Just because you can’t get any time off work, or you can’t afford to take your family to Disneyland this year, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little staycation! Here are five ways that you can break the routine and make some memories with your family in your own hometown.

{Photo Credit: The Memoirs of Megan}

When trying to save money, it can take a bit of tenacity and creativity to still live well and have fun. Have you taken advantage of the benefits and money savings that store memberships can offer? We are talking about more than a membership to the gym. Savings on groceries, family activities and adult activities can be found when you find memberships that are right for you! Read on!

Photo credit: thewhimsicalphotographer.com

The first rule of saving money while traveling is: Research and plan ahead! This applies whether you’re traveling internationally or domestically; via plane, train, or automobile; alone or with your family. Read below for some advice on saving money while traveling.

 {Photo Credit: The Memoirs of Megan}

Going to the grocery store to stock up on dairy-alternative milk is a huge expense, as well as a hassle. You can make your favorite milk substitutes from home, for a fraction of the cost!

{Photo Courtesy: The Memoirs of Megan}

 If you find yourself in a home that doesn’t have a mantle shelf over your fireplace, you may feel like you’re out of luck. However, building one yourself that you love may be the perfect (not to mention frugal) solution to the problem. The reason for building this mantle instead of buying an off-the-shelf one is that this mantle can be customized to an odd fireplace set up like this one. For that reason, the measurements of the materials should be customized for each installation. Also, this mantle was built with pine, but of course, a more expensive hard wood like oak or maple could be used as well. That will easily triple the cost, though. Don’t use poplar, unless you plan on painting it.

Hand this list over to your husband or try building one yourself.