Summer Savings Tips

Schools out, the thermometer is climbing, and the natives are getting restless. Somewhere between “Are we there yet?”, “Oh honey, can you just pick up….” and “Mom, I’m bored.” summer has not only sapped the energy out of our step, but the money out of our wallets. Here are a few tips to help keep spending in check while still having fun this summer.

Energy Costs:

Especially out here in West Texas, electricity bills are big in the summer. Make sure you have changed out your HVAC filters, programmed your thermostat to a higher resting temperature when you are not home. It doesn’t hurt to remind your children the importance of closing doors when they come in and out either. (Can you hear my mom yelling “Do you want to air condition the entire neighborhood?”) Even a 5% savings in summer makes a difference.

Kid Activities:

Nothing zaps money from your wallet faster than kid activities in the summer. Between camps, crafts, sports and treats, it sometimes feels like all you do is write checks and pass $20 bills to keep your kids busy. Try to fill their some of their time with free and low cost activities like the library, park and community pool. A great example is the summer reading program at the Ector County Library.  Also, look for opportunities to give back like Meals on Wheels or helping their favorite teacher get the classroom ready for next year. Even organizing a lemonade stand or garage sale can be fun for a kid…especially if they get to spend their earnings.

Food Bills:

With vacation dining and growing kids hanging out all summer, sometimes it seems like all we do is eat! Keep food costs down by purchasing produce on sale, and buying staples in bulk. This is the best time of year to eat fresh fruits and veggies. Also, consider having a cookout with friends rather than going out to eat. And, when you do hit the road - for a sporting event or a road trip, bring your own snacks and drinks whenever possible. While an occasional treat from the concession stand or convenience store is great, if you are at ball games every week, those nachos and hot dogs can start to add up.

Summer Gear:

From camp trunks to landscaping tools, the amount of things we purchase to be ready for summer seems endless. But asking to borrow, and offering to loan others some of these bigger ticket, infrequently used items can mean big savings. Before you go and buy a tool you might only use once - ask around with family, on Facebook, or even in your community news. Saving on those items could mean more to spend on having fun this summer.

Now kick back and relax. After all, it is summer.