How Can I Save Money For The Summer?

Summer is arguably the most exciting season of the year – the sun is shining, the days are longer, and everyone seems to be in a better mood. However, all of this excitement can come at a cost, especially if you enjoy participating in summer activities and vacations. Saving money for summer is a wise decision to help you enjoy the season to the fullest without breaking the bank. 

Let's discuss some practical tips on how to save money for the summer while still enjoying all the activities you love. Whether you're planning a beach vacation, a hiking trip, or a staycation, these tips are guaranteed to help you save money while still having a blast.

So sit tight, grab a cold drink, and let's dive in!

How much can you save this summer? This table lists various ways to save money during the summer and provides an estimated amount that can be saved for each method.

The actual savings will vary depending on individual circumstances and location.

Remember that these are approximate values and may differ based on personal usage and regional costs.

Of course, keep reading as we break down more ways to save money this summer.

Ways to Save Money	Estimated Amount Saved
Use energy-efficient appliances	$50-$100 per month
Unplug electronics when not in use	$10-$20 per month
Install a programmable thermostat	$30-$50 per month
Air dry laundry	$5-$15 per month
Carpool or use public transport	$50-$100 per month
Cook at home instead of dining out	$100-$300 per month
Cancel or freeze gym membership	$20-$60 per month
Visit free local attractions	$50-$200 per month
Grow your own vegetables	$20-$50 per month
Use fans instead of air conditioning	$20-$40 per month

1. Trim Entertainment Budget

Summer is a time for fun, but it can also be expensive. Trimming your entertainment budget is one way to save money during the summer.

Rather than spending a lot of money on expensive activities, look for free or low-cost options in your area. Many cities offer outdoor concerts, movie-on-the-lawn nights, and free days at local museums. 

You can also save money on entertainment by borrowing free DVDs from the public library or signing up for a streaming service instead of going to the movie theater. It's also important to track your spending with a budgeting app to see where your hard-earned dollars are really going. 

​You can enjoy the summer months without breaking the bank by being mindful of your entertainment expenses. Remember, the goal is to have fun, make memories, and not go into debt. So be creative and find ways to have fun without sacrificing your financial goals. 

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2. Visit Natural Parks Instead of Theme Parks

If you want to save money during the summer, consider visiting natural parks instead of theme parks. Natural parks offer a budget-friendly way to experience the great outdoors without breaking the bank.

With thousands of hiking trails, rivers for kayaking, and lakes for swimming, you can enjoy a socially distanced vacation experience that is all outdoors. 

According to the National Park Service, the US has over 400 national parks, battlefields, and monuments. By visiting these locations, you can save money on entertainment costs and get closer to nature.

You can purchase an America the Beautiful Pass Annual Parks Pass, which grants you free access to more than 2000 federal recreation sites nationwide, including National Parks. 

You can also opt for camping over hotels to save money on lodging costs. Additionally, take advantage of free entrance days, which the National Park Service offers each year, allowing you to visit any of the national parks without paying an entrance fee. 

By visiting natural parks, you can save money while enjoying breathtaking scenery and thrilling outdoor activities. 

3. Host a Garage Sale or Sell Items Online

One way to save money for the summer is to host a garage sale or sell items online. Before you start, setting a goal for the sale is important. Are you selling to generate income, recoup money, or pay it forward?

Knowing your goal can help you stay motivated. To prepare for your garage/yard sale, take time to research the competition and learn what attracts customers. 

Set a date for the sale at least a month out to ensure you have time to gather and price items. Pricing should be done as you gather items rather than the night before the sale to avoid stress and poor choices—price items affordably as people expect deep discounts. 

Use low-cost tags such as stickers from discount stores or homemade tags from brown paper bags.

If holding an annual sale like some garage sale experts do, gather sale goods all year round by putting one item per day towards the sale. You can learn more about yard sale pricing by clicking this link.

Alternatively, consider selling items online through platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace to reach a wider audience and potentially make more money. 

4. Wash Your Own Car

Washing your own car can be a great money-saving opportunity. Professional car washes can be expensive, but investing in a set of car wash tools and taking the DIY route can make a significant long-term difference. While there may be an initial outlay as you build up your car wash kit, finding the time to wash your car might sometimes be tricky. 

