If you’re living in Arkansas and still broke by the end of the month, you might be doing something wrong—besides ordering too much cheese dip (which, to be fair, is understandable). From backwoods bargains to big ol’ savings hiding in plain sight, The Natural State is full of ways to stretch your dollar further than a Razorbacks tailgate stretches across a parking lot. So before you spend another $8 on a boutique candle shaped like a pinecone, let’s talk about what you should be doing.
1. Not Getting a State Park Passport (and Actually Using It)
Arkansas has 52 state parks—and visiting them can earn you rewards, bragging rights, and nature-induced happiness. If you’re paying for entertainment and ignoring free waterfalls, we have questions.
2. Skipping the Farmers’ Markets
Why pay full price for limp produce at a chain store when local farmers have fresher tomatoes and better gossip? You’re missing out on deals and dirt-road charm.
3. Ignoring Energy Rebates from Local Utilities
If your power bill is higher than Mount Magazine, you might wanna check for rebate programs. Many local co-ops offer cash back for energy-saving upgrades, and yes, that includes ditching your 1987 window unit.
4. Not Buying a Fishing License (Even Just for the Excuse)
Even if you don’t fish, getting the license gives you access to tons of low-cost outdoor fun—and the right to tell people you “caught dinner” even if it came from the freezer aisle.
5. Paying Full Price at the Walmart Museum Gift Shop
You’re in the birthplace of Walmart. There’s no reason to be paying luxury prices for anything short of Razorback season tickets.
6. Not Exploring Local Discount Days
Most Arkansas attractions—from Crystal Bridges to the Little Rock Zoo—have free or heavily discounted days. If you’re paying full price, you’re doing it wrong and possibly offending the ghost of Sam Walton.
7. Driving Past Thrift Stores Without Stopping
Some of the best finds in Arkansas come with a “cash only” sign and a faint smell of cedar. You haven’t lived until you’ve scored a $3 flannel and a cast-iron skillet that could survive a tornado.
8. Overpaying for Firewood
You know someone, who knows someone, who owns lots of trees. Stop buying overpriced bundles at gas stations and make a call—this is Arkansas, not Manhattan.
9. Not Checking for Free Local Events
There’s always a barbecue, bluegrass band, or beard-growing competition going on. The best part? Most of them are free, and the people-watching is priceless.
10. Not Growing Your Own Veggies
You’ve got space. You’ve got soil. And you’ve got no excuse for buying $4 basil at Kroger when you could grow a backyard salad bar.
Living in Arkansas means you’re surrounded by beauty, bargains, and people who think homemade means “better.” If your wallet feels lighter than a duck call in February, it’s time to rethink your spending. So embrace the DIY spirit, slap on some boots, and start saving like someone who knows the difference between a good deal and a tourist trap.
The post You’re Wasting Money in Arkansas by Not Doing These 10 Things appeared first on When In Your State.