5 Easy Summer Savings Tips

Summer brings extra expenses, from vacations to home projects, which can easily add up.

Saving money doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite activities—use these simple tips to cut back on everyday costs and keep your budget balanced for seasonal fun. 

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Going on a Road Trip? Pack Your Own Food

Experiencing a new cuisine can be an exciting aspect of your vacation! However, save your dining out for when you arrive at your destination.

If you’re driving, pack your cooler with snacks, drinks, and pre-made lunches for easy access. This will save you from stopping for fast food and gas station snacks, where items are typically more expensive than at your local grocery store.

Taking a plane? Many pre-packaged snacks can be brought through TSA in your carry-on. Consider items like granola bars, dry cereal, crackers, or beef jerky to tide you over until you arrive.

Be Air Conditioning Conscious

Air conditioning units use a lot of power, especially on extremely hot days. While keeping your house at a comfortable temperature is important, there are several ways to shave a few dollars off your monthly bill. Consider turning your AC off or setting it to a higher temperature when you’re not home.

Additionally, try turning your system off and sleeping with open windows and a fan on during cooler nights. Ensure your filters are clean—dirty filters restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder than needed. Keeping your blinds or curtains closed during the day can also make the house naturally cooler, reducing energy use.

Take Advantage of Discounts and Free Activities

Take advantage of discounts or coupons whether you’re looking to keep the kids busy with summer activities or planning a date night. Many local attractions offer discounts for buying tickets online instead of at the gate. Check with your employer, credit card company, or local visitor’s center to see if they offer area activity discounts.

If you can’t find a discount, some attractions offer lower admission during non-peak times, such as weekdays or early mornings. Also, consider free activities like local concert series, park visits, or public library programs.

Continue to Prioritize Savings & Debt Payments

Despite the increased spending that summer may bring on, maintain your typical saving and debt payment routines. This will keep you on track throughout the summer and ensure you are not depleting your accounts or missing payments. If you struggle to put in or pay the same amount as you normally would, keeping at least a small budget for these items will help you stay successful over time.

Give yourself flexibility, but prioritize growing your savings and paying off debt.

Set Summer Savings Goals

Setting goals is an easy way to kick-start summer savings. Make sure your goals are attainable and realistic for your individual financial situation. Goals can be as simple as saving $50 from each paycheck or cutting back on eating out!

Know your financial situation going into summer, along with your summer spending plans, and tailor your goals accordingly. If you need help reviewing your finances or spending habits, bank statements can be a great place to start.