Save Money, Keep Cool This Summer

Americans have changed over the past couple of years, and people are always looking for ways to save money. Whether it be choosing hamburger over steak, renting a movie instead of going out to the theaters, or carpooling to work, we are all looking for ways to tighten our belts. This article will discuss some useful tips and ideas, to save a little money this summer, so we can all weather this economy together, without feeling too much of a sting from those warm summer days.

Skip the Ice-Cream Truck.

Our children love ice-cream in the summer. It's iconic, a cold refreshing treat on a hot summer day. But you don't have to shell out the money for your tots to run and hit up the ice-cream man, or pay for the over-priced ice-cream treats at the local grocery store. You can easily make a fun, cool treat for your children for next to nothing. Try taking an ice-cube-tray from your freezer, and filling it with a fun flavor of Kool-Aid or orange juice. Cover the tray with saran wrap, poke toothpicks into each section, and let it sit and freeze for a couple of hours. Get the kids involved, let them choose the flavor, and help for a fun summer activity.

Forget the Overpriced Waterpark. Bust out the Hose.

These days, you almost have to take out a second mortgage to take the family to the waterpark. Some asking upwards of 30 bucks for individual admission, a family of four is looking at over $100 to simply get wet. Why not skip the trip to the waterpark, and buy an attachable nozzle for your garden hose. Set it up in your yard, and watch your kiddies laugh and jump through the refreshing spray. Let your kids invite their friends over, fire up the barbeque, and have a good time. With the money you save, you could easily afford a few burgers, and a six-pack.

Crack the Windows.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but we have become accustom to air-conditioning in our vehicles. But if you are cruising down the interstate, or taking a drive through the country, turn off the AC and roll down the windows. There's nothing quite like a refreshing breeze, and the smell of the open country.

Plant a Bush.

The costs of air-conditioning your home shoots your electricity bill through the roof. The coolest summers I can remember, as a child, was visiting my Aunt's house. She didn't have an air-conditioner, or central heating and cooling, but she had plants outside of her windows, that shaded the beating heat from the sun, and they kept the house pleasantly cool. You can find such plants at such places as Lowes, Home Depot, or your local gardening nursery. The upfront cost for the plants definitely beats the cash you are looking at spending to keep your AC cranked all summer, and it also adds to the landscape of your home.

There are so many things you can do this summer to save money. Run your wrists under a cold tap to lower your body heat, skip taking the family to the movie theaters, and opting for the drive-in, with a cooler full of Little Hugs and snacks for the kids, and so many other ideas. Just remember, that to stay cool, comfortable, and entertained this summer, you don't have to open up the wallet or purse, just get creative, and have a good time.