Summer Savings: Stop Losing Money in Warmer Months
When the summer months come around, we all know how incredibly easy it is to waste money. Kids are home from school, the AC is running day in and day out, and there are vacations and summer camps to pay for. With the economy still struggling to come back, there are a few things you can do to lessen the strain on your wallet. Here are a few ways to help you save money this summer and in all the warmer months.
Turn off your AC
Back 40 years ago, only a small percentage of homes had air conditioning, even in the south. Fast forward to today and just about every home built has it included. A lot of it might be the shift in how we spend most our time inside. So changing our habits to spend more time outside can shift the amount we pay each month for cooling. Even turning the AC up one degree has enough impact to reduce your bill by 3 percent. Make the most of shading your backyard and the hottest parts of your house with indoor custom shutters and bit outdoor umbrellas and trees. Hopefully you’ll be able to lower the cool air by just a bit.
Try Carpooling
Gas prices have dropped early this year, but who knows how long those savings will last? Back when prices were flirting with $4 a gallon, carpooling was becoming an appealing option. People who carpool typically save nearly $1,000 per year. Who couldn’t stand to add an extra grand into their yearly budget? Even investing your next car purchase into one designed with amazing fuel efficiency will save you money in the long run.
Simplify your Vacation Plans
According to AAA, the average vacation cost in America for a couple is $244 each day, including food and lodging. If you plan a family vacation, that cost will soar even higher. A perfect way to save money is by planning a staycation. Every state has an abundance of wonderful attractions and your vacation can be as simple as a weekend trip to the woods or lake. Go on a picnic or have a bonfire in the country, or if you’re craving an urban experience, drive downtown and spend the day exploring museums and the city sites.
Grow a Garden
If you have the room to do so, one of the best ways to save (or even make) money is by planting your own garden. Let’s face it, food prices are always climbing, and with gardening, the return on your investment is amazing. For every dollar you spend on bean seeds, you get $75 back in produce. With potatoes it’s $5 back. With that, you can save even more money by learning how to can. Starting your own little farmer’s market is a great way to bring in a few extra bucks. Not only is it budget-friendly, it’s a great way to get the family together and encourages healthy living by the exercise put into gardening and the organic rewards that come later. You can even sell your produce for a little extra profit.
Make Your Own Care Items
The average family spends over $500 each year on personal care items. But it’s easy and fun to make your own products while saving you a lot of money in the long run. Research how to make your own shampoo, lip balm, face wash, and deodorant. The majority of the stuff you need to make it is probably already sitting around your house. For example, you can make face wash with oatmeal, milk, and honey. Shampoo can be made with vinegar and baking soda, two incredibly cheap ingredients, and scented with your favorite oils and herbs. Honey, lemon, mineral water, and avocado can help your skin glow at a price far cheaper than product you can find at a store.
Saving money this summer doesn’t have to be painful or put a damper on the fun. A few small changes to how we consume energy will fatten up our wallets and allow us to save money for a rainy day. Not to mention, the health benefits by going organic and using natural sources is always a bonus.
Category: Saving Money
