We are in high savings mode at our house because we recently returned from a big vacation and it reminded me that I had not shared my money-saving tips for summer. There really are a lot of ways to save, if you take the time to do a little research and if you make it a priority.
When I worked at an elementary school, summers were always tight on money because I did not work during those months so we tried to cut expenses, when possible. These tips have saved me money and can be used any time of year, but especially during the summer.
Ways to Save During Summer
- Take all your loose change in to your local bank or credit union and get useable cash or better yet, deposit the money to savings.
- Cool off with infused ice water or fruity iced tea instead of sodas.
- Go to the library and take advantage of the summer programs and free classes there.
- Declutter your home and sell your stuff on Craigslist or eBay or host a garage sale.
- If you owe money on your home, consider exploring refinancing as rates are super low right now.
- Spend some time at a book store or library and enjoy the cool air. You can go to an indoor mall if you have the willpower to not shop.
- See a movie at the theater. Many theaters have discounted movies during the week and it is a great way to cool off.
- Explore a new park or nearby museum.
- Take advantage of last-minute travel opportunities (sometimes hotels in your neighborhood will have good deals if they are not full and you can use their pool and amenities for a very reasonable price).
- Host a clothing and household swap party.
- Start making holiday gifts.
- Clean out your pantry so you know what you have and can use what is in there.
- Do the same for your freezer.
- Go through your family's clothing and take to a consignment shop.
- Dry your clothes outside instead of using the dryer.
- If you are running air conditioning, close vents in rooms you are not in much.
- Buy fruits and vegetables at a farmers market.
- Ride a bike to work, or park
- Use electric fans instead of air conditioning if you can. (This was tough when we lived in Arizona, but works in some other places)
- Make your own popsicles or slushies.
- Can summer fruit such as strawberries, blueberries and peaches for later.
- Go to the beach and pack your own snacks.
- Take advantage of all the office and school supplies that are on sale right now, you will be glad you did later.
I would love to hear your tips for summer saving. Please leave me your best summer saving tip in the comments.
Tamara
We are due to take our loose change to the change machine one of these days!
And definitely yes to infused water and no to sodas.
I'm going to miss these matinee weekday movies. I think the earliest showings are around 3:00 in the school year. If they could only stay at noon, I'd even be able to sneak in movies while the kids are in school!
We're also huge library fans.
Raquel
That loose change really adds up. We are do to take our jars in. I love the library and I am so glad that they are such a great resource now more than ever!
Monica
Some great points! It's easy to say "don't turn on you air conditioner", but some places of the continent are sheer misery without it! I'm from Canada and I couldn't imagine living in southern Ontario again without the trusty AC. Thankfully in drier Alberta, we've lived for the past five years with only fans.
A great place to escape the heat, I find, is a forest. Most towns and cities have forests with trails that are great ways to spend the summer days with the family, and it always seems a little cooler with the shade and the breeze going through the trees. Many towns also have splash parks for children, which is another great way to spend the day outside and still remain cool without spending much money (don't forget the sunscreen!). Thanks for sharing this on the Mom Blogs Party!
Raquel
A forest is a great idea to cool down Monica and the water parks are great too. Yes, I agree that air conditioning is a must is some places. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom
These are great tips! I love how the theaters discount movies in the summer though we have to make an effort to get out because they're usually at 10am. I definitely need to use up some things in my pantry and freezer too!
Visiting from Mom Blogs Party
Raquel
Yes Lisa, they do always seem so show those really cheap shows in the morning, but it does save some cash. Thanks for stopping by!
Marie
A lot of these tips are great for saving money all year round. We love water so we save a lot of money by drinking that instead of soda, but I also love the tip to take inventory of your pantry. Definitely a great way to save money on groceries. Thanks for sharing these tips with us at Merry Monday this week!
Raquel
Very true that many are applicable year round.That is great that you are drinking lots of water Marie. It is so much better for you, besides being cheaper. 🙂
Stacey
These are really great ideas any time. My kids are grown now but when they were little I searched and mastered every way I could to save money and have fun. It was so worth it. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing at Thoughts of Home on Thursday! Your participation thrills us! 😉
Raquel
Thanks for visiting Stacey. It is amazing how fast time goes by with kids?
Angela Joseph
I live in Florida where it's in the 90s now. Last Saturday I took my grandchildren to my church's beach picnic held under a pavilion right near the ocean. I was surprised how cool and breezy it was. If you're looking to cool down, that's something you can do.