20 practical tips to save money in the summer

Summer is here and along with the sun comes some unique opportunities to save money. Take a look at my top 20 money saving tips and see how many you can pack into your summer.

1. Earn money with last year’s summer clothes – We all have them, clothes from last summer that we don’t like or don’t fit. Wash them and take them to your local consignment store for a quick buck.

2. Shop for new summer clothes at thrift stores or garage sales – Start with garage sales, they have the best prices.

3. Keep a dirty garage – Summer is a great time to clean out your closets and garage and hold a yard sale. Did you know that the average garage sale makes more than $600?

4. Take drinks and snacks with you, wherever you go – Keep a cooler handy and grab it when you head out the door, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

5. Wash your own car or mow your own lawn – Who doesn’t need a little sun and exercise.

6. Look for free entertainment events on the web and in the newspaper. – As you come up with entertainment ideas, keep them organized in one place in your home, so you always know where you can go for frugal fun.

7. Plan to visit attractions on discount days – Search the web to find attractions in your area with discounted admission days. Plan your events around this time.

8. Gather your friends for movie nights at home – The average night out to the movies can be expensive, but meeting up with friends for a rented movie can be just as fun.

9. Use the library for free DVDs, magazines, and computer software – Be sure to familiarize yourself with your local library. What you can’t find in the building, you can order online and have it waiting for you on your next visit.

10 Visit paperbackswap.com for free books to read on lazy summer days.

eleven Grill often – Avoiding the oven keeps the house cooler and saves money on utility bills.

12 Keep the thermostat 1 degree higher than usual – Keeping the temperature just one degree higher can save money on utility bills by up to 5%.

13 Use ceiling fans – Ceiling fans can make the air feel up to 7 degrees cooler.

14 Explore the parks in your area – Make this summer a time to discover the frugal fun that can be found at area parks.

fifteen. Drink ice water instead of soda – Water is not only healthier, but also costs less.

sixteen. Try your hand at growing something – If you’re not a gardener, be sure to try growing a plant this summer. Tomatoes are one of the easiest plants to grow, and Walmart sells many gardening kits to help you get started.

17 Think about Christmas items at garage sales – Now is the time to find socks, kids party dresses and frugal gift ideas at great prices and save them. In a few short months, stores will be awash with holiday decorations, so think ahead about your upcoming gift-giving needs.

18 Shop for winter items at summer garage sales – Summer is a good time to look for winter items. While everyone else is touring the garage
summer gear deals, keep your eyes peeled for hats and gloves, boots, school supplies, and coats. You can shop in the off-season even at garage sales.

19 Start viewing airfares now – if you plan to travel this holiday season, start monitoring airfares, so you know a great price when it becomes available.

twenty Replace your air conditioning filter monthly and make sure the air compressor outside your home is clean – Keeping your air conditioning system at peak performance saves money on utility bills.