5 Cool Ways to Keep Your Summer Spending in Check
Summer is that time of the year when everybody is in a haste to escape the relentless heat. Of course, it is also the time for going on short weekend trips as well as long relaxed holidays or deciding on sending kids to summer camps etc. While it might seem like summer is just around the corner, there is still time to cut some costs, look for deals and make wise choices.
Following these simple tips can help you beat the heat without draining your bank account:
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Vacation Activity Summer vacation is a great time to eliminate the stress and evoke the fun, but the latter can result in mindless purchasing decisions. Plan your summer vacation ahead of time, based on what you can afford. Overindulgence can lead to overpaying for activities, dining and even basic travel expenses such as lodging and transportation. Sites such as TripAdvisor or Guides by Lonely Planet app can assist you to discover local attractions and things to do, including free or low-cost activities.
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Entertainment Costs Children during their summer vacation will often seek entertainment in the form of movies, amusement parks, summer camps and other pricey outings. Try to get a movie rental subscription or go to matinees and refuse the temptation of movie theater snacks. As for amusement parks, hold out for promotional offers, which are frequent in the summer. When deciding on a summer camp for kids, opt for day camps that bus the children. This will cut down on the cost of food, lodging and paying full-time staff, which means those fees won't be transferred to you.
Related Article: 6 Super Easy Ideas to Save Money This Summer
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Unreasonable Home Cooling System According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling are the biggest expenses for consumers, accounting for nearly half of total household energy use. There are several things you can do to ensure your energy costs don’t rise with the heat. Operate your thermostat efficiently, use heavy drapes on windows, keep an eye out for energy appliances and electronics that drain energy even when they’re turned off, and utilize your ceiling and window fans.
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Travel Upgrades Temptation As summer represents peak season for the travel industry, frequent up-selling by travel companies takes place, with offers ranging from flashier car rental, extra insurance coverage etc. The increased cost of the rental and fuel will diminish your travel funds significantly. Accept only the free offers, after thorough research.
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Overspending at Garage Sales Garage sales are a great place to find bargains. Don't buy items you can't use just because the prices are low. If you don't have room for it or can't think of a way to re-purpose it, you're wasting money, not saving. Before heading out to a garage sale, create a list of things you need and stick to it.
Note: You can read the updated blog on summer spending here.
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