ideas for saving money this summer
I had a phenomenal response to my recent article about how to "Slash Summertime Costs." People are eager to learn more ways that they can save their hard earned cash. With that in mind, I thought an encore column with even more money-saving strategies was called for. Read on for a second helping of summertime savings ideas designed to help you keep up to two thousand dollars in your bank account.
Ideas for Frugal Summer Savings
The Staycation: If this year’s vacation budget is tighter than ever, don’t let the summertime heat buckle your resolve to save cash. Take your vacation days, but forget the long car trips, plane rides, and expensive hotel stays.
Instead, try a “Staycation” at home! Relax, rejuvenate, and recharge your batteries in the comfort of your own home. The towels are great, the beds are comfy and the kitchen is always open. Sleep in, indulge in some fabulous meals, snuggle up with those books you’ve been interested in reading, and best of all, save lots of cash. You’ll save anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars by opting for a vacation at home.
Home Movies: Forget the summer blockbusters at the movie theater – even when hitting the less-costly matinee, a family of four will easily shell out $80.00 by the time they’re done buying tickets, popcorn and a of couple of overpriced snacks. By contrast, renting a blockbuster movie at your local library (the one that was playing in theatres a week ago) combined with a big bowl of microwave popcorn and a few sodas will cost your family less than $5. Keeping your family’s once-a-month movie night on the couch instead of the theater will save you $300 this summer and up to $900 in one year’s time.
Just Add Water: I love a fun water slide as much as the next person, but even the cost for a day pass to a waterpark can be pricey. Learn from my experience. If your kids are under the age of eight, they’ll consider the plastic (hose-filled) pool a paradise. By enjoying your “home” pool instead, you’ll save at least a hundred dollars between the price of admission, food, and souvenirs.
Sporting Events: Ready for some major summertime savings? Hit the minor league. I’m not trying to be disloyal to the major ball teams. But if you have a houseful of baseball fans like I do, you’ll have a fantastic time hitting the minor league games, and your wallet will thank you in a major way. Wherever you live in the country, have a look online to see what the minor teams near you are doing.
Here in Philadelphia, if we were to try a family outing at Citizens Bank Park for a Phillies game, it would cost over $200 for tickets, food, gas and parking. By comparison, hitting a nearby Reading Phillies game – including tickets, gas, parking and the snacks we’re allowed to bring into the stadium with us… costs our family of four a total of $21. Hitting five games each season saves a family of four almost $1000.
It’s a no brainer, folks. Ready to save some serious money this summer? Play Ball!
