A Guide to Saving Money This Summer

Summer is almost here! The summer months are commonly associated with travel, fun, and exciting new experiences as we shake off the chill and doldrums of winter and embark on some exciting summer adventures.

But those adventures can cost money, and between the pandemic and the job market, making those summer dreams come true could prove tougher than expected.

The good news is, there are a lot of little ways you can save some extra money and have some fun this summer, even if cash is tight. Of course, there are lots of general saving strategies you could employ, such as setting up a “summer fun fund” with your bank or at home — a place where you can set aside some dedicated cash for summer enjoyment. If time and energy allow, you might even pick up some side hustles and make a little extra money to put away.

Here are a few more ways you can cut spending and save money this summer:

Energy Costs

Summertime often means summer projects — yard work, landscaping, re-painting, and so on. Summer can also mean energy costs taking a jump as the hot weather calls for air conditioning. Now, we’re not recommending you turn off your air conditioning — that’s not realistic for a lot of people. But for every degree you turn down your air conditioning, you could save 3% on your utility bills, which can add up. Compromise by turning on a fan, putting on some cool clothing, and keeping the sun out of the house. You can also save money in the long term by investing in a programmable thermostat and summer-proofing your home by caulking your windows and doors.

Travel

Summer is the season of the road trip or the long-anticipated vacation, and many of us look forward to it all year. But sometimes money troubles get in the way and we can’t have that deluxe vacation we’d been hoping for. But that doesn’t mean the fun has to be over. There are some ways to prepare and save some cash.

For that road trip, consider packing your own snacks instead of partaking of those gas-station burritos. Make sure your tires are inflated properly before you go — a small step, but it does save on fuel costs. And while you’re at it, re-evaluate your car insurance and shop around for cheap car insurance policies. Instead of hitting up the theme park, consider going to natural locales, like parks and hiking trails. If you’re planning to fly, use an app to get flight alerts for discounts, and look for package deals and cheap travel opportunities wherever you can. A little strategizing can go a long way!

Food

Another way you can save money this summer: trim your food costs! There are a few summer-specific ways you can cut costs. For example, one of the best ways you can trim the food budget is to grow your own. Gardening not only provides stress relief and some exercise, but it can also mean fewer trips to the grocery store for the fruits and veggies you need.

And speaking of which — summer is a great time to buy what’s in season. Apples, bananas, carrots, celery, lemons, limes, berries, and all sorts of other fruits and vegetables will be in peak season during the summer, which is likely to mean big savings — so make them part of your meal plan and plan a visit to your local farmer’s market for some great deals.

While you’re considering those meal plans, consider gravitating toward low-effort meals that don’t require a lot of work or cooking. Summer is a great time for sandwiches, salads, and other things that don’t involve turning on the oven. Even doing some crock pot recipes can be a fun way to stretch the food budget without a lot of work.

Entertainment

Money-saving guides will always tell you to trim some money off your entertainment budget, and it’s fair advice — after all, entertainment is one of those flexible expenses we can choose to spend less on if we want to. But human beings still need fun and enjoyment, and trimming expenses shouldn’t mean the death of fun. You can still enjoy summer without spending money — in fact, that’s one of the best ways to enjoy it. Take advantage of free outdoor events whenever you can. Cancel or pause your gym membership and take frequent walks instead. If traveling isn’t an option for you, then put together a “staycation.” Invite some friends over for some grilling, good music, and a celebration of another summer.

We only get so many summers in our lives, and making the most of each one can be a great source of happiness. So don’t let cash problems put a damper on your summer — make some plans, set a strategy, and get all the summer fun you can.