Financial Tips to Do Better

They might call Maine Vacationland, but for those of us who call this state home, there's fun to be had year-round. We asked Atlantic staff about some of their favorite things to do in Maine - especially as we welcome warmer weather and longer nights. Just remember, having fun is important, but so is maintaining your budget. It’s all about a healthy balance!

Get Your Hike On

Take a trip to L.L. Bean, grab yourself some nice boots, and hits the trails. A pretty common answer for our employees (and most people's dating profiles) was to take advantage of Maine's many mountains, trails, and parks.

"I love exploring all Maine has to offer. Some favorites are: Hiking, kayaking or bicycling the carriage trails in Acadia, biking the Eastern Trail, walking the Marginal Way in Ogunquit to Perkins Cove, hiking the trails in Baxter State Park, kayaking Moosehead Lake, exploring old forts and touring historic homes." - Atlantic Employee.

When it comes to budget activities to fill your spring or summer days - a hike or park visit often doesn't cost more than parking! Some parks require a donation or ticket at the entrance. Acadia has a $50 seasonal ticket, but if you spend the day getting a workout and enjoying the fresh air, you'll make the most of your money spent!

Take advantage of the great outdoors - Go whale watching and camping in Bar Harbor, visit York's Wild Animal Kingdom, or spend a sunny day at a Sea Dog's game (you might even hear us get mentioned!)

Cinema Sundays

I love a good movie, getting to spend two hours engrossed in someone else's art can boost your entire week.

Narrow Gage Cinema in Farmington still sells movies for $5-7 all week long! The Eveningstar runs indie films a few days a week in Brunswick downtown near some great food. If you're in Portland, you HAVE to visit Patriot Cinema! Most movie theaters will have cheaper tickets on Tuesdays, so take advantage of discounts to get out of the house and see the latest blockbuster or indie film!

Rock On

Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming shows at a few of Maine's concert venues - especially Darling's Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor and Thompson's Point or the State Theater in Portland. Get outdoors, listen to the music fill the night, and make memories you won't ever forget.

Venues will often update their lineups months in advance - want to see a musician you love? If you buy tickets early, they'll often be heavily discounted, and you can avoid last-minute surcharges. Planning ahead can save you money AND make sure you don't miss out on fun.

Let's Get Cultural

Maine is full of art, some made by those in the state, and some just on display - you can stop in the Portland Museum of Art to see rotating exhibits and soak up the culture, and becoming a member is as cheap as $5 a month. The PMA also offers special film showings; members get discounted tickets!

That's not all; art galleries across Maine will often let you visit for free to see the most recent exhibits for sale. You don't need to be ready to fork over hundreds (or sometimes thousands) of dollars to appreciate the art on display. If you'd rather learn some history instead of arousing art - check out the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, where you can go on a train ride for $21.

I'm SO HUNGRY

Where do you even start when it comes to food in Maine? Every town has its staple or highlight. There's nowhere better for lobster, blueberry pie, or food that you'll be craving for the rest of your life. ESPECIALLY in Portland.

"I could probably write my own blog about Portland alone. We love attending Sea Dogs in the spring/summer/fall and hibernate at the Mariners in the winter/early spring. We also love trying out new places to eat (clearly foodies) each time we go to town because there are so many different choices. Shout out to the Friendly Toast, Porthole, El Rayo, Flatbread, Tomaso's, Thirsty Pig, Cheese Louise, Mr. Tuna, Arcadia (21+)." - Atlantic Employee.

We're Here to Help

Whether you love antiquing, thrifting, seeing shows and movies, hiking, rock-walking, tide pools, fort exploring, picnics, sports, food, dog walking, reading, photography sessions, and or just being outside - Maine has a whole lot to offer. We only have so much time, so make sure that you make the most of your time - fill your days with fun, and hopefully, some of these suggestions from our staff have got you imagining the days ahead.

Looking ahead but feeling overwhelmed by debt or your budget? Check out our blogs: 5 Tips That Work for Losing Weight OR Debt and Make the Most of a Summer Budget.

If you want to learn more about using a personal loan or debt consolidation to make the most of your life, please stop by and see us. You can visit any of our convenient branch locations or call 800-834-0432 to speak with a team member today.

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The Atlantic blog strives to deliver informative, relevant, and sometimes fun financial information. If you enjoyed this article, please forward it to a friend.

Each individual's financial situation is unique and readers are encouraged to contact the Credit Union when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.