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2020 Federal Holiday Schedule

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Every year, the United States government recognizes ten federal holidays. Aside from some workers whose jobs focus on national security and safety, when each holiday arrives, federal employees usually get a day off. It is also fairly common for other businesses to close on these days. By knowing the federal holiday schedule for 2020, you can plan for possible days off from work and potential business closures. Here is an overview of the federal holidays for 2020.

Federal Holiday Schedule 2020

The United States government has ten holidays that it observes. Typically, on those days, government offices close for the day. This includes post offices, which are part of the United States Postal Service, a government agency.

Here is a list of the 2020 official federal holidays:

  • New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 20
  • Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day) – Monday, February 17
  • Memorial Day – Monday, May 25
  • Independence Day (Observed) – Friday, July 3
  • Labor Day – Monday, September 7
  • Columbus Day – Monday, October 12
  • Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 26
  • Christmas Day – Friday, December 25

It’s important to note that Independence Day is usually observed on July 4. However, when any federal holiday falls on a weekend, the day it is observed shifts to either the Friday before or the Monday after the actual holiday. Since July 4, 2020, falls on a Saturday, Friday, July 3, 2020, becomes the day the holiday is observed.

What Closes on Federal Holidays?

Along with government offices closing their doors on federal holidays, other businesses and entities do as well. Banks and credit unions commonly close on federal holidays. It also isn’t unusual for the stock market not to open in observance of the occasion. It’s important to understand that there are some exceptions, even with financial institutions.

Additionally, other businesses may choose to close on at least some federal holidays. For example, many retailers close on Christmas, including retail giants like Costco, Walmart, and Target. However, all of those retailers are open on other federal holidays, such as Veterans Day and Columbus Day.

Further, some retailers won’t fully close on a holiday. Instead, they will use a reduced holiday schedule. This results in them being open fewer hours on that day than they would usually be on that particular day of the week.

Here’s a look at what businesses, organizations, or entities usually close on federal holidays:

  • K-12 Schools
  • Trade Schools, Colleges, and Universities
  • Mail and Package Delivery Services, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx
  • Stock and Bond Markets
  • Banks and Credit Unions
  • Medical and Dental Offices
  • Professional Services Offices (Lawyers, Accountants, etc.)
  • Day Cares

Some entities will close for at least some federal holidays. This includes:

  • Retailers
  • Grocery Stores
  • Pharmacies and Drug Stores
  • Restaurants

Every company has the ability to set its own holiday schedule. As a result, you may need to check with the specific business to see if it closes for any particular holiday.

Are Federal Holidays Public or National Holidays?

No, federal holidays are neither national nor public holidays. When a day is declared a public or national holiday, everyone will get a day off. That would mean every business in the country would have to close. Essentially, the closures, and day off for employees, would be required by law.

The United States doesn’t have any national or public holidays. However, there are other nations that do. For example, Cambodia has 28 public holidays, the largest number in the entire world.

Which Employees Get the Day Off on Federal Holidays?

While many people believe that everyone should get the day off on a federal holiday, that isn’t how it works. In fact, the only people who are guaranteed to get the day off are most federal employees.

Even some people who work for the United States government have to work on holidays, including employees who focus on national security and public safety. For instance, some U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Defense (DoD), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and similar departments have personnel working on holidays.

Additionally, while most state governments close on federal holidays, not all of them do. They aren’t required by law to follow the same schedule, so a few have chosen to use alternative holiday schedules. For example, Washington State does not close on Columbus Day, so its employees report to work on that holiday. However, Washington State recognizes the day after Thanksgiving as a state government holiday, so employees get that day off instead.

Other businesses may also choose to close for federal holidays, essentially giving their employees the day off. But this is optional for every entity besides most government agencies.

Non-Federal Holiday Schedule 2020

There are additional holidays that are frequently observed in the United States, but don’t make it onto the federal holiday schedule. While many of these don’t result in any business closures, one does on occasion. Some major retailers close their doors on Easter Sunday. This includes Target and Costco.

Here is a list of the non-federal holidays and when they happen in 2020:

  • Valentine’s Day – Friday, February 14
  • Patrick’s Day – Tuesday, March 17
  • Easter – Sunday, April 12
  • Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 10
  • Father’s Day – Sunday, June 21
  • Halloween – Saturday, October 31

While the holidays above aren’t federal holidays, government offices are closed for some of them incidentally. Since most government agencies aren’t open on Sundays, the majority of employees get that day off, whether there is a holiday or not.

