Destiny’s Child said it right:
“Can you pay my bills?
Can you pay my telephone bills?
Do you pay my automo’ bills?
If you did then maybe we could chill…”
Confused? Don’t be!
Today’s post is inspired by an assignment I’m doing for my summer class, “Investing for the Future”. Such a good class so far, considering I know absolutely nothing about investing, stocks, bonds, and finance.
Happy Monday, right?
Summer vacation is almost here, and that means more time to have fun, take a vacation, or just CHILL OUT. Beach trips, shopping, going out for meals, ice cream, seeing concerts, etc. These are all a part of the joy of summer of course, but what happens when we need to save up for that Spring Break trip next year? Or that artist we’ve been DYING to see in concert during the winter? Why is my credit card balance so high? Oh and maybe I should pay that electricity bill from last month…
Part of my idea behind this blog is helping you guys to not only be well and eat well, but to LIVE well too! I know I focus a lot on health and wellness, but who wants their health to suffer because of financial issues? NOT ME.
Here are 5 ways to save money this summer so you CAN enjoy in those trips and concerts planned for next year, or even this year:
- Be a DIY-er.
Sure, that daily iced caramel latte might be your favorite thing ever, but think about how much you could be saving every single day by making your own coffee at home! $2-4 a day really adds up, so do yourself a favor and do it yourself (DIY)! If you work during the summer, bring your lunch with you. If going out to buy lunch costs $5-10, but making lunch at home costs only $2.50, you could easily use that extra $2.50-5 to put it away for an emergency fund and still have some leftover. Woop!! Not only will it save you money, but it miiiight be a little healthier in the long run too. - When in doubt, walk it out.
If you live in a city, the world is at your feet! Literally. Why take a cab when you can walk somewhere? Especially if the weather is nice! If your daily commute is too far to walk, consider getting a bike or take public transportation. Don’t worry, I still love Uber as an easy way to get from Point A to B, but I always take public transportation and walk whenever I can. For those who really hate public transportation, there is such a thing as UBER POOL! Cut costs even more and share a ride with others, usually for a flat rate of just $5! Sharing is care–er, saving?? If you live in the ‘burbs, consider carpooling, keeping your car engine and tires in check, or shopping around for the best gas prices. (Usually car manuals recommend the lowest-octane levels). - Take advantage of F-R-E-E.
This one mostly applies to summer activities, but they usually happen all year-round too! The summer is a time full of festivals, outdoor events, and parties. Take advantage of the FREE events in your area! Many cities host a free summer concert series in a park or downtown, like in my hometown. Search for outdoor screenings of movies or find theaters that show discounted screenings. Better yet, head to the drive-in! Tickets usually cost less and kids under 4 usually get in free! Don’t feel like going out? The Time Warner Cable On Demand movies cost just $5 to rent. Better than $13.50 for a ticket right? If you have the resources, host your own movie-watching party at home and set up an outdoor movie screen! - Breathe in that air, (the real stuff).
If you live in a really warm area, it’s no secret that your electricity bill will increase. BUT, you can combat this by programming your thermostat to increase or decrease depending on whether you’re home or not. Programming to raise the temperature about 5 degrees when you’re not home could help you cut costs on your bills. Or keep it that way all the time and save even more. Too hot? Open a window, breathe in the fresh and natural air, or use an electric fan! Cut down on times you use your oven and take your cooking outside. Hello grilling season! A slow-cooker is also a great investment for cooking meat/other items without generating a lot of unnecessary heat. - S is for…
…sales! Okay yeah, this one’s a no-brainer, but Now would be a perfect time to start shopping for your summer OR fall clothes. You can bet there will be many Memorial Day sales, “Spring Blowout” sale, or 4th of July sales coming up. Best time to buy bathing suits? August or September. The stores are usually making room for those cute cardigans and jean jackets. Check your favorite store for their discounts and sign up for their email notifications so you’ll be the first to know! Also, head to the BACK of the store first. Wanna know why? CLEARANCE! Chances are you’ll find those jeans you loved so much for $20 less than they were in December. Buy your fall/winter clothes now. Your wallet will thank you later.😉
Saving money doesn’t have to be hard. You’d be surprised how much you could save every single day by just doing things for yourself!
Stay golden, and BE WELL!❤
Now tell me…
- Are you a spender or a saver?
- Favorite summer activity?
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