These 9 Hacks Will Save You a Small Fortune This Summer
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Summer can be a surprisingly expensive season, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few small changes and smart habits, you can stay cool, have fun, and keep your expenses in check.
From adjusting how you use appliances to finding low-cost ways to relax and enjoy the warm weather, these easy tips will help you stretch your budget without missing out on what makes summer great.
Table of contents
- 1. Use fans strategically
- 2. Time your chores to beat peak rates
- 3. Use your curtains to keep rooms cool
- 4. Embrace the summer slow cooker
- 5. DIY cold brew and iced treats
- 6. Cool down your car without wasting gas
- 7. Plan a budget-friendly staycation
- 8. Water wisely
- 9. Turn your backyard into a DIY kids' camp
1. Use fans strategically
Before you blast the A/C 24/7, try this hack: place a bowl of ice in front of a fan. It creates a cool breeze that mimics air conditioning, without the high electric bill. If you have the option, ceiling fans should rotate counter-clockwise in the summer to push cool air down. This one hack alone can cut your cooling costs by up to significantly.
2. Time your chores to beat peak rates
Electric companies often charge more during peak hours (usually 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Run your dishwasher, laundry machines, or vacuum early in the morning or late at night to avoid inflated energy charges.
3. Use your curtains to keep rooms cool
Blackout curtains are a summer MVP. They block out sunlight, helping rooms stay cooler and reducing the need for constant A/C. No blackout curtains? Aluminum foil or reflective window film on sun-facing windows works too. It might not be chic, but your electric bill will thank you.
4. Embrace the summer slow cooker
Using your oven in the heat of the day can turn your home into a sauna. Instead, dust off your slow cooker or invest in an Instant Pot (you don’t have to spend a lot). Both use far less energy and won’t heat up your house while you’re making dinner.
5. DIY cold brew and iced treats
Skip the daily $5 iced latte and make your own cold brew in bulk. Simply steep coffee grounds in cold water overnight, strain, and refrigerate.
Want something sweet? Freeze fruit juice into popsicles or blend frozen bananas into ice cream. Delicious, healthy and super affordable.
6. Cool down your car without wasting gas
Don’t idle your car with the A/C running! It costs you money and it’s terrible for the environment. Instead, park in the shade or use a reflective windshield shade to keep it cooler.
If it’s safe to do so, open your window very slightly, and when you start driving, roll them down for a minute to flush out hot air before switching on the A/C.
7. Plan a budget-friendly staycation
As fun as it is, travel can quickly eat up your funds! This year, consider exploring local attractions, national parks, free outdoor concerts, or community events instead.
A backyard camping night with s'mores and fairy lights can be just as magical (but way more affordable) than a weekend getaway.
8. Water wisely
Summer water bills can surge, especially if you’re tending a garden or lawn. Water early in the morning or after sunset to reduce evaporation. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and consider installing a rain barrel.
9. Turn your backyard into a DIY kids' camp
Skip expensive summer programs and create a mini camp at home.
Theme each day: Water Wednesday with water balloons and a paddling pool, Crafty Tuesday with dollar-store supplies, or Science Friday with slime and DIY volcanoes.
Let them earn “camp bucks” for chores they can spend on treats or small gifts. It’s creative, affordable, and it’s something they’ll always remember.
Final thoughts
Saving money this summer doesn’t mean cutting out the fun, it just means getting a little smarter about where your dollars go.
With a few quick switches and conscious choices, you can enjoy the season without burning through your savings.
Do you have any tips of your own? Share them in the comments.
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