 

Do you keep track of the federal holiday schedule? Are you looking forward to any of the holidays above in 2020? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

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Are Banks Open on 4th of July 2019?

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are banks open on 4th of july
Independence Day is widely observed in most of the United States. Since it is a federal holiday, the majority of banks and credit unions will be closed, as well as many other establishments such as the post office, stock market, and some other businesses. Where banks and credit unions are concerned, there are a few exceptions, if you’re wondering, “are banks open on 4th of July.”

CIT Bank Money Market Account

Although there are a few banks and credit unions open, these tend to be smaller regional banks or bank branches which happen to be located in grocery stores, which will be open for the holiday. These institutions will also usually be running on shorter holiday hours for the day, not their regular Tuesday hours. Because they can vary from location to location, if you plan to visit any of the institutions below, call to confirm they will be open and their hours.

Are Banks Open on 4th of July?

A handful might be open, but usually only in specific locations for limited hours.

  • Central Pacific Bank: CPB is a bank located in Hawaii. They will have select branches open on the Fourth of July during limited holiday hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • First Convenience Bank: FCB is a bank located in Texas which will have its bank branches on Independence Day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Metro Bank: Is a local bank in Harrisburg, PA. Metro will have its drive-thru and its downtown branch open for business for limited hours (from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM) on Tuesday, July 4.
  • PNC Bank: Stand alone branches will be closed, but some PNC branches located in grocery stores will be open for limited hours. These vary depending on the supermarket location, so it’s important to contact that branch directly to confirm the hours.
  • US Bank: Some US Bank grocery store branches will be open for business on the Fourth of July for limited hours. These will vary, so it’s important to contact your local supermarket branch to confirm if that one will be open and during what hours.

Credit Unions Open on 4th of July

  • Fort Financial Credit Union: This credit union in Indiana has a number of grocery store branches in Meijer supermarkets. These will be open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on July 4, but not the stand-alone branches.
  • Landmark Credit Union: The grocery store branches of this credit union (not stand-alone branches) will be open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the Fourth of July.

It’s important to remember that just because your bank will be closed for the July 4th holiday, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to do any banking at all. Most bank ATMs will allow you to perform basic banking transactions and are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you have to do a simple withdraw or deposit, you should be able to use your bank’s ATM.

Nowadays, you can also do most of your banking online or through the bank’s mobile app. You can make transfers, pay bills and manage your money online. If you think you need to go into the bank and are unsure of your bank’s holiday hours, the bank’s website will also be able to give you information regarding their Fourth of July hours.

The following banks will be closed on the Fourth of July:

  • JP Morgan Chase
  • Bank of America
  • Wells Fargo
  • Citigroup
  • HSBC
  • Bank of New York Mellon
  • SunTrust
  • State Street
  • Capital One
  • BB&T
  • Toronto-Dominion
  • Royal Bank of Scotland
  • Regions Financial
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • ING
  • KeyCorp
  • Northern Trust
  • Bank of Montreal
  • Bank of the West
  • Union Bank
  • Allied Irish
  • Comerica
  • Zions Bank

If your bank is not listed, it doesn’t mean that they are not open on the Fourth of July. If you are wondering about a specific bank and location, give the institution a call and verify their holiday hours.

(Photo courtesy of Steve Trottier)

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What’s Open and What’s Closed on July 4th 2019?

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whats open July 4th
Independence Day is just around the corner. If you’re planning on spending time away from the backyard barbecue, it’s good to know which businesses are and aren’t open on July 4. With July 4 landing on a Thursday this year, it can get a bit confusing figuring out what’s open July 4th.

What’s Open July 4th, 2019?

As a general rule, retailers will be open (with exceptions), and government offices will be closed for the day. Below you’ll find what’s open on July 4th in 2019, but it’s always a good idea to confirm with anyplace you plan to go to verify that they will be open, as there can be exceptions.

Major Retail Stores

Most large retail stores are open. Most retailers will be open on July 4, with many offering special sales over the 4th of July weekend. This includes stores like Target, Walmart, and Home Depot. A major exception will be Costco, which won’t open its doors on Independence Day. For those of you planning to shop all the sales, keep in mind that a deal isn’t a deal no matter what the price is if it’s something you wouldn’t have purchased for full price.

