Summer is here! The pools are filled, the sunscreen is out, the tomatoes are turning red, and the solstice is upon us!
Besides Summer being a great time to have fun in the sun, there are some unique opportunities for savings. Here’s 5…
Grow Your Own Vegetables
Growing your own vegetables can save you on grocery costs each week. Plus, the food simply cannot get any fresher and healthier. Want organic? It’s right at your finger tips!
If your thumb is not quite as green as you would like and if you are wondering how to get started there are a plethora of options. Many university extension offices have information on specific vegetable varieties that grow well in your area. The University of Missouri’s Extension is a great resource. Personal favorites of mine include varieties of tomatoes and peppers to make homemade pizza sauce, pasta sauce and salsas. Just before writing this post I made basil and arugula pesto. Yum!
Mow Your Own Lawn
Looking to get outdoors, get some exercise, and save some green? Mowing your own lawn can cover all these bases. That grass (if you have it) is growing, so you might as well save some money mowing. I figure I save over $600 a year by doing my own yard work.
Better than paying $30-$40 for someone else to do it each week. Plus, if you are a control freak, like me, you can do it just how you like it.
Use the Outdoors for Low Cost Fun
If you are looking for some cheap family fun get out there under the sun! Hiking, biking, BBQs, picnics, fishing, camping, star gazing, etc. are great options to meet your entertainment needs. The best part is they all can be done with little to no money! Locally, we are fortunate to have a free zoo that consistently ranks as one of the country’s best.
Instead of hanging out at a bar with your friends, have them over for a BBQ. We had family over for a Father’s Day BBQ this weekend. I was able to feed 6 hungry adults for around $10 a head… drinks included! (gotta love the Sam’s Club 3-pack of baby backs) That’s like dinner and drinks for 2 at a bar and grill.
Looking for great grilling tips and recipes? My two favorite sources are AmazingRibs.com (I’m a huge fan of the Memphis Dust rub!) and the Virtual Weber Bullet
Save on Energy Costs
All that sun shining can certainly get the electric meter spinning. Counter that with these energy saving tips:
- Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day while you are away at work
- Use a programmable thermostat to let the house temps rise while you are away (be careful not to set too high as then it will be running all night to coll down)
- Install a gable vent fan to keep attic temperatures lower (Pro Tip: if you do this, be sure to do so early in the day before your attic becomes a sauna).
- Replace worn out weather stripping to keep the hot air out and the cold air in. The Department of Energy claims you can save 20% of your energy costs with this simple inexpensive measure. I am trying to find out for myself.
Plan Affordable Vacations
Most people take vacations in the summer. The weather is great, your kids (if you have them) are out of school, and you need a break from the day to day. We take our vacations very seriously around here. But you don’t have to break the bank for lavish excursions to tropical islands each year.
Consider instead taking a few shorter duration trips within driving distance. Here in the Midwest there are several good options within less than one day’s drive, such as Gulf Shores, The Great Lakes, the Smoky Mountains, Branson, Lake of the Ozarks, Chicago and Nashville. Many of these locations have relatively inexpensive lodging options (we are big fans of AirBnB and VRBO and generally shy away from hotels).
I’m not saying to skip the lavish indulgences… just break them up with some more wallet friendly ones spread between them.
So let’s hear it for Summer. Besides great fun it offers the chance for great savings!
Thanks for reading! Any other great Summer savings ideas I’m forgetting?