However, with the right tools, products, and know-how, you can save significant amounts of money on the cost of regular car washes and take satisfaction in achieving shiny showroom results yourself.

You don't need a pressure washer to clean your car, so if that's the one big expense that's putting you off, don't be deterred. 

A hose can do a good job of rinsing your car or swilling everything with a bucket of water. Washing your car yourself also offers better results as you can focus on particularly dirty areas.

So, investing in car wash tools and washing your own car can be a smart way to save money this summer.

5. Seal Your Windows and Doors

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts around doors and windows can cause homeowners to lose between 5% and 30% of their home’s energy, which can really take a toll on their wallets.

Sealing up any cracks, gaps, or holes with weatherproof caulking or weather stripping can help save you money every month on your electric bill. 

By doing this, homeowners can save as much as 1/3 of their monthly energy costs. First, inspect all exterior doors and windows for cracks, gaps, and holes. If any are found, apply weatherproof caulking to seal them up.

Installing weather stripping to the door or door frame for gaps around an exterior door will do the trick. 

Not only does sealing these areas help lower energy costs and prevent tiny critters such as ants and spiders from making their way into your home. 

6. Sell Old Clothes

Selling old clothes is a great way to earn extra money and declutter your closet. There are many places to sell clothes both online and offline, such as Poshmark, Tradesy, The RealReal, thredUP, eBay, Depop, and Vinted. Each platform has its own commission and rules.

But before selling, washing and de-wrinkle items and presenting them nicely for better chances of selling is essential. 

Selling clothes in good condition from premium or designer brands can earn up to 80% of the selling price, while mid-priced brands can get up to 60%. However, selling clothes from discount retailers may not be as successful as vintage items or designer brands. 

By utilizing the appropriate platform, one can make money from those clothes that are no longer used or needed. It is essential to remember always to research the platform's rules and fees so that there are no surprises or misunderstandings in the future. 

One can also donate the clothes to certain organizations that help needy people or exchange them with friends and family before making a final decision. 

7. Consolidate Store Trips

Saving in the summer can also be achieved through consolidating store trips. Making fewer store trips can save money on gas and reduce impulse buying. Planning and listing necessary items can help minimize the need for multiple trips. 

Using subscription services for regular purchases like groceries and household items can save time and money. Utilizing coupons and sales to stock up on essentials can also help reduce the need for frequent store trips. 

Another way to consolidate trips is to do errands on the way to or from work or other activities instead of making a special trip. 

By being mindful of shopping habits and planning, saving money on necessities and non-essential purchases during the summer months is possible. 

8. Utilize Mother Nature to Cool Your Home

During the hot summer months, keeping your home cool becomes a priority. But relying on air conditioning can be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to use Mother Nature to cool your home and save money on energy bills.

Start by using natural ventilation, such as opening windows and using ceiling fans, to circulate air throughout your home. 

You can also use blinds and window treatments to regulate the temperature and keep the heat out during the day. Another great way to save money is by converting to solar power, which uses the sun's energy to power your home and can be eligible for government rebates.

You can also consider using wind energy or geothermal heating to power your home. Utilizing these natural energy sources can save money and protect the environment. Remember to do your research and weigh the pros and cons before starting any projects.

Incorporating these strategies into your home can help reduce energy costs and keep your home cool during summer. 

9. Buy Road Trip Snacks Before You Leave

Food expenses can quickly add up on a road trip, potentially busting your budget before you even hit the road. On average, the cost of food per day on a road trip can start at $40 per adult if you buy all meals and snacks out. However, there are ways to reduce these costs. 

A simple solution is to purchase snacks from a local dollar store before leaving home rather than making impulse purchases at pit stops. Packaging travel-friendly vegetables, nuts, and seeds can serve as healthy and budget-friendly alternatives. 

Double down by baking snacks like cookies or protein bars at home instead of buying them on the road. Packing various road trip foods for your family can also prevent costly roadside treats. Bringing a water bottle for each traveler can also help avoid confusion between thirst and hunger while also ensuring access to clean water sources. 

Finally, consider bringing a homemade dinner for the first night of the trip to avoid restaurant prices. These small cost-saving measures can create more room in the budget for souvenirs or special attractions.