The heat can make you do crazy things and we’re not talking about bringing home that Costco-sized pack of freezies that doesn’t actually fit in your freezer. The heat has curious powers over your wallet, making you buy more than you realize.
As the mercury rises, so do your spending habits. Between stocking up on icy treats and sipping on cool drinks, your weekend getaways and landscaping upgrades add up. A modest budget isn’t prepared for their combined cost.
If you aren’t careful, you might blow your budget, forced to enter fall and the lead-up to the holidays (yes, those cold weather holidays) broke.
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3 Approaches To The End Of Summer That Will Save Your Money
Don’t do this to yourself. Get a hold of your finances by avoiding temptations promising to waste your money.
Use these five tips to help you enjoy the last of the summer and the beginning of fall responsibly, even on a small budget.
Explore your city like a tourist
A staycation is an easy way to feel like you’ve done something with your summer without feeling like you’ve spent your life’s savings doing so. Forget everything you think you know about your city or county.
It’s time to pull on your tourist hat and experience it like it’s a brand new place to explore. If you have a list of restaurants, museums, or hiking trails you’ve been meaning to check out, now’s your time to visit them.
If you aren’t sure how you can spend your time locally, ask Google. This search engine will help you uncover hidden secrets of the area, pointing you towards interesting and budget-friendly points of interest.
Visit A National Park
What’s better than enjoying some nature as summer comes to a close? Not only can this be a healthy activity - or vacation - but it doesn’t cost a dime. With the best national parks, you shouldn’t have to worry about how much you’ll end up paying.
The only expenses involved are getting there and back, as well as accommodation. You’ll enjoy yourself more than you’d think.
Visit the library
Before there was Google, there was your branch librarian. These professionals have been answering the public’s questions for centuries, and they’ve still got it. They can help you with more than just your next book choice; as local ambassadors of the area, they can help you discover your neighborhood.
The library itself is also a great resource for things to do. Most branches have community events that include book clubs, lectures, and kids’ activities. Check in with your local branch and speak with your librarian to see if there’s something worth trying out.
Volunteer
Volunteering with a charity or special organization is an excellent way to get involved with your community without spending anything more than your time. You might be surprised by how good you’ll feel after you start working for a worthy cause.
Whether it’s an animal rescue, homeless shelter, or community gardening club, find a cause that speaks to you and get out there. There’s a huge chance you’ll meet new friends and make connections with like-minded people while you’re at it.
Don’t be shy, try something out!
These money-saving habits can help you see out the rest of the summer, but don’t leave them by the wayside once the leaves start falling. You can apply these techniques all year round to keep yourself from overspending.
Don’t be discouraged if it takes you a while before you can let go of your wallet and enjoy free (or nearly free) activities.
The summer should be fun, but it shouldn’t be so fun you forget about your finances. If you’re worried overspending will threaten your budget for the months to come, test out free activities that can help you enjoy the last of the season without going over budget.
Who said saving and enjoying yourself had to be mutually exclusive?
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