When summer arrives, our thoughts often turn to vacations to the Caribbean, visits with family and friends, blasting the A/C to stay cool, lawn and garden work, barbecue parties, terrace get-togethers, and other things like camping and the great outdoors. This all sounds wonderful, but having fun in the sun adds some extra pressure to the wallet. In fact, home and garden spending accelerates by 45% and we’re more likely to take longer road trips (which we’ll continue to do even if gas prices reach $6 per gallon) when the mercury rises. With our desire to cram as much fun into two months as possible, it’s difficult to curb summer spending habits, but it's certainly possible. If you’re looking for ways to curb summer spending, you’ve come to the right place, since we've identified six areas that will allow you to cut your spending.
Vacation and travel
The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that 21% of travel during the summer is for vacation, while only 12% of travel during the rest of the year is for the same purpose. Summer trips are also likely to last longer (2.1 days in the summer versus 1.6 days the rest of the year). To curb summer spending and get more for your vacationing dollar, consider setting a specific budget for your trip. Doing so will keep your spending in line and will prevent a big black hole from forming in your bank account.If you absolutely must make the trip, regardless of expense, curb summer spending anywhere you can. Sign up for a gas company credit card and fuel up only at their stations. Some of these credit cards offer rebates of 5% to 10% and upfront discounts on fuel prices when you use them. When you get to your destination, consider stocking up on deli meats and bread to make sandwiches at your hotel rather than eating at restaurants for each meal. If you make a typical trek to a famous destination such as Orlando, visit the local chamber of commerce or tourism bureau for alternate activities. It is tough to replace Disney World, but you will find many other sightseeing events in the area. In any event, you will get to try something new and likely save a lot of money when you curb summer spending in this way.
Recreation and child care
It may be fun for the kids, but summer camps generate $11 billion per year. For parents who are employed, summer vacation is a real issue since can’t let your offspring run wild in the house all day. Day camps can easily cost $100 to $200 per week per child, and parents will often spend over $2,500 for overnight camps. Some summer camps might offer great activities for children, such as tennis or swimming lessons, but if you just need glorified day care so you can remain gainfully employed, consider using big chunks of your vacation time during the summer months in order to curb summer spending.If you have enough vacation time, and if you’re married, each spouse can take a four-day work week, which can eliminate up to two days of day care per week. It may seem like imposing, but asking family and friends to help can lift some of your financial burdens. If you absolutely must send the kids to camp, curb summer spending by registering early to take advantage of any discounts offered for doing so.
Leisure
With the sun staying out longer each day, it can be awfully easy to slip into an extended happy hour after work each day. Before you know it, you’ve downed the equivalent of a 12-pack plus appetizers and rung up a $40 bar tab. You can curb summer spending habits like this by inviting friends over for a cookout and making it a BYOB fest. Or, work with a group of friends to host a party each weekend at your respective homes. This way, you always have some quality leisure time without the hassle of an expensive tiki bar or restaurant. The summer movie blockbusters can also hurt the budget. Skip the new feature films and stay in for a movie or go see a local play. Avoid the expensive drinks and snacks at the theater by fixing a snack at home before heading out. Since a movie outing for one person can easily hit the $15 to $20 mark, you can save money with an intimate movie night at home with your favorite girl. If there’s a drive-in theater in your area, consider going there; they’re cheaper, they show two movies and they’re a lot of fun.Outdoors
Summer is synonymous with lounging at the pool and enjoying barbecues with family and friends -- and all of the patio furniture that goes with it. Unfortunately for your wallet, the retailers know this, and it’s difficult to find great prices at the major stores. If you don’t mind secondhand stuff, curb summer spending by taking advantage of Craigslist, eBay, the classifieds or the flea market. You will find many items, from grills to patio furniture, at drastically reduced prices.People are also apt to do landscaping during the summer. If you live in an area where it snows, skip the tropical plants that will die and need to be replaced the following year. Artificial plants are an option, but you would do well to plant some perennial items in your garden.
Summer clothes
In most parts of the country, the change of season means a change in the wardrobe. Up north, when the sun starts coming out, it can be awfully tempting to load up on the trendiest summer wear, flip-flops and T-shirts. If you live in a part of the country where it will start cooling down in September, remind yourself that these purchases will only be used for a short period of time and opt for the $10 sandals versus the $60 pair. If you absolutely must have the hottest new items, make a one-time investment on something versatile enough to be worn for a few years. In the event that you live in the south, where it is warm year-round, curb your summer spending by making summer-specific purchases, such as swimwear, during the winter.summer fun
Summer might just be the best season of the year. At once it’s relaxing, invigorating and it provides an opportunity to spend time with your family and friends. Unfortunately, the warmer months also make us more liberal with our spending. Use the tips above and you’ll find that just because the temperature rises during the summer months, it doesn't mean that your expenses have to follow suit.Resources:
www.moneyexpert.com
www.upi.com
www.bankrate.com
http://www.bts.gov/programs/national_household_travel_survey/summer_travel.html
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