Are you looking for money saving tips for the summer season? There are so many areas for you to save if you really want to put your mind to it.
The spring season is just about to end and it has proven to be quite an expensive season for a lot of people. According to experts, consumers tend to shop a lot during the spring season. There is a lot of speculation about it. One is the fact that people have been cooped up for so long during the winter season. Going outside to enjoy the beautiful weather is a must. And when we are outside, the chance of us spending is a lot higher.
Not only that, we pick up on a lot of things that were too cold to accomplish during the cold season. We work on our garden and we update our clothing for the year. All of these add up to make spring quite an expensive season.
With spring ending soon, it is time for you to focus on your summer spending next. If you worked hard to strengthen your finances, you should not falter when the summer season starts. This is the time when all the kids are home from school and everyone is itching to do something new. While it is tempting to go out all the time, you have to consider your budget. Make sure that you do not give in to every request of your kids. After all, you still have one big expense ahead – the back to school spending.
Fortunately for you, there are many money saving tips that you can use to help maximize your financial resources when the hottest season comes.
Money saving tips while keeping cool during the summer
One of the expenses that you should think about is your electric bill. Next to the winter season, your energy consumption spikes during the hot summer months. The weather is too warm and that means we will be using our air conditioner more frequently.
Based on the data from the government, it is expected that the average US household will have $426 worth of electricity bills during the summer months. It is expected that the heat will cause households to consumer 3% more than what they did last year.
While we want our home to be comfortable when it becomes too warm outside, you might want to consider implementing a couple of tips to save on your electric bill. It may not be a big amount but you should never ignore the saving potential. As long as you are consistent, the small savings will soon get bigger.
Here are the money saving tips that can help your household budget.
Home air conditioner
Expect that your air conditioner will be used more frequently. This is why you have to ensure that it is well-maintained. There are regular checkups and changes that you need to do in order to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. You need to check the air filter to make sure it is clean. If not, you need to replace it. A dirty air filter compromises the quality of the air at home. It can also lower the efficiency of the air conditioner and make it work harder than it has to. This will cause it to consume more energy – and thus make you spend more at home. Other areas that you need to check is the compressor, ductwork, etc.
If you notice a leak somewhere, it is better to have to have it repaired rather than pay a higher electric bill. You can check the area around the windows and doors. If you notice some moisture or water leaking within the area after some rain, that means there is an opening somewhere. When you take care of this leakage, the compressor of the air conditioner does not have to work too hard to cool the room.
Use a programmable thermostat so you can set the temperature in your home. If you do not have it yet, it is highly advised that you have one installed. You can set it to increase the temperature when you are not in your house and to decrease it before you get home. You can also opt to do the same at night – since it will be cooler anyway and you can probably just open the window to cool yourself.
These are only some of the many money saving tips that will help you lower the electric bill in your house.
Car air conditioner
Apart from your home, we also have money saving tips for the air conditioner in your vehicle. This is also something that you can save on. For instance, you can opt not to use the AC if you are stuck in traffic – literally in a stop-and-go motion. You can roll the windows and just let the breeze cool you. But if you are traveling at a faster speed, you should close the windows and use the AC. The wind drag will consume more fuel.
You also have the option to leave for the office even an hour early. This will help you avoid the rush hour traffic and will allow you to shorten your travel time significantly.
Like the air conditioner in your house, you should also ensure that this is well-maintained. Make sure the filter should be clean. Not only that, you should ask the technician to look into the air conditioner to check if everything is in working order. That way, it will not fail you when the heat outside becomes unbearable.
This summer, you do not have to let yourself suffer the heat. But you should also not let your finances suffer just because you failed to follow these
Money saving tips when you go on a vacation
Another area that you can look into is your vacation expenses. Since the kids are home from school, summertime is the perfect season to go traveling. While this is something that can be really expensive, there are effective money saving tips that you can do in order to stick to your travel budget.
First of all, you have to plan ahead. If you book ahead, it is more likely that you can get a good deal. You also have more time to scout for the best packages. Feel free to go to places that are lesser-known but with beautiful scenery. The popular hotspots are usually exploited already so try to discover new places to visit.
Of course, a staycation is also an option for you. Instead of going to a far place, you can opt to stay nearby or in the comforts of your own home. There may be places you have yet to explore near your community. Although the price of gas is expected to rise by 14% this summer, it will not be as expensive as a plane ticket.
But if you really want to go far, opt to stay in less expensive options like an Airbnb instead of a hotel. You will still enjoy the place without paying too much. You will also have the option to cook your own meals – which will really lower your travel costs significantly.
Try not to use your credit card – if you can. Save up for the trip in advance so you can really enjoy your vacation without worrying about the amount of debt you are accumulating.
These money saving tips will really help you enjoy the coming summer season. So go ahead and make your plans and be financially smart about it.