How To Save Money This Summer
The national average for a gallon of gas is nearing $5 per gallon, inflation is at a 40 year high, and it seems like even the most stable people are trembling a little in their boots from economic oscillation.
While monetary doom and gloom infiltrates your TV and phone screens, what can you do to save money and not hate your life in the process this summer?
Here are 5 way to save money this summer:
Before you read further, check out two additional blog posts that will help you save during the summer:
4 Ways To Lower Car Costs TODAY
Alternative Housing Options For Combating Rising Housing Costs
Check Facebook for free or local summer events
I use Facebook for three things: Facebook Marketplace, my Buy Nothing Group, and my local Facebook Group.
All three of these groups are community organized and led, often posting free, affordable events that are typically family friendly.
Everyone is struggling in some way, shape, or form right now, which is why more people are taking advantage of free community events. I usually find museum free admission dates, free park concerts, food truck rodeos (not free, but very fun), movies in the park, and more.
This is the #1 spot to check out if you’re wanting to get out and see people while keeping your wallet in check.
Consider A Staycation Or Group Vacation
One thing we all tend to do when we’ve lived in a place for any amount of time is put our blinders on. We become a resident and let go of seeing our towns as tourists.
Well, it’s time to put those tourist glasses back on and take a look around your environment with a fresh, new perspective.
When you’re considering a staycation, ask yourself these questions:
What are places or activities you’ve wanted to go to in your area that you’ve just put off?
Are there restaurants that are too pricey that you avoid in your day-to-day life?
What about a cute hotel or Air Bnb that you’ve longed to visit?
A staycation is a great way to experience new things and create memories without breaking the bank. And while you may “splurge” on things you typically wouldn’t, you will more than likely save more money than you would if you went away on a traditional vacation. Plus, you get to know your community more, and I always put that in the pro category.
And speaking of traditional vacations: if you absolutely need to get the hell out of town, consider a group vacation. Things are much more affordable when they’re split between friends or couples.
Take Advantage of Nature
Disney is expensive. Rocky Mountain National Park is not.
Yes, I know they are wildly different experiences, but if you can’t afford Mickey ears this summer, perhaps swap them out for a Park Ranger Hat.
Taking advantage of national forests, national parks, or any public land around you has huge benefits AND is cheap! Typically there is low barrier to entry or they are free. Plus, they have discounts for disabled folks, veterans, or public servants. National Parks even have free entry days now and then.
Visiting public lands instills a love and respect of nature while actively participating in it. It’s educational, away from screens, and will create lasting memories for your family.
With amusement park prices on the rise (Disney is over $200 for the day now), swap it out for a different kind of park.
Negotiate Your Bills
Twice a year I negotiate my bills and/or analyze what I am spending my monthly money on. Usually it’s around New Years and around the halfway mark.
Are you paying the lowest you can for your cell phone provider? What about car insurance, internet, renter’s insurance?
Do you actually use your subscriptions or memberships?
This is a wonderful practice to turn into a habit to keep your cost of living as low as possible, because no one likes to overpay for something as boring as car insurance.
I use Mint Mobile and pay $30 for 10 GB of data. We used to pay around $175 for this.
I use USAA for my renter’s insurance. It’s $14 per month.
I use Gabi to compare my car insurance rates. Currently I am a Root Insurance customer. I pay $108 per month.
We share subscription services with friends to keep costs low and to have access to more entertainment and we bundle subscription services where we can. We pay around $55 per month for all of our subscription services:
Hulu, ESPN, Discovery+, Disney+, YouTube Premium, Peacock, Netflix, and Apple TV.
The average household cable package in now $217.42.
Are you thinking outside of the box when it comes to these expenses? Are you negotiating them?
Give it a try and see how much money you can save!
Be Mindful Of Your Utility Use
One of the biggest money suckers in the summer is utilities. Have you done an energy check in your home? Have you considered switching up some of your energy habits during the hot season?
Use weather strips on entryways
Caulk your windows and doors
Close your blinds and curtains during the day
Wash your clothes in cold water
Shut the doors in your home
Keep AC vents clear of furniture and rugs
Clean out vents and/or get new filters
Turn off the AC at night and open the windows or use fans
Turn up the temperature a few degrees
Hang laundry outside to dry
Run appliances at night
These simple changes can affect your energy bill in a huge way — so why not try them out?
Saving money is getting more and more difficult nowadays, but hopefully with these 5 tips, you’ll be well on your way to saving money this summer.