Six Ways to Save Money in the Summer

Summer is the most popular season for many people, and for good reason. School is typically taking a break during this time and it is a great time for the family to get together and have some fun in the sun. While I don't advocate stopping the summer activities, I do suggest that you sit down and figure out ways to save money during the summer. Here are six ways to help keep your summer enjoyable, while keeping more money in your savings account as well!

Six Ways to Save Money in the Summer

6. Take Snacks and Avoid Paying Ridiculous Concession Prices- This one applies to so many different one-day trips such as the pool, and amusement parks. I realize there are some that don't allow you to bring snacks in, but if that is the case I suggest snacking right before you go in and right as you leave. Those $4 or $5 bottles of water will eat you up in a hurry!

5. Create Your Own Water Park- This is a great idea, especially if you have younger kids. Children love slip n slides and small pools. Buying these and turning on the water sprinkler will save you a bundle of money versus paying a membership to go to the local pool or water park constantly.

4. Skip setting off fireworks- Sure watching fireworks is fun, but setting them off is extremely expensive. Go to the local park and watch the festivities rather than trying to set them off yourself. In many places it is illegal to set off fireworks and you'd be amazed at how much a small firework show will cost you.

3. Buy Ice Cream/Desserts at the Local Grocer- Sure it is nice to buy ice cream or some kind of treat at a local establishment, but the prices you'll pay really isn't worth it very often at all. Save yourself time and money by getting fruit bars, Popsicles, or half gallons of ice cream at the local grocer and stockpile then in the freezer for a hot day!

2. Utilize the cookout- Cookouts are one of the most fun things to do in the summer, and they can save you some money as well. Cooking large amounts of food inside traps the heat in and makes your energy bills much more expensive. Get outside and enjoy the nice weather with some friends and family around the grill!

1. Turn Up/Off the Air Conditioning- This one seems so obvious, but for many people the price of cooling their home is just astronomical. If you are going to be gone, turn off the air condition and open the windows. Make sure closets and small rooms that don't need cooled have the doors shut and keep that air running on a higher temperature, especially when you aren't doing anything tiring.