Just because it’s summertime it doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money to have fun. Why not learn how to save big this summer instead? If you are living a little too far above your means, or you need to put a little cash aside for a rainy day (because you never really know what will happen next in life), you might want to start out with these simple tips.
- Get fit without your wallet getting hit. It’s swimsuit season. We get it. Everyone wants to look good when they are catching some rays on the beach or at the pool. Gyms will start ramping up advertisements to tell you how much you need their facilities and services … because there is no way you can get fit without their equipment or trainers right? Wrong. You can get into shape anywhere, at any time — without spending a dime. Walk, run, use free online fitness videos (some cable networks even have exercise channels with offerings as part of your service), ride a bike or come up with your own workout program that works best for you (we’ll be posting a series on workout routines shortly).
- Indulge in a stay-cation. Sometimes you really don’t know what’s in your own back yard. How often do people living in Florida explore the area like a tourist would? Not often. Most of the time locals are too busy with life to enjoy their own surroundings. Do some research about your local area (even a three-hour drive is better than the price of multiple plane tickets) to see what might be close by.
- Fun without a high price tag. If you aren’t looking to “get away from it all”, whether you stay or go, you will often find free events in your local area (festivals, movies, concerts, etc.). Depending on where you live, you could go to the beach, drive into the mountains for a scenic mini road trip or take the family to a nearby park for a picnic and perhaps some outdoor games or sports activities. And – don’t forget Geocaching!
- Cut down on your gas. If you have co-workers that live near you, carpooling is a smart way to reduce the expense of transportation. If you live close to work, walking or riding a bike is a great way to not only save money, but also get your exercise in as well.
- Stay cool and lay it on the line. Washing clothes in hot or warm water, and drying each load every time, can actually consume quite a bit of energy – raising your utility bills. We understand most people might not have spacious back yards to line dry their laundry, but you can purchase indoor racks to hang it on. You can also hang items in a section of your closet or bathroom until they are dry. In addition, washing in cold water (Tide makes a cold-water washing detergent) will also help you save energy. Not only will washing in cold water and “line” drying help you save dollars and cents, it will also help preserve your tops and bottoms so they last longer.
- Maintain a comfortable, affordable environment. Sometimes utility bills double or worse during the summer months. You can do something about it. First – invest in blinds or curtains/drapes that keep the sun out. Close these while you are out at work, etc. to keep the sun and the heat out. Program your thermostat to specific temperatures for certain times of the day to ensure the house isn’t hot when you get home, but not running all day when you aren’t there. Just be careful not to put it so high that it takes too long to cool down. Use your ceiling fans to circulate the air in your house and perhaps plant a few trees in key locations to help shade your home. All of these can help reduce your energy bill.
- Be lean and green. Believe it or not, you can save the green if you “go green”. Energy-saving light bulbs not only save you money because they reduce energy consumption, they also need replacing a lot less than traditional light bulbs. I put in my compact fluorescent light bulbs over a year ago and I haven’t had to replace one yet! Other easy things to help save — how about turning things off when you aren’t using them? Leaving a room? Turn off the light. Done watching TV – don’t forget to turn off your cable box as well as your TV.
- Water is free — keep it that way. There’s nothing like a tall glass of water after a long workout or a hot summer’s day. It is the healthiest thing you can consume … and best of all – no calories! Plastic water bottles and gallon jugs add up over time. Brita makes a great water-filtering pitcher. You can put water in it from your tap and it is always clean and fresh. They also make water bottles that filter tap water as well for those of you on-the-go with H2O.
- Shower power. Speaking of water – don’t waste it. Every drop you drip from your faucet you pay for. If you’re brushing your teeth, turn off the water while you brush. If you’re about to jump in the shower, don’t turn it on and sit on the toilet for 20 minutes before you finally get in. And, once you finally get in … try not to stay in for an hour! Get in, get wet, soap up, rinse off, get out. You get the idea.
- Eat in more often. I know how you feel. It was a long day at work. You’re tired. You have a headache. And – you really don’t feel like cooking. Why not just order from the Chinese place down the street? Stop it! You’re starting to sound like me now … The best way to help yourself stay on target and on budget is to plan out your dinner menus a week in advance. I know that sounds like a pain, but it really helps. I write it all down on a Menu Calendar of my own creation. Plan your easiest meals on the days you know life will be hectic. Have a back-up plan for unexpected complications (like things to make any-time sandwiches, soups, salads). On nights you have more time (probably the weekend) make it fun and experiment with different recipes and food combinations. Get the entire family (or your roommates) involved and make it a social event.
- Box office breakdown. Summer tends to be the time when SO many great movies bust out onto the big screen. And, how can you not watch these films in all their special-effects splendor on a big screen? Okay fine. But – at least save a few bucks, or 20, when it comes to refreshments. First, eat your meal BEFORE you go. If you have a hankering for a snack during the show, bring a big purse (if you’re a guy — better get a girl friend or sister if you don’t have a “girlfriend” or wife)! Pop a bag of popcorn at home and toss that poppy goodness in a zip lock bag, run by your local CVS or Walgreens and pick up some candy and a drink or two and plop those puppies in your purse too. Voila – your are now all set for your movie madness at a fraction of the cost. (P.S. If you are a big family, better make sure all the girls bring all their “bags” to share the load.)
- Pay your summer taxes. Every time you get paid take at least $10 and put it in a savings account as if it were a bill you had to pay. Once you put it there, forget about it. That money no longer belongs to you. It now belongs to that unexpected OMG moment that always tends to creep up on you when you least expect it. Keep that going even after summer is over. That way it can stay summer all year round!
And there you have it. You have options. Have fun this summer while you save!
I write like I think—fast, curious, and a little feral. I chase the weird, the witty, and the why-is-this-happening-now. From AI meltdowns to fashion glow-ups, if it makes you raise an eyebrow or rethink your algorithm, I’m probably writing about it. Expect sharp takes, occasional sarcasm, and zero tolerance for boring content.
