I live in Houston. Yes… Houston, Texas, where all good things go to melt. This is especially true during the summer months, which started a few months ago for us.
Summer, no matter where you live, brings new things to spend money on. The kids are home from school (24/7), there are vacations to plan, and as the temperature rises, the number of things to spend money on will only go up.
But that’s what we’re here for – to help you save money when it looks like the heat is melting your budget. So here are a few ways to make sure your budget stays as solid as ever as the heat rises.
Create, Don’t Buy, Your Favorite Things
I was out with a friend the other night, just eating dinner and enjoying the night. After dinner, he went and bought two gallons of iced tea for $15. He then told me that he does this a couple times a week. Wow, I thought, that’s a lot of money on something that could easily be made.
Take a look at your spending habits and find things that could easily be made. Creating something is usually cheaper than buying in bulk.
Hit Up A Farmers’ Market
While typical grocery stores may try to keep their prices low, they are only doing so because they want to sell their products before they go bad or spoil. But, if you visit a farmers’ market during the summer, you’ll find that their products are ultra cheap because most of those products are in season.
Items like spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, string beans, and red bell peppers are in season now and can help you make the perfect salad. Also, tell your husband that if he plans on picking up daisies or lilies, a farmers’ market is the place to do it.
Don’t Let The A/C Bring You Down
Basically, if you live in Houston or a place that gets as hot as Houston, you’ll need to use your air conditioner from time to time. In fact, you’ll need it most of the time.
But you can run your A/C more effectively and circulate your air more efficiently. Try opening windows, using portable fans or ceiling fans, or hanging personal fans in each room. You can also take a look at your air conditioner and determine whether it is the most efficient model out there. The Department of Energy recommends that you use an Energy Star model with a fan and programmable thermostat.
Swap Clothes With Friends
Unless you live in the world of Gossip Girl, you’ve probably swapped clothes with someone before. Summer is the perfect time to do something like that. Then after getting those lightly-worn hand-me-downs, you can hit up the summer sales, where you’re bound to find new swimsuits, sandals, and sunglasses on sale.
Create Your Own Waterpark
My friend, the one that bought all that iced tea, suggested that our families go to a waterpark. Waterparks are a great way to entertain the kids and stay cool on a hot summer day, but it’s not exactly friendly on the wallet.
When I was a kid, my parents put the sprinklers on and my sister and I ran through the lawn for hours. You can also spend a little money and buy a Slip ‘N Slide or a kiddie pool. Either way, you are saving money.
Take Classes
Whether you are putting a child through college or putting yourself back through college, the time to take classes is during the summer. They can be pretty close to half the price of regular term classes. As an MBA student, this is my favorite time to take classes.
Travel Smart
You’ll probably go on some sort of family vacation this summer, but before you head out on the open road, make sure your hotel has a microwave.
Why? Simple. If your hotel has a microwave, you can save money by buying microwave dinners, popcorn, soda, and anything else your frugal heart desires. Plus, you’ll be able to use in-store coupons, which furthers your savings.
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