Food and Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are open. All major grocery store chains will have their stores open if you need last minute barbecue food for the family. Some will be operating on Sunday or holiday hours rather than their regular hours, so call ahead if you need to drop by outside the core daily hours to make sure they are open. Smaller, independent grocery stores may or may not be open for the day, depending on their locations. You should call to verify if they will be open or not if you plan to stop by one of them.

Drugstores

Drugstores are open. All the major drugstore chains will be open for the holiday. This includes the big three of CVS, Rite-Aid, and Walgreens, and they will all likely have sales to coincide with the holiday as well. If you regularly visit a local or independent drugstore, they should be open as well, but it’s best to call and confirm before making a trip to see them.

Government Offices (Federal, State, and Local)

Government offices are closed. The vast majority of government offices are closed July 4th. Since the holiday lands on a Thursday this year, government offices might also close early on the 3rd and close the 5th. For the most part, all non-essential government offices such as courts, departments of motor vehicles, and Social Security offices will be closed for the day. Those government offices deemed vital to safety and security, such as police departments, fire stations, and air traffic controllers will continue to run.

U.S. Stock Market

Stock markets are closed. It’s going to be a short week for stocks. All U.S. stock markets will be closed on Thursday, July 4, for Independence Day. They will also be closed over the weekend, as usual.

Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and credit unions are closed. All banks and credit unions will close shut their local branches on Thursday, July 4, so you need to get any banking taken care of at the branches before then. Some banks might also be closed Friday.

While the banking branches will be closed for the day, you can still do most basic banking transaction either through the bank’s ATMs or at their website. These run 24/7 and will be working even on the holiday. Just be sure to note any transactions done on the holiday may not post to your account until the next business day.

Post Offices

Post offices are closed. July 4, being an official federal holiday, means post offices will be closed. Mail will also not be delivered on Thursday.

Public and Private Schools

Schools are closed. Since July 4 is a time when schools are usually out for summer vacation, this isn’t really an issue for most. It’s good to note, however, that most public and private schools will typically observe federal holidays, and be closed for them.

Libraries

Libraries are closed. The vast majority of libraries will close to observe federal holidays, so they will be closed on Thursday.

Garbage Service

Garbage service is closed. Garbage service won’t be in service on Thursday. Many services expected on Thursday will be moved to Friday.

Restaurants

In most cases, restaurants are open. Most major restaurant chains will be operating and open on Independence Day. Smaller restaurants which are independently owned may close for the day, so it’s best to contact them directly if you want to dine at them on Thursday.

Gas Stations

Gas stations are open. Gas stations should be operating during the day to cater to all those traveling for the holiday weekend. If there’s an exception and one is closed, there should be plenty of others in the area still open, so finding gas shouldn’t be an issue as you travel. Gas stations which are generally not open 24 hours will likely be on holiday or Sunday business hours.

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(Photo Credit: Flickr.com/ Beverly & Pack)

Fourth of July Deals and Freebies 2018

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Retailers are beginning to unveil Fourth of July deals and freebies — including discounts on entertainment and retail sales.

These promotions will help drive what could amount to $7 billion in spending for the holiday. That shakes out to about $73.42 per person, according to the National Retail Federation most recent annual tally.

Here are the deals and freebies we know about so far — we’ll add more of them to the article as we learn about them, so you’ll want to come back to this post later.

The Best July 4th Deals

Ashley Homestore

Ashley Homestore online is offering up to a 40% discount on select furniture. Plus, you can get an additional 10% off with the promo code HAPPY4TH.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dick’s is holding a clearance sale that will allow you to get up to 50% off select items throughout the store. Some of the specific deals include:

  • BOGO 50% off sandals and flip flops (including Rainbows).
  • Get 25% off Hydroflask water bottles and accessories.
  • BOGO 50% off all outdoor games $19.99 or more.
  • Up to 40% off select outdoor equipment.

Groupon

The deals site lists a variety of patriotic-themed tee-shirts and souvenirs that suggest the prices have been marked down by as much as 84 percent. The site also sells discounted tickets to amusement parks, with savings of up to 50 percent on some venues.

The Home Depot

The retailer will be offering up to 30 off appliances and patio furniture in honor of Independence Day. This is in addition to the 10 percent discount the retailer already offers year-round to current and former members of the military and their families.

Kmart

Kmart is offering up to 40% off pools and 50% off patio furniture. The retailer is also offering great deals on outdoor equipment and clothing. You’ll be able to get an extra 10% off select items throughout the store as well. All discounts are taken at the register.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s is offering up to 35 percent off appliances, including refrigerators, washer and dryer sets, select ranges, microwaves, and wall ovens.

