10+ Hot Money-Saving Tips for Summer

 Splurging on far-away travels, road trips or festivals this summer? Paying extra for summer camp for the kids? Follow these easy money-saving tips from Experts on JustAnswer to help you budget your way through the fun-packed summer months.

For energy and water savings tips, David M., a general contractor on JustAnswer, offers these great ideas:

1. Capture as much rainwater as you can on rainy days in barrels or buckets and use the water to wash your car or water your plants or garden.

2. Grow tomatoes, onions and spices at home in pots. By planting in pots you don’t have to deal with as many bug problems or soil and you can water them with the rainwater you collected.

3. Put up a clothesline on hot days to do your laundry. Everything will dry extremely fast, sheets will smell nice and fresh, and you’ll save money by not using the dryer.

4. Turn off the AC on cooler days and nights and leave the windows open instead. Also turn off the AC when you leave the house for work. It’s a myth that turning it off and on takes more energy; it actually takes less. And try a little bit lower setting at night than you’re used to.

5. Close the curtains or shades on windows that direct sun to keep the house from heating up.

6. Get up early and close the windows before the warm air can get into the house.

7. Plan meals that have leftovers that can be heated in the microwave instead of having to use the oven or the stovetop.

Bonus tip from David M.: Have yard sales or sell belongings on eBay and use the money to offset one bill a month.

Rahki Vasava, a Financial Consultant on JustAnswer, recommends focusing your energies on food and grocery shopping, as making small changes in one area of your finances can have a bigger impact over time.

1. Planning ahead on meals will save you money and time and keep you from making expensive impulsive purchases or eating out. Make sure not to shop on an empty stomach, too.

2. Make a list of things you purchase regularly for breakfast, snacks and lunches, and buy these items in bulk at stores like Costco.

3. Only buy fruits and vegetables in season. Out of season produce tends to be more expensive. In many cases, food that’s grown locally can be more inexpensive as well. Try growing a few easy-to-grow veggies and spices. 

For more helpful information from JustAnswer Experts, view all blogs here.