A trip to the beach can be a real pain when it comes to all the stuff you need to make it a great day, but there are some great hacks to help simplify and make it more affordable.

News 12 Consumer Reporter Janice Lieberman has more on ways to make a beach day perfect and keep costs down.

Grant Gallagher, head of Wellbeing, Affinity Federal Credit Union, says a trip to the shore has become pricey. He says plan ahead, create a budget, go on a weekday, and bring your own beach chair.

Gallagher says if you are going to rent a beach house, you will pay more to be closer to the sand and make sure you have a kitchen, so you can save on meals. Also, bringing friends and family can help cut costs.