The Bottom Line
Small business is important to Central Oregon, and to Mid Oregon. Find tips and resources for business, and information about Mid Oregon’s commercial services and business members.
9 Cheap, Fun Things to Do in the Summer (Part 2)
If your budget says a big summer vacation is out of the question and our first five suggestions didn’t hit the spot, here are four more inexpensive options for immersive summer fun.
6. Plan a summer blowout
You’re likely not the only one looking for something to do, so why not throw a party? It could be as simple as a dinner party, or as raucous as a block party that you organize with your neighbors. Breakout the barbecue, the Slip ‘N Slide, and rent an outdoor projector for a movie night.
7. Treat your community like a vacation destination
Pretend you’re visiting your town for the first time. In Central Oregon, we know many thousands come here every year to vacation, but often are set in our habits and ways. Ask your friends on Facebook for their favorite restaurants, places to visit, and hidden gems. Call the library for local guide books and contact the chamber of commerce or tourism department for recommendations. Then plan a week of activities. You might see where you live in a whole new light.
8. Binge watch something
With temperatures in many places reaching all-time, plastic-melting highs, maybe you just want to stay indoors. A Netflix account is just $9 a month and HBO Now is $15. Watch every season of that show everyone is always talking about. If you want it to feel like more of an accomplishment, work your way through one of those lists of “the greatest movies of all time.” The new classic movie and art-house streaming service FilmStruck starts at $6.99 a month.
9. Join a summer reading program
Want to avoid screens? Join an adult summer reading program—most public libraries offer one—or join a book club. Visit our Central Oregon Library websites for details: Deschutes Public Library, Crook County Library, Jefferson County Library, Klamath County/Gilchrist, Fossil Public Library and Lake County/Christmas Valley. Like to do things solo? Google “summer reading challenge.” There are lots of creative lists to work through. The New York Public Library posts a popular summer reading list every year.
Still not enough to do? Pick up a copy of one of our local event calendars or visit one of our communities’ chambers of commerce or visitor centers. And have fun!
9 Cheap, Fun Things to Do in the Summer (Part 1)
If your budget says a big summer vacation is out of the question, here are the first 5 of 9 Cheap, Fun Things to Do in the Summer.
1. App it
Stumped for something to do? The apps DoStuff and Eventbrite can show you popular events in your area—depending on where you live—and many of them are free. Also, check the “events” section of Facebook to see what local events your friends are going to, as well as popular nearby happenings. You can also regularly check the perennially popular Groupon and LivingSocial for discounted entry to local attractions, restaurants, and more.
2. Visit a national park
You support these beautiful gems through your taxes, so take the time to visit them. There are 59 national parks proper across the U.S. Get a Passport to Your National Parks book and start collecting stamps each time you visit one. Or stay local and visit your state parks—great places to hike, fish, and camp.
Nearby is Crater Lake National Park. When is the last time you’ve been there? Some parts are still inaccessible due to snow, but there is still plenty to do, and the awe inspiring vistas never get old.
3. Attend a concert
Whether it’s a local artist jamming in a coffee shop, a nationally touring act rocking a nearby theater, or a destination music festival, catching live music is synonymous with the summer. Not sure where to start? The app Songkick lets you browse nearby shows, and tracks your favorite artists, alerting you when they’re in town.
In Central Oregon, there is no shortage of live music opportunities. Mid Oregon is pleased to help sponsor several, but there are so many more. In Redmond, Music in the Canyon (next concert on 7/19). In Prineville, Picnic in the Park (Starting 7/19). At the Deschutes County Fair, Mid Oregon is a Friday at the Fair sponsor on 8/4.
4. Plant a garden
A garden not only gives you a summer-long project, but saves you money on your grocery bill. Plus, it can be a soothing pastime.
5. Start a home project
If you saved some money by not summering in Spain, why not reinvest it in your house? With a little bit of elbow grease, you could end the summer with more equity. Pick a project your skill level and budget can handle, or learn how to do something new. It might not be as relaxing as, say, summering in Spain, but it might prove more rewarding.
Marrying Your Finances
Before you say “I do,” it’s a good idea for the two of you to talk about finances and agree on how you’ll handle them. Marrying your finances will ensure your marriage gets off to a good start.
Financial Baggage
Have a discussion about how you’ll handle premarital debt. Will your spouse be solely responsible for paying off his or her old debt or are you going to pay a portion of it? Keep in mind that if your partner has many large debts and has a pattern of irresponsible spending, the behavior may not stop after you’re married.
You’re not responsible for any debt your partner accumulated before marriage. However, if you live in a community property state (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin), after you marry, you and your spouse are jointly responsible for any debt either of you accumulates. If you apply for credit jointly and your spouse has a poor credit record, their record can damage yours. It may also affect your ability to meet shared financial goals, such as buying a home.
Combining Finances
There are several different ways to combine funds. Some couples keep their financial accounts separate and divide expenses equitably. Others open a joint account for shared expenses as well as keep their own personal accounts. Many pool all their money into a shared account.
Agree on a Budget
In marrying your finances, it’s important to create a realistic budget. Have an open discussion to figure out short- and long-term financial goals that will work for both of you.
Decide…
• How much you will invest?
• How much you will deposit in savings each month?
• How much will be set aside for emergencies?
• How much should each of you be able to spend as you wish?
• Will both of you have full-time jobs, or will one of you work part time or stay home?
• If one of you has higher income, will you each pay an equal amount for joint expenses or pay a percentage of your income?
Who’s In Charge of Our Money?
It’s a good idea to decide who will manage your money. Who will keep track of your checking, savings, credit cards, loans, investment accounts, or bill payment? You can divide the responsibility if it makes sense for you, but both of you should be aware of where your money is going. If you don’t identify these responsibilities upfront, bills may go unpaid and accounts might get neglected.
Not everyone is the same. We all have different skills, aptitudes and shortcomings. Someone who is good at making a budget, for example, may not be so good at making a good deal on a car. Discuss who has an easier time staying organized, keeping track of bills and finding ways to save on expenses. Don’t be judgmental.
Agree to have frequent meetings to discuss your finances to make sure you’re sticking to your budget and are on track toward meeting goals. If you anticipate major expenses, discuss how you’ll handle them.
Having these financial discussions before you marry may not be a very romantic thing to do, but they’ll help ensure your relationship remains happy, stable, and strong.