Summer can sometimes be costly for families. Kids are home from school, and grocery runs will become more frequent. Those planning to go on vacation must allot a chunk of the budget for airfare, hotel, and food. Are you one of those who stress about managing your summer funds? Here are some budgeting tips for summer you can try.
Plan Early and Save.
If you plan to go on vacation, set your budget early. This gives you time to save and avoid using credit cards. Choose activities that you know your family will enjoy doing. Include expenses for food, hotels, souvenirs, and travel. If you drive to your destination, bring a cooler for meals or snacks instead of dining in restaurants.
Look for Free Activities to Enjoy with Your Family.
The kids will surely nag you to have the family go out and do something fun. Having fun doesn’t have to be expensive. Free activities are available to enjoy, such as nature hikes, community events, and library visits. Summer is the best time to bond while also being physically active.
Some may think that library visits are boring. On the contrary, libraries are more than just free books, computers, crafts, and children’s activities. They have free events daily and may even give away tickets to local museums or events.
Practice Meal Planning.
Whether you buy food from the farmer’s market or Costco, don’t start shopping without a plan in mind. Plan your meals in advance. Use recipes with similar ingredients to save more by buying in bulk. Always stick to your grocery list.
If you have children, you can save and bond with them by having them involved in meal planning. Demonstrate to them how to cook easy and budget-friendly meals like pizza.
You may also want to consider signing up for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). You will have farm-fresh ingredients delivered to your home or a nearby site. This will prevent you from making impulse purchases at the store. If the quantity is too high for your household, try splitting the produce cost with a family member or friend.
Organize a Clothing Swap.
Kids normally need new clothes during summer as they’ve usually grown up over the last year. You can buy from sales at the start of the season. To save more, consider raiding your friends’ closets!
Organizing clothing swaps with friends is a sustainable way to refresh wardrobes at no extra cost.
Search for the Best Gas Prices in Your Area.
Car gasoline is usually expensive during summer. Try maximizing your gas points, whether from Costco, Kroger (Smith’s) store, or your local gas station.
Sometimes, you can fill two gas tanks consecutively before reaching the limit of $1 discount per gallon each month at Kroger. Schedule time with someone to go to Kroger with two cars to refill your tanks in one transaction.
If you’re planning a road trip, your preferred gas station may be far away. Use mobile apps that identify the best gas prices along your route. Some mobile apps also let you earn cash back rewards.
Maintain the Right Temperature at Home.
Air conditioning helps you escape from the summer heat. However, you must find a compromise between comfort and finances. Remember that your energy bill will increase as you reduce your thermostat during summer.
The Department of Energy recommends keeping your thermostat at 78oF or 26oC when at home. This level will allow you to stay comfortable and avoid a surge in your electricity bill.
Aside from air conditioning, there are other ways to keep the right temperature:
- Install window treatments to block sunlight and heat from entering your windows.
- Replace old weatherstripping and caulk in windows and doors to keep your home sealed.
- Purchase ceiling fans to help maintain cooling efficiency.
Get a Summer Side Hustle.
Have you tried all the summer budgeting tips you’ve seen online, but your money still comes up short? Perhaps it’s time to have a summer side hustle. You can earn additional money by running errands, housesitting, pet sitting, or delivering groceries.
Take Advantage of the Tax-Free Weekend.
As summer is about to end, everyone starts preparing for school again. This means that the tax-free weekend may also be nearby. During this time, participating states take off sales tax on certain items. This will make essentials like clothing, computer, school supplies, and books a bit more affordable.
There is no need to present coupons or paperwork; the sales tax will automatically be removed upon checkout.
Learn Summer Budgeting Tips and More From Top Priority Financial Solutions.
Financial worries occur all year round, even as summer ends. You may want to look at other aspects of your finances, like your credit and taxes. To learn more about budgeting tips, credit repair, or anything about finance, we can help you out. Schedule a consultation with us today, and let us know how we can assist you.