You can also find patio furniture sets for as little as $65, and a two-burner commercial-grade outdoor grill for $249. Other deals include 57-inch tiki torches for $3.98 apiece, hardwood mulch for $3.66 per two cubic feet, and a 5′ x  3′ American flag for $9.97.

Like Home Depot, Lowe’s also offers a 10 discount to current and former members of the military, year-round.

Mattress Deals

For some reason, July 4th serves as a platform for mattress sales. Currently, there are quite a few great mattress sales going on.

  • Amerisleep: With the promo code JULY200, you can purchase a Queen Amerisleep AS3 for $1,199.
  • DreamCloud: Through July 4, get $200 off a DreamCloud mattress.
  • Macy’s: Get a Queen Macybed Lux Coventry Cushion Firm Euro Top for $1,297.
  • Mattress Firm: A Queen Serta iComfort Blue Touch 500 Set at Mattress Firm will only cost you $1,799. This company is also offering a free adjustable base with the purchase of any mattress $599 or more.
  • Nectar: Get $125 off your mattress and two free pillows through July 4.

REI

REI is offering up to a 40% discount on items throughout the store. Some of the specific deals include 20% off bicycles and 25% off hammocks.

Sears

Sears is holding a fantastic sale on appliances for Fourth of July. The retailer is offering up to 50% off select appliances and up to 60% off name brand mattresses. If you order online, you’ll be able to get an additional 10% to 20% off using the promo code FIREWORK.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is holding a four-day sale that will end at midnight on July 5. One-way tickets are starting at just $45. The deal is valid for all domestic travel between 8/21/18 and 12/19/18 and international travel between 8/21/18 and 12/12/18.

Walmart

Highlights of Walmart’s Independence Day sale includes

  • InstantPot Pressure Cooker: Starts at $59.92.
  • Mainstays Four-Piece Patio Set: $199.
  • Linenspa 6-Inch Mattress-in-a-Box: Starts at $85.41.
  • Zinus Spring Support Mattress: $124 and $249.
  • Twin-Sized Bunk Bed Set: $179.99.
  • Char-Broil Two-Burner 300: $209.99.
  • 150-Can Stainless Steel Mini Fridge: $179.99.
  • Coleman Swimming Pool: Starts at $383.

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma is offering a hefty discount on its products for July 4th. You’ll be able to get up to 75% off items throughout the store, with an additional 20% off clearance.

Fourth of July Freebies

Blue Star Museums

An initiative by the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Museums provides free museum admission to active duty military personnel and their families now through Labor Day. Over 2,000 museums participate. Click on the link above to find ones near you.

Busch Gardens

Active duty military and veterans can get free admission for themselves and three others on July 4 by going to WavesofHonor.com. Free tickets are redeemable at both Tampa Bay and Williamsburg locations.

California’s Great America

Folks with a military ID will be able to get free admission on July 4. Members of the military and veterans will also get up to six additional tickets at a discounted price of $23.99 per ticket.

Cedar Point

Veterans and active military with ID get free admission to Cedar Point in Ohio on Fourth of July. Military friends and family will also receive a discounted ticket price of $44 (up to six people). Cedar Point is also extending this offer to first responders with identification. This includes police officers, firefighters, and 911 dispatchers.

Dorney Park

On July 4, people with valid military ID will get free admission to Dorney Park in Pennsylvania. You’ll also get up to six discounted tickets for friends or family ($29 each).

Einstein’s Bros. Bagels

Einstein’s Bros. Bagels will be offering a buy one breakfast or lunch sandwich, get one free through the end of the week. You must provide proof of local residence like a driver’s license, library card, or mail. Visit your local Einstein’s for more information.

Hungry Howie’s

Although you aren’t getting it for free – Hungry Howie’s is offering a medium one-topping pizza for $0.04 when you buy a large one-topping pizza at regular price. Orders over $12 will get free Howie bread. Use promo code July418 to take advantage of this deal.

Kings Dominion

Military members, both active and retired, with ID will get free admission to Kings Dominion on until July 8 and free admission to Kings Island until July 4. The theme parks are also offering discounted tickets for military family members.

Logan’s Roadhouse

Logan’s is offering a free meal for both active and retired military members (value of up to $8.99) in Independence Day. The restaurant asks individuals to provide proof of service to redeem this deal.

Major League Baseball

Most major and minor league baseball teams offer military discounts throughout the year. Around Independence Day, current members of the armed forces and veterans can score offer free admission to many teams’ games — and get saluted at some point during the game.

Mimi’s Cafe

Mimi’s is offering customers a free funnel cake topped with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream with the purchase of an adult entree. All you have to do is ask your server for the free treat and it is yours! This freebie will be available at 11 a.m. on July 4 as long as supplies last (dine-in only).

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Buy any entree the week of 4th of July and get a BOGO offer on your receipt. The coupon can be redeemed the following day and can be used for any sandwich of equal or lesser value.

Quiznos

Toasty Points members will receive a BOGO free offer on BBQ pulled pork subs through July 8.

SeaWorld

Waves of Honor is also offering free tickets for admission to SeaWorld to veterans and military members, plus up to three friends. Tickets are valid at Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego locations through July 4. Get yours at WavesofHonor.com.

Readers, do any of you want to help us out with this — can you please let us know of any other deals and freebies you come across? Please post about them in the comments section beneath this post.

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July 4: What’s Open and What’s Closed on Independence Day 2017

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What's open and what's closed on Independence Day
This article has been updated for July 4, 2017

Independence Day is just around the corner. For those who are planning to spend some time away from the backyard barbecue, it’s good to know what businesses are and aren’t open on Indepedence Day. With July 4 landing on a Tuesday this year, it can get a bit confusing as to what will still be open, and what will be closed for the day. As a general rule, retailers will be open (with exceptions) and government offices will be closed for the day. Below you’ll find what is and isn’t open for the Fourth of July in 2017, but it’s always a good idea to confirm with anyplace you plan to go to verify that they will be open, as there can be exceptions.

Major Retail Stores

Most large retail stores are open. Most retailers will be open on July 4, and many of them will be holding special sales over the Fourth of July weekend. This includes stores like Target, Walmart and Home Depot (here’s a larger list). A major exception will be Costco, which won’t open its doors on Independence Day. For those of you planning to shop all the sales, keep in mind that a deal isn’t a deal no matter what the price is, if it’s something you wouldn’t have purchased for full price.

Food and Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are open. If you are in the need of some last minute barbecue food for the family, all major grocery store chains will have their stores open on Independence Day. Some will be operating on Sunday or holiday hours rather than their regular hours, so call ahead if you will be dropping by outside the core daily hours to make sure they will be open. Smaller, independent grocery stores may or may not be open for the day depending on where they are located. You should call to verify if they will be open or not if you plan to stop by one of them.

Drugstores

Drugstores are open. All the major drugstore chains will be open for the holiday. This includes the big three of CVS, Rite-Aide and Walgreens, and they will all likely have sales to coincide with the holiday as well. If you regularly visit a local or independent drugstore, they should be open as well, but it’s best to call and confirm before making a trip to see them.

Government Offices (Federal, State and Local)

Government offices are closed. The vast majority of government offices will be closed on Tuesday July 4th, 2017.  This includes all non-essential government offices such as courts, departments of motor vehicles and social security offices. They will be closed for the day. Those government offices deemed vital to safety and security such as police departments, fire stations, and air traffic controllers will continue to run.

US Stock Market

Stock markets are closed. It’s going to be a short week for stocks. All US stock markets will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 for Independence Day. They will also be closed over the weekend, as usual.

Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and credit unions are closed. All banks and credit unions will shut down their local branches on Tuesday July 4, so you need to get any banking that needs to get done at the branch offices done before then.

While the banking branches will be closed for the day, you can still do most basic banking transaction either through the bank’s ATMs or at their website. These run 24/7 and will be working even on the holiday. Just be sure to note any transactions done on the holiday may not post to your account until the next business day.

Post Offices

Post offices are closed. July 4, being an official federal holiday, means post offices will be closed.

Public and Private Schools

Schools are closed. Since July 4 is a time when schools are usually out for summer vacation, this isn’t really an issue for most. It’s good to note, however, that most public and private schools will typically observe federal holidays, and be closed for them.

Libraries

Libraries are closed. The vast majority of libraries will close to observe federal holidays, so they will be closed on Tuesday.

Garbage Service

Garbage service is closed. Garbage service won’t be gathering on Tuesday July 4th.

Restaurants

In most cases, restaurants are open. Most major restaurant chains will be operating and open on Independence Day. Smaller restaurants which are independently owned may close for the day, so it’s best to contact them directly if you want to dine at them on Tuesday.

Gas Stations

Gas stations are open. Gas stations should be operating during the day to cater to all those traveling for the holiday weekend. If there’s an exception and one is closed, there should be plenty of others in the area still open, so finding gas shouldn’t be an issue as you travel. Gas stations which are not normally open 24 hours will likely be on holiday or Sunday business hours.

(Photo courtesy of Beverly & Pack)

How to Save Money on Fireworks

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fireworks for sale at stand
What would the Fourth of July be without fireworks? The best financial move you can do is opt out of buying your own and go to watch a public display. It’s a lot less expensive, and there’s much less likelihood of anyone getting hurt. That being said, there are a lot of people who enjoy buying their own fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July. Depending on how extravagant you want to go, the cost of a home display can get quite expensive. With a little bit of planning and organization, however, you can create a wonderful home firework display which doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here are a few ideas on how to save money on fireworks:

Know What You Want

One of the most important aspects to saving money on fireworks is to know what fireworks you like the best, and which ones you want to have for your home display. If you know exactly what you want, you can purchase just the fireworks you need. While it’s often less expensive on a per item basis to buy fireworks in bulk sets, this isn’t cost-effective if most of the fireworks in the bulk package aren’t ones that you really want. By knowing exactly what you want, and purchasing those specific fireworks, you will create the display you want without a whole lot of extras you never really needed. Once you know what you want, then if it happens a bulk package has the specific fireworks you want, it’s a bonus opportunity to purchase them for less.

Buy Bulk Last Minute

If you want a large amount of fireworks with quantity being more important than the individual fireworks, it can often be worthwhile to wait until the last minute to purchase them. Stores don’t want to be stuck with unsold stock, so they will tend to discount fireworks as the 4th of July gets closer. The problem is the choices available will likely be limited, and many of the more popular ones could be sold out. For this reason, it’s good to secure the individual fireworks you want early, and then fill out the rest of them by purchasing in bulk as the 4th of July approaches.

Shop Around

As with anything you buy these days, it pays to shop around. Certain stores may use fireworks as loss leaders to drive traffic to their store, while others will charge full retail price. Spending just a little time doing a bit of comparison shopping can save a significant amount of money. Take a look at advertisement inserts to get a good idea of the prices different stores in your area are charging for fireworks.

Firework Stands

In additions to regular retail outlets, it’s worth stopping by the fireworks stands. Since firework stands are set up as temporary retail outlets, they have lower overhead costs, which can allow them to sell some fireworks for less. These stands also may have a wider variety of fireworks which are often discounted when purchased in bulk.

Pool Together

An easy way to cut the cost of fireworks is to pool money together to purchase the items as a group. Since the display is combined together, there’s no need to buy multiples of the same exact fireworks for each family so everyone saves. If everyone chips in the same amount, you might not save money, but you’ll have a much larger display for everyone to see when families combine their home displays together. Another option is to get bigger and better fireworks for the same amount of money. No matter which method is chosen, in the end everyone watching gets more value for their money.

Neighborhood Display

Much like pooling money, having a neighborhood fireworks display is another easy and effective way to cut the cost of fireworks. In this case, each family in the neighborhood pitches in a set amount, which is used to buy all the bigger and more expensive fireworks. This allows for a display that no individual family could afford, while leaving only the smaller, less expensive individual fireworks (think sparklers) for each family to have to worry about.

Community Display

In some instances, it might be wise to skip the home fireworks display all together and instead go to a community held display. These will usually be much larger with better quality fireworks to view. In many cases, they are free to the public, and if there is a charge, it’s usually minimal compared to what you would end up paying had you purchased a home display.

Avoid Illegal Fireworks

While it can be tempting to buy cheaper, illegal fireworks, these rarely save money. Much like a cheap T-shirt that is ruined after a few wears, the lack of quality actually makes these more expensive in the long run. Illegal fireworks will often be a disappointment, and they can cause harm which will definitely not be cheap if medical attention is required.

Follow Community Guidelines

It’s important to remember to follow the guidelines your community has set for fireworks. If they have been banned in your area, then find other ways to entertain yourself over the July 4 weekend, or plan to move your display to a community where they aren’t banned. There are usually good reasons why a community has banned them (frequently due to fire hazards), and it can cost you a fair amount in penalties and fines if you decide to go through with your own show and end up being caught.

(Photo courtesy of plong)