4 Ways to Save Money in the Summer | Richard Banks & Associates, P.C

The days are getting longer and the temperatures are rising, which can only mean one thing—summer is around the corner.

We all like to have summer fun, but vacations and water parks can come with a price. Thankfully, we’ve found some summer-specific tips to help you save so you can have fun without worrying about your wallet.

Hot Weather Money-Saving Tips

Saving money is good during any season, but these summer-specific budgeting tips will help you enjoy this fun time of year even more:

1. Use the AC wisely. We know that during the southern summers, using AC is a non-negotiable for most. However, you may want to consider purchasing and using a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you’ll be able to adjust the temperature higher when you’re away from home and cooler when you’re at home, saving energy and money.

2. Fire up the grill. Cooking with kitchen appliances can release a ton of excess heat into the house, which isn’t ideal when every degree counts. Turn the oven off and fire up the grill for your next dinner to keep the interior of the house cool.

3. Use longer nights to your advantage. More daylight means less electricity usage, especially if you take advantage of it. Go on evening walks or make plans to have a picnic in the park before the sun goes down, saving money on the electricity you would be using if you were home watching TV.

4. Check your AC system. A clogged air filter can make it up to 15% more expensive to run your HVAC system. Filters are inexpensive, so change them regularly to keep your system running at maximum efficiency.

Low-Cost Summer Activities

While an extravagant vacation is going to set your savings back, there are plenty of ways to have fun on a budget in the summer:

  • Visit a farmers market.
  • Hike a new trail.
  • Choose camping over hotels.
  • Visit a local swimming spot.
  • Go fishing.

Budgeting is always helpful, but sometimes it’s not enough. If you’re in a tough spot with your finances, the bankruptcy experts at Richard Banks & Associates, P.C. are here to help.