In the good ‘ole summer time, we want to do it all – vacations, blockbuster movies, visits to the pool, & more. But the truth is, we can’t afford to do everything every summer. So if you want to make this year a summer for the books, check out these SIMPLE money saving tips certain to help you make the most of every penny!
Change Your Air Filter
The hot summer days are soon on their way. Now is the time to make sure your AC is running efficiently. Cut down on the energy bill that spikes during the hot months by either cleaning or changing the air filter. Follow specific directions for your air conditioning unit. You may also want to schedule a maintenance check up.
Turn Down the Hot Water Heater Temp
Odds are good that your hot water heater is set too high. Especially during the summer months, consider turning down the temperature by at least 10 degrees. Many hot water heaters come preset at 140 degrees. In all reality, you can set yours at 120 degrees and still be able to get your hot shower fix.
Head to the Local Library
The kids may be out of school, but that doesn’t mean learning needs to stop. Your local library offers so much more than mere books to check out. Most libraries are also filled with summer reading programs. From DVDs to apps where you can “check out” audiobooks or stream TV shows, music, and movies online, you’re missing out if you don’t begin your summer with a visit to the local library. Don’t forget to sign up for rewards programs and check out special activities for kids and adults alike.
Earn Money By Selling Items You No Longer Use
Not only can you save money during the summer months, you can make money, too. Make good use of the warm temperatures and longer hours of daylight by planning a garage sale. Or, clean out your closet and host an online sale on Facebook or Instagram.
Stock Up on Essentials Before Vacationing or Camp
There’s nothing like arriving at a vacation destination to realize you’ve forgotten a summer necessity like sunblock. Brainstorm a list of vacation essentials weeks before you leave. Then shop for those items either online or in stores. You don’t want to end up in a pinch and spend more than necessary in a gift shop or hotel. Waiting until the last minute causes overspending. Here’s a short list of what you might need for vacation or camp:
- Sunblock
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Mouth Wash
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Hair Ties
- Bug Spray
- Individual Sized Laundry Detergent (Or bring a small amount of your own)
- A Small First Aid Kit
- Ear Plugs
- Wet Wipes
- Lip Balm with SPF
Create Your Own Snack Bar
Whether you’re home with the kids for the summer or taking a weekend road trip, one thing is for certain. You’re going to need snacks. But gas station snacks run up a tab that’s beyond their value. Before you get in a pinch, purchase plenty of healthier snacks with a long shelf life. It’s always smarter to purchase a large bag of your favorite snack and sub divide into your own reusable containers. However, even the pre-packaged options will come in at a much more affordable price than a convenience store high sticker. Some options include granola bars, whole long lasting fruit like oranges and apples, cheese sticks or slices, chips, and maybe even some cookies. Don’t forget the popsicles or fruit bars for the freezer, too.
Use Frozen Fruit in Your Water or Tea
This is my favorite tip for the summer. If you want to feel a little fancy but spend very little, use affordable frozen fruit to flavor your water or tea without adding extra sugar. If you steep a little frozen fruit in a bottle of water overnight, in the morning, you’ll have amazing flavored water. I love blueberry water with a touch of lime concentrate. I also love a tropical flavored water with peach, mango, strawberry, and pineapple. Lately, I’ve been using frozen sliced peaches in my tea, too. Which makes for a fantastic and delicious beverage.
This is your summer. Have fun. Make memories. Live it up. But keep your spending in check so you can invest those dollars in what you really want to do.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
