of all your benefits?

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Inexpensive Water Fun

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By Marguerite Cleveland

     When it comes to summer fun and kids, just add water. It is amazing how something so simple can keep the little ones occupied. Here are a few fun things to do which don’t cost a lot of money.

  • Watering the Yard – This is a twofer. Kids love running through sprinklers so next time you are watering your lawn plan for some water fun as well. It is a win-win, the children are occupied and your lawn gets some TLC.
  • Cooking – Depending on your tolerance for a mess use just water or water with dirt or sand. Set up a bench in your yard to serve as the kitchen. Fill a small toddler swimming pool with water which can be purchased for under $20. Get a variety of utensils and containers and let the kids just go at it making imaginary treats. Yes is can be messy but so fun for the kids.
  • Splash Parks – Most military installations now have splash parks which are free to use during the summer months. Many newer, upscale shopping centers offer splash parks as well. I loved using these when I had toddlers as they would run and run and just wear themselves out making for a nice relaxing naptime later where Mom could take a breather.
  • County and State Parks – Many local parks have lakes with beaches which are a fun place to enjoy a day at the “beach” with smaller children. Usually there is a nice shallow area for wading. Entry fees range from free to a few dollars. State Parks also offer annual passes that give you admission for a year to all their parks and it is well worth it.
  • Water Parks – Waterparks are usually a high ticket summer activity but did you know there are some less expensive alternatives. Many counties have their own smaller waterparks. They may not have all the bells and whistles but most usually have a good lazy river, a couple of waterslides and a themed child play area with admissions under $20. If you plan on going frequently a season’s pass may be worth the Splurge. The park we used to go to charges $60 for a season’s pass which is well worth it if you plan to visit a few times. A local county park where I am currently living has a wave pool and another one has a pool, waterslide and lazy river.
Photo Credit: ©Kelly
/Adobe Stock

     When planning a day in the water, make sure to liberally apply sunscreen to the little ones. You can save money by visiting your local commissary for a picnic lunch. The delis can make sandwiches to order or you can pick up grab and go items. When going to a water park plan to take a break and head out to your car for lunch. It will save you bunches.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com