Weekend Plans on a Budget: Check Out These Local Savings First

The lyrics to the song “Working for the Weekend” are more than relatable. They’re the reality for many professionals who want to unwind after a tough week on the job. While some don’t mind vegging out in front of the TV for two days, most people want real entertainment.

Going out for a bite, visiting a local amusement park, and seeing a blockbuster premiere are what life is about. Whether you’re spending time with loved ones, building new friendships, or doing activities you enjoy, the weekend is quintessential me-time. While the desire to have fun is there, weekend plans don’t exactly come cheap.

With the cost of nearly everything on the rise, a little rest and relaxation could easily blow your budget. But employee perks can help you avoid breaking the bank. Learn how employer benefits solutions like discount programs reduce the costs of local attractions and getaways.

Satisfy Your Palate

The average household spends $3,000 a year on dining out. When you compare this to the typical grocery bill, $3,000 may not seem so bad. However, many individuals consider going out to eat a discretionary expense.

You don’t have to grab a burger and fries from a local restaurant when you can cook them at home. Yet, there’s no denying that food cooked at a restaurant is often more satisfying. It tastes better, and you get to soak in the ambiance of your surroundings.

Eating out gives your daily routine a much-needed change. You enjoy the social and novelty aspects as much as you do the food. Savings through an employee discount platform can cut your dining out costs by 20%.

You can still satisfy your palate’s need for something different every now and then. Even if you’re trimming your discretionary spending, you don’t have to resist your cravings. You’ll get to live a little while ensuring the essentials are taken care of.

Expand Your Getaway Possibilities

Planned vacation spending in the United States is down. In 2025, 46% of households intended to go on a summer vacation. Of those who made plans, 38% stuck to domestic travel. Cost was the main factor in why people weren’t going somewhere.

While vacation and travel made up just 5% of household budgets in 2024, foregoing getaways can be a real sacrifice. You don’t get the chance to explore new places or revisit familiar locales you find charming. It’s understandable given how quickly life’s costs can add up.

Between the rent or mortgage, the car, insurance, health costs, cell phones, and pets, making ends meet is becoming more challenging. Resume Now’s 2025 Wage Reality report reveals 73% can’t afford anything other than basic living expenses. Financial stress impacts employee engagement, focus, and productivity.

Working Advantage perks give employees access to savings on the basics so they can afford more and live better. Living a better, fuller life means affordable vacations, too. With employee perks solutions, you can save 60% when you travel to nearby mountain resorts or across adjacent state lines.

Attend Local Events

There’s probably more going on in your backyard than you realize. Baseball games, concerts, pop-up amusement parks, and live theatre performances are a few possibilities. So are local seasonal festivals, such as Oktoberfest.

Your community may hold an arts fair downtown. The city may not be a top venue of interest for international music stars. But you could get an occasional big name rolling into town to play at the city’s concert hall.

An affordable employee benefits program means you can save 80% on local events and entertainment. Instead of spending an average of $400 in a year, you’ll only fork over $80. That’s less than a water bill during the summer months.
To find out what’s happening near you, check out game schedules at colleges. See what’s on the roster at neighborhood civic centers. The holiday seasons are excellent times to join community events like a festival of trees and trunk or treats.

Shop at Small Businesses

As much as you like to spend your weekends relaxing, this time is also a chance to get stuff done. Naturally, part of your to-do list involves cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, and doing the laundry. The other portion likely includes shopping.

Sure, you need to restock the fridge and the pantry. But maybe you want to redecorate the living room with a new couch. Perhaps you’re converting one of your bedrooms into a home gym and need some equipment.

Company employers with a small business wellness program and work-life balance benefits allow you to save on bigger purchases. By shopping at small, local businesses, you can save 25% on furniture and household products. In addition, you may find that these smaller shops also offer services such as delivery for less.

Patronizing small businesses helps keep money in your local community. Instead of funneling money to larger chains, you’ll support your city’s economy. It can mean additional jobs and improved livelihoods for neighbors.

Employee Perks Aren’t Just for Weekdays

You give at least 40 hours to your company employer each week, so your employee satisfaction is a must. Commonly-offered well-being benefits like health, vision, and dental insurance are essential perks employees should already expect. But employee discount programs go above and beyond by adding value to life's expenses and making them more affordable. Plus, gaining access is as easy as signing up for an email address.

Keep your weekends memorable by continuing to attend the events and locations you want to experience. You may have a budget. But you don’t have to let sticking to it get in the way of living your life.