Plan Your Summer Expenses Now and Save Tons of Money
As the summer months approach, it can be really tough to keep up with the added expenses. Summer is when it’s nice to take vacations, the kids are out of school and need to be entertained and while trying to stay cool out of the summer sun, electricity bills can skyrocket. However, with a little preplanning, such as applying for online car title loans, you can cut your expenses. Here are a few ways to help you save money next summer.
Keep Your Utility Bills Down
You can actually keep cool without spending a fortune by learning how to best use your cooling system. For instance, if it cools down in the evenings, then take advantage of that to shut off your a/c and let the fresh air inside. You can help circulate the cool air by something as simple and inexpensive as fans. In the morning, keep the curtains and windows closed on the side of the house where the sun is coming in. As the sun moves, adjust your window shades accordingly. Instead of waiting until the heat in the house is too much to handle, close the house and put the air conditioning on low. Again you can help circulate the cool air with the use of fans. As far as cooking goes, or using dryers and dishwashers, limit them to the cooler hours of the day so your air conditioning system isn’t fighting them.
photo by photoSteve101 via Flickr
Plan Your Vacations Accordingly
Everyone needs a break, so don’t try to forego your vacation plans. However, if you are short on funds you don’t need to plan for two weeks in Europe. Research areas closer to your house that you can use your car to get there. Discover new sights and enjoy the road trip. To save even more money, you can visit cities where you have friends or family you can stay with. Camping is also an inexpensive option and great fun for the kids.
Check Out Public Facilities
Most communities have a public swimming pool or beach. While beaches might be free, swimming pools usually have a fee involved. Check into season passes that allow you to go as much as you want. For the children, check into classes or other activities they would enjoy. Another huge source of cheap summer fun is the public library. Of course you can go there to get books to take home and read, but you might be able to turn your home air conditioning off and stay at the library to do your reading. Besides books, many libraries have videos to rent, audio books, research rooms and activities for children. Don’t miss out on this inexpensive opportunity close to your home.
Save Money During the Year
In anticipation of added expenses in the summer, begin a savings account early in the year. Add to it from each paycheck or bonus so that when summer comes around, you’ll have extra money without going into debt.
Author: Anwar Hossain
