A Letter from the Managing Editor

Woohoo! We made it through another school year! Congratulations. It seems like such an accomplishment every year to finally be done with the 6 a.m. alarm clocks and packing lunches every night. Now we get to sit back and relax for a few months with movies, pool time and board games. If you are lucky, you might even go on a cool vacation. What am I saying - all vacations are cool vacations. 

Here are a couple money saving tips for your summer:

• Check with your local Macaroni Kid. Most MacKid calendars are filled with frugal options and will help you fill in some of those days you just need out of the house, but don't want to spend a fortune. 
• Going on vacation? See if there is a Macaroni Kid edition where you are going. Just like at home, you'll find packed calendars full of inexpensive family-friendly events, where kids eat free and so much more. It's a great way to have fun and keep within your budget. 
• See if they have a military discount. Many businesses honor military service members by giving a discount. Amusement parks to zoos - just ask. Also remember, a discount is a form of gratitude, a thank you, but not a requirement. Please don't get angry if the business doesn't have a discount policy. 
• Find the business on Facebook or join their newsletter. Many businesses offer discounts and specials to their customers. Half-priced burgers and buy one, get one free admission can help your dollars go a little further. 

If you've got some money saving tips, please share them in the comments. 

In this month's newsletter you'll find patriotic crafts for the kids, hear from an Army veteran on his way to the Olympics, find out how one mom kept their family bonded during back-to-back deployments, a little about the 2016 Military Spouse of the Year, this year's Blue Star Museums and a brunch honoring military moms. So sit back, grab your favorite summertime beverage of choice and have a relaxing read - beach or poolside if at all possible.