Everett Budget Hacks, Unlocked

Story & images by: Richard Porter.

I don’t need to convince you to save money. The holidays are around the corner and things aren’t getting any cheaper.

Why it matters: it’s more important than ever to hang on to your hard-earned money. Inflation and stagnant wages are no joke – to say nothing of stagflation!

Luckily, Everett has its own secret money-saving hacks; you just have to know where to look.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite money-saving workarounds in the spirit of sharing resources.

Did we miss anything? Head over to our social media channels and leave us a comment!

Check out library kits

Everyone knows that a library card can unlock a world of learning and discovery through the portal of book-learning. But did you know that your card also gives you access to actual non-book hobbies? Look no further than the Everett Public Library to check out “kits” of activities.

Looking to try out a new hobby but don’t want to cough up the money for the equipment?

Borrow these items:

A ukulele
A sewing machine
An electric drill
Canning equipment (as in Mason jars)
Bike repair kits
Telescopes
Citizen science kits
Birding backpacks

For my money (no pun intended), these kits are a special bonus for parents trying to divert their kids from screens and into more low-tech activities.

Peruse kits here.

Free museum nights – third Thursday of the month

*Free museum nights offer a whale of a time.*

Yes, you read that right. Imagine Children's Museum offers a Free Community Access Night on the third Thursday of each month from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event is open to all families with children ages 12 and under – so bring the whole family! The museum provides a range of interactive exhibits designed to inspire playful learning and discovery.

Is your kid interested in aircraft and tanks? The Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum at Paine Field offers free general admission year-round.

The Schack Art Center has a rotating gallery featuring some of the very best local artists. Admission is always free, but a donation is recommended to help keep this open-to-the-public art center operating.

Free chamber orchestra concerts

The Evergreen Community Orchestra is a community-based nonprofit organization comprised of volunteers. Some are professionals, some haven’t played instruments since high school. All skills levels are respected and work together to create free art for the public. It’s a fantastic model -- and we all benefit!

Check out the orchestra’s schedule to find upcoming concerts.

Kids ride free on the bus

Both Community Transit and Everett Transit offer free ridership to youth ages 18 and under. For kids old enough to travel solo, this is a great opportunity to explore the city or county. For parents, it’s an affordable option for traveling across town with kids – cheaper than a second vehicle, surely, but also even cheaper than rideshare apps. Plus, there’s no parallel parking when you take public transit. 😊

ORCA cards are still a cost-effective way to travel. Get one here.

Best happy hour food/drink deals

I’d tell you where my favorite place to get discount apps is in North Everett… but I don’t want to blow up the place anymore than it already is! I’ll keep the secret to myself.

We’ve already done the legwork and have compiled a delicious Happy Hour Guide, detailing all your best bets for discount foods and bevs in Everett. You don’t have to thank us, but we also wouldn’t say no to Katana Sushi’s sweet potato fries and a California roll or three.

Note: our listed happy hour times may change seasonally, so cross-check online or give them a call before you head out.

Music at the Marina

Summertime means outdoor hangouts and live music. Fortunately for Everett residents there’s a free concert series that will rock our collective socks right off.

Music at the Marina is hosted weekly on the Everett Waterfront by the Everett Music Initiative and features music ranging across genres: everything from country and western to Queen cover bands.

Keep your eyes peeled toward summer for the schedule and look out for the giant crowds – you can’t miss the stage at the base of the pedestrian bridge on the waterfront!

WIC/SNAP/EBT benefits at the Everett Farmers Market (seasonal)

The Everett Farmers Market now accepts supplemental food payments from WIC, SNAP, and EBT programs. This makes good quality, organic, and local foods easier to access for all.

If you want to learn about how exactly the program works, be sure to check out the eligibility requirements on the farmers market’s website.

Dive deeper: The best things in life are free, as they say. The above is by no means a comprehensive list of budget hacks. Check out a book from the library on frugality, join a Facebook group of coupon fanatics, or grab a board game and head to a coffee shop. Sometimes the best moments are created collectively when you’re hanging with friends and need to wrangle up some fun.

Have your own hack or tip? Send us a note.

Richard Porter is a marketer for Snohomish County’s Executive Office by day, and a freelance writer. He lives with his wife and daughters in Everett. When he’s not writing or drinking coffee, he’s probably binging podcasts while running or hiking.

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