Reviewed by: Elizabeth Hobbs
10 unique ways to have fun + save money in your 20s in Huntsville
Reading time: 6 minutes
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Did you know that you can actually make money while eating at all your favorite restaurants in Downtown Huntsville?
Yes, we’re talking about compound interest, and we’re also talking about having fun! Read on to learn about 10 unique suggestions on how to save money while living your best life in your 20s.
Local tips brought to you by financial guru Allison Davidson
Originally a San Diego native and big city girl, Allison moved across the country to attend Auburn University and quickly fell in love with the slow Southern pace of life.
She graduated from Auburn with her finance degree, gained some experience and then landed her dream job as a financial advisor at Redstone Federal Credit Union in Huntsville.
She’s loved living in the Rocket City, where “there’s plenty to do without it being an overwhelmingly big city.”
One of her favorite activities? Allison calls it a “taste of downtown.” She and her husband start off at a regular spot—like Del Chuco or The Poppy & Parliament—and bounce around the downtown restaurants, ordering a drink and appetizer at each.
We know what you’re thinking—being a Huntsville foodie can get expensive. The good news is that Allison has found some hacks, including some unique ways you can still have fun and save money in your 20s.
Choose your spending priorities – our 10 unique ideas
You won’t regret getting a Huntsville Botanical Garden membership. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast) 
Summer days in Huntsville are synonymous with Trash Panda games. (Ben Johnson / Hville Blast) 
You can find this rooftop pool at the new Vista at Councill Square apartments in downtown Huntsville. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)
Working as a financial advisor at Redstone, Allison recognizes that everyone’s financial situation is different. That’s why she encourages people to discover their priorities and build their finances around them, saving in certain areas while spending in others.
Check out these 15 ideas that marry finances and fun:
- Spend on a season pass for the Rocket City Trash Pandas and Huntsville Havoc and save on buying snacks at every game.
- Spend money in Huntsville on the weekends and save by not traveling to other cities like Nashville or Birmingham.
- Spend on at-home gym equipment and save on a gym membership.
- Spend with your Redstone FCU card and save by earning reward points.
- Spend by going out to eat and save by buying clothes at thrift stores (Pro tip: The Saving Way on Winchester Rd does a 50% off sale every first weekend of the month!)
- Spend on concerts at Burritt on the Mountain or trivia at Rocket City Dog Bar and save because they let you bring your own dinner with you.
- Spend on your daily Huntsville coffee shop trips and save because your Redstone debit card will round up your total and invest it in your Brighter Days high-yield savings account.
- Spend on a membership to Huntsville Botanical Garden and save because it pays for itself in three visits.
- Spend on drinks during happy hours at Huntsville bars and save on regular prices.
- Spend on an apartment in downtown Huntsville and save money by walking more and paying less for gas.
3 other tips to keep in mind 👇
1. Don’t forget your emergency savings
Allison’s first tip for young folks is to build up their emergency savings. She recommends opening up a savings account that does some of the heavy lifting for you, like Redstone’s Brighter Days account.
Compound interest makes a huge difference, so it’s best to start early—even on those vacation, kid and retirement funds.
“We all know life happens, so have something set aside to pay for life. We want to balance enjoying the Saturdays walking around downtown with making sure we’re working for tomorrow. It’s all about identifying your budget and needs.”
Allison Davidson, Financial Advisor, Redstone Federal Credit Union
Pro tip: Start investing in a 401 (k) if your employer offers it, and make sure to ask how much of your investment they’ll match.
Learn more about savings accounts at Redstone Federal Credit Union.
2. Reign in your debt
Savings can only go so far when they all go to pay off your debt. Allison advises prioritizing getting rid of debt first, whether that means you make an aggressive plan to pay off your student loans or go beyond your credit card’s minimum payment every month.
3. Let your money work for you with Redstone FCU
One of the easiest ways to be financially responsible is to let your money work for you. Along with the Brighter Days savings roundup option, Redstone Federal Credit Union offers some pretty awesome member perks:
- Lower rates on loans and credit cards
- Higher yields on savings accounts
- In-depth, confidential, comprehensive financial advice about your finances—completely free of charge
- Any surplus funds are returned to members through dividends, lower rates and lower fees.
If you’re confused on how to get started with your finances, rest assured that the local Redstone team has your back.
“One of the best parts about Redstone being local is that we have branches everywhere and offer lots of opportunities for face-to-face conversation and hands-on financial advising.”
Allison Davidson, Financial Advisor, Redstone Federal Credit Union
Ready to take your finances to the next level while having fun? Visit a Redstone Federal Credit Union branch near you.
Membership required. Click here for details. A $1 minimum deposit is required to open a Brighter Day Savings Account. No minimum balance is required to maintain the account. Any stated dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield will be paid only on the portion of your daily balance that falls within the applicable Brighter Day Savings Account tier. Only one Brighter Day Savings account is allowed per member. Must have checking account with debit card and Brighter Day Savings account to enroll in Round Up automated savings program. Restrictions apply. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. Must use an RFCU debit or credit card to receive discounts, which is provided by the participating merchant and not guaranteed by RFCU. RFCU does not offer tax advice. See your tax advisor for your specific questions. RFCU is federally insured by NCUA.
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