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Rising prices have you feeling the heat? Keep your cool with these easy-breezy ways to save money all summer long.
10 Simple Ways to Save Money This Summer
1. Fire up the grill.
Summer is a great opportunity to use your oven less frequently in favor of grilling outside. Take advantage of this option as frequently as possible to save money while enjoying freshly grilled seasonal food your entire family will love.
2. Air dry your laundry.
Let the summer breeze give your dryer a much-needed break and hang up your laundry to air dry outside. This is an easy way to save on utility bills (not to mention all those dryer sheets).
3. Plant a home garden.
Growing your own fruits, vegetables and herbs is a great way to save on your summer grocery bills. You'll always have fresh produce on hand without having to make frequent trips to the store, and you may just eat more healthily as a result.
4. Adjust your hot water heater.
The dog days of summer mean that your water heater temperature doesn't need to be quite as high as usual. Trim your electric bill by lowering its temperature via the adjustment knob. Most water heaters' factory setting is around 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but turning yours down to 120 degrees is typically a comfortable alternative throughout the summer months.
5. Plan a garage sale.
Summer is the perfect time of year to clean house and make some extra money while doing it. Declutter your home and sell items you no longer need at either a garage sale, consignment shop or online marketplace. Donate the rest to a charity of your choice for a total win-win.
6. Carry a reusable water bottle.
Bottled water is definitely convenient to have on hand, but those cases can add up fast. A refillable water bottle lets you take your water to go (or smoothies, protein shakes and iced coffees, for that matter) while keeping the temperature just right. These items are frequently on sale and pay for themselves quickly enough to justify the investment.
7. Trim your entertainment budget.
With so many free ways to spend an afternoon outside, this is the best time of year to save on entertainment in general. Keep busy with trips to your local park, attending free festivals and outdoor concerts or even visiting the library for some free books (and complementary a/c).
8. Skip the gym membership.
Consider taking your workout routine outdoors for some fresh air and summertime savings. Pausing your gym membership -- at least temporarily -- is a smart way to save money in the summer, and it can break up the monotony of running on the treadmill.
9. Wash your car yourself.
Washing your car at the car wash can add up over the course of the season, but washing it yourself can save you some serious cash. Make it a family activity by getting the kids involved, and buy an all-in-one car wash set at a low price so you'll have enough products to last through summer and beyond.
10. Save on A/C costs.
Avoid a huge energy bill this summer by lowering your air conditioning costs. Close your curtains and blinds throughout the day to avoid overworking your A/C, and close as many doors inside your house as possible to reduce the total square footage your A/C needs to cover. This is also a good time to weatherize your home and caulk your windows and doors to save up to 20% on your monthly energy bill, while replacing your air conditioner filters is a cheap way to maximize your unit's overall